-
France set to pass emergency ‘budget law’: is it good or bad for your finances?
The country will effectively be without a budget from 2025, with knock-on effects for individuals and companies
-
EasyJet announces nine new flight routes from France including to UK
A service from Bordeaux to Birmingham is among the new announcements
-
French weekend weather outlook December 14 - 15: gloomy and chilly in the north
Cloudy skies are expected to dominate in the north, but in the south temperatures will still reach double figures
What changes in France in August
Green-car bonus; fuel, gas, and electricity costs; income tax bills; back-to-school grants; summer sales; and Paris e-scooters - what is changing in France this month
Bonus for buying a greener car
The rules surrounding France's hugely successful prime a la conversion or prime a la casse - financial assistance given to car owners who trade in their older vehicles for newer ones with a less polluting engine - become more strict as of August 1 to ease pressure on public finances.
The amount of the bonus decreases from €2,000 to €1,500.
Cars that cost more than €60,000 will no longer qualify for the prime - while buyers will now be means-tested. Qualification is based on the buyer's revenu fiscal de reference (stated on tax bills and statements). The threshold is set at €13,489, which means that only the lowest-earning households are likely to qualify.
Wealthier households, with a revenu fiscal de reference of more than €21,690 will no longer be eligible for the prime when buying Crit'Air 1 and 2 vehicles - limiting them to buying Crit'Air Zero vehicles only to qualify for a bonus.
The price of fuel
As holidaymakers hit the roads, there is some good news for anyone travelling long distances. Since mid-July the price of fuel - both SP96 petrol and diesel - has been falling and is set to continue that way in August.
Gas and electricity
Following a 6.8% drop in the cost of gas in July, the Energy regulatory commission announced the price of gas is set to fall an average of 0.5% from August 1.
On the flipside, the Energy Regulation Commission said there will be a 1.23% rise in electricity prices for about 80% of households in France in August - on top of June's 5.9% increase.
Tax notices
If you have not received your income tax notice already, it will arrive by August 7.
From mid-August, you will be able to modify errors or add details to your tax assessment (avis d'imposition), such as a marriage or a divorce, that could affect your payment. These changes could be done either online, or by resending the tax application. Make sure you include a letter declaring the update on your application.
Back-to-school grants
Due on August 20, the allocation de rentrée scolaire (ARS) back-to-school allowances will be 0.3% higher than in 2018. The sums - which are means-tested - will be up to €368.84 for pupils aged 6 to 10, €389.19 for 11-14 year olds, and €402.67 for 15-18 year olds.
Summer sales end
It's the last chance to grab a bargain. The summer sales period ends on August 6 across much of France. There is a little more time in the Pyrénées-Orientales and Alpes-Maritime départements - where sales run until August 13; and it is August 20 in Corsica.
Trotinettes
As reported, electric scooter users can no longer park them on the pavements of Paris - and must be placed in designated spaces for bicycles or motoribikes pending the creation of dedicated spaces. Anyone who flouts the local law - which came into force on July 30 - is liable to a fine of €35.
Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France