What changes in France in January 2020
'Free' glasses and dentures now available, most households now exempt from taxe d'habitation, and minimum wage rises
Health
France's long-awaited 'free' glasses, dentures and hearing aids policy comes into force. Top-up health insurance providers will be obliged to pay the difference between state reimbursement and the actual cost of the items.
Homeopathic products will be reimbursed at a rate of 15% (compared to 30% previously). As of 2021, homeopathic products will not be reimbursed at all.
Pharmacists can now carry out angina tests to help patients determine which course of treatment is required.
Read more (subscriber article): What’s new in France in 2020: Health
Taxes
Taxe d'habitation will disappear altogether for 80% of main households. The remaining 20% will see bills reduce to zero over the next three years as the tax is phased out.
A total €5bn in income tax cuts, prompted by the gilets jaunes, comes into effect, saving 12million taxpayers €350 a year, while another five million will save €180
Nursery assistants and home helps are subject to a levy at source, payable by their employer, via the website monprelevementalasource.urssaf.fr.
Read more (subscriber article): Taxes and money in France in 2020: What’s new?
Work
The hourly minimum wage in France rises from €10.03 to €10.15 gross, which means the monthly minimum wage for full-time workers rises €15 a month, from €1,204 to €1,219.
Companies with more than 11 employees are required to set up economic and social councils (CSE).
Tax-exempt bonus for employees (known as "Macron"): renewed but subject to the conclusion of a profit-sharing agreement within the company.
Tobacco
The price of a pack of 20 increases €0.10.
Environment
The sale of cotton buds with plastic stems is prohibited.
Low-income households can benefit from a green bonus from national housing agency (ANAH) for energy-saving improvements to their homes.
Courts
The controversial merger of the local and district courts, a key element of the justice reforms voted through in March 2019, comes into effect. Courts will be grouped into 'courts of justice' and will offer what reformers call a "single gateway to justice", with the promise that no site will be closed.
Read more (subscriber article): A new decade begins... what’s new in France in 2020?
