Why you need to make a Will
If your main residence is in France on the day of your death, you are subject to French inheritance laws. What is the French law if you have not made a Will? You are married and have children: You are married and have no children: You are not married and have no children: […]
New phone line to help abused animals
If you witness a pet or any other animal being abused, or which has been left in a dangerous situation, you can now report this and get help by calling 3677. This helpline has been set up by The National Council for Animal Welfare and has been operational since 24th June 2024. It is free […]
Last Chance to Vote in the UK Election
If you are a British Citizen living abroad and want to vote in this year’s UK General Election, but haven’t already registered, then here’s what to do – but you need to be quick as you need to have registered 11 days before the election which takes place on 4th July. If you have registered […]
Farewell to David Whatson
Dear Reader, On a rather sad note, I wanted to inform you that after nearly 5 years of being a board member and holding various roles including that of Vice-President and Secretary, it has come to the time that I need to hang up my hat. I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering my time and energy […]
Latest French Crime Figures – where is the safest place to live?
Newly-released data published in the New Year from the Interior Ministry gives a detailed statistical breakdown of crime figures (burglaries, vehicle thefts, theft and muggings, urban vandalism, homicides, sexual assault) in different areas of France for 2023. The Interior Ministry’s report https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/actualites/communiques-de-presse/insecurite-et-delinquance-en-2023-premiere-photographie shows a rise in burglaries and most types of crime – although rates […]
A new grant can help over-70s and disabled people to keep living at home
There is now a new grant for home adaptations that should make it easier for the elderly or disabled in France to remain in their own homes if they so wish, instead of perhaps having to seek new accommodation in a care home, sheltered housing or to move in with family members. It is open […]
The move to Fibre Optics – when will you be affected ?
Whether you are a holiday home owner or living in France permanently, having a good internet connection is essential for many people. When planning a move to France people often check to see if their connection is going to be fast enough. From 31st January 2024 people in hundreds of communes have a year to […]
Changes to Pôle Emploi
From the start of 2024, Unemployment offices (previously known as ‘Pôle Emploi’) will gradually be phased out and replaced by the new public unemployment entity (‘France Travail’) in a bid to fulfil the full employment law which came into force on 18th December last year. The Pôle emploi website will become www.francetravail.fr in February 2024. […]
Overseas voting for all British Citizens
Prior to 16th January this year British Citizens living abroad could only register to vote in elections to the UK parliament for up to 15 years after the left the UK. This rule has now been abolished and British citizens can now register to vote in the UK regardless of how long they have been […]
Carolyn Chamberlain
Today we said goodbye to Carolyn Chamberlain. Carolyn was a much loved and long time board member of the FBN, and also the Editor of our newsletter “Keeping in Touch”. She will be greatly missed. Rip Carolyn and our condolences to your family, especially Stuart, Alexandra and Henry