ARE you feeling the pinch more than you feel is fair? Is it because of the appalling exchange rate? Is it because you pay more than your fair share in taxes to the UK?
All those on fixed incomes with private pensions might well be affected, writes Brian Cave.
Those of us who by law have to pay income tax to the UK are probably paying far more than a French person would with the same income.
Such people are the ex military, ex-fire service, ex-police service, ex-teachers and ex local government workers.
This group of people on modest pensions probably lose out on the tax rebates, for example available to French people for home helps or gardening help, because you can’t get tax rebates on income tax paid to the UK.
Are you amongst the very elderly who, because you emigrated before 1998, or because you reached retirement age after leaving Britain, do not receive the Winter Fuel Payment?
I have written a piece on my own blog which details the kind of financial affliction that falls on many people.
Graham Richards (who has been leading the battle for fairness for the Equitable Life investment losers in Europe) and myself are compiling evidence on the problems facing some British pensioners in France and elsewhere in Europe.
I am very well aware that this could be a largely hidden problem. I know of two hard up people who have no computer access and haven’t a clue about finances. People are reluctant to come forward.
We would like to create a dossier of case histories, with your help. All information will be kept anonymously, unless you indicate otherwise. Please contact:
Brian Cave (lefourquet@gmail.com) or Graham Richards (graham.richards@orange.fr)
P.S. We would especially like to hear from any former RN personnel who are experiencing financial hardship.
Brian Cave runs the Pensioners Debout! website which campaigns for the British expatriate pensioner in France and Europe.