The UK referendum on the EU – Lose your vote or use it!
By David Hattersley
This article is published on: 20th January 2016
In the words of Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men, to do nothing.”
For the sake of equality I will add women as well! But, perhaps this is the greatest test of democracy that my generation has faced, and some of us, either through neglect or lack of knowledge, do not realise what we can do, as expat individuals. To simplify matters, detailed below are the facts. It is up to each individual to take the required action. I am including links to the relevant websites so you can get the full details if you require.
From the Electoral Commission’s website, it clearly states that British citizens living abroad for more than 15 years are not eligible to register to vote in UK elections.
On the aboutmyvote.co.uk website it states that registered overseas voters will be able to vote in the upcoming referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union. The date of the referendum has not been announced yet but it is scheduled to happen before the end of 2017.”
http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/register-to-vote/british-citizens-living-abroad
If you visit https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad, this site gives clear guidelines on how to register your vote as an overseas voter under British Citizens moving abroad, provided that this is done within 15 years of leaving the UK.
Alternatively, one can register on the following site. It only takes 5 minutes, but you will need your old address including post code, passport number and National Insurance number.
Renewing you registration will then need an Annual Declaration. This is based on the Electoral Commission document dated March 2010 and can be viewed as below. The specific section is;
“2.21 Consequently, entries may be made or registration renewed after the end of the 15-year period where the applicant meets the application deadline as set out above. Accepted applications last for a full 12 months in all cases unless: they have been cancelled by the elector; the elector is added as an ordinary Parliamentary elector or in pursuance of a declaration other than as an overseas elector; or it is found that the elector should never have been registered through the above procedures (i.e. as a result of an objection or review).”
For those that are less fortunate than myself and many others, an alternative for those that do not qualify can register their protest on the following website;
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/111271
This is not only about us as individuals, but about the freedom of choice for our children and grandchildren.
Do not waste your voice !
French Social charges on UK pensions and investment income
By Amanda Johnson
This article is published on: 13th November 2015
I read online that there have been several changes to Social charges on UK pensions and investment income for British expats living in France. Is this true?
This question is very pertinent at the moment, as there have been changes and there is a time limitation on some of the possible reclamations. Therefore, prompt action is needed.
Since 27th July 2015, it has been ruled by the French Government under “Le Conseil d’Etat no. 333551” that if you are in receipt of a UK State Pension and an S1 Certificate, that the UK Government pays for your healthcare costs in France.
If this is the case (and there are some exceptions) then the French Government cannot charge you any social charges on these incomes.
They have also stated that you can reclaim any social charges paid on earnings in 2012 (2013 Avis d’Impot) and since this date. You will firstly need to check your 2013, 2014 and 2015 forms, detail any social charges paid and send a letter in French claiming this back from your local French tax office, referencing “Conseil d’Etat no. 333551”. I recommend you send this recorded delivery as timescales apply.
The deadline for 2013 reclaims is 31st December 2015 so it’s a good idea to get these sent off as soon as possible and, as your application may be the first your local tax office has received, be prepared to have to follow up your letter with a personal visit.
If you would like to discuss your personal situation please get in touch!
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Queen Elizabeth II becomes longest reigning British monarch
By Spectrum IFA
This article is published on: 9th September 2015
Congratulations to HRH Queen Elizabeth II who, today on September 9th 2015, becomes the longest serving monarch in British history, beating the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria. The exact time that she will set this new record is not known because her father King George VI passed away in his sleep in the early hours of February 6th, 1952.
Our 89 year old queen, who has been our monarch for an amazing 63 years and 7 months, will spend the day on official duties in Scotland and has reportedly said “she doesn’t want a fuss”. There will be a salute along the River Thames with a flotilla of historical vessels taking part in a procession between Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament. Business at The House of Commons will also be postponed by 30mins so that MP’s, lead by Prime Minister David Cameron, can pay tribute.
Congratulations Your Majesty on 23,226 days of reign!