-
Fibre internet: Scammers exploit copper line phase-out in France
Telecoms giant Orange issues warning over fraudulent fibre-optic contracts
-
Does French App store work without a French bank card?
The process is similar for users of the Google Play Store
-
Tips to avoid French ‘customs charges’ on Christmas cards and gifts
We look at what to do if you are wrongly charged
Will UK pension increases apply to state pensioners in France?
The Brexit deals safeguarded certain entitlements for Britons abroad
Reader question: Are there any moves to get recent British pension increases payable to Britons in France? I have lived here for 27 years but paid tax in the UK and do not see why I should suffer financial shortcomings.
Due to the two Brexit deals, the right to ‘uprated’ UK state pensions has continued for British state pensioners who live in France and elsewhere in the EU.
This comes with the small proviso that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement allowed a theoretical possibility of this being renegotiated after 15 years, but this would only concern people who moved since January 1, 2021.
Assuming the UK retains this policy, uprating includes the ‘triple lock’, so pensions rise each April by the highest of average earnings, consumer price rises, or 2.5%.
This is a benefit, compared to countries without a pension deal with the UK, such as Australia or Canada, where pensions are frozen when a person moves abroad.
You might also be thinking of the ‘new’ UK state pension introduced in 2016.
This can be more or less than the previous regime, which included a ‘basic’ pension plus a possible top-up called Additional State Pension, depending on employment/contribution history.
People who began claiming before 2016 cannot opt for the ‘new’ pension, irrespective of where they live.
Related articles
How to check your investments stay on track for life in France
Should I cash in my UK pension when moving to France? Six criteria
How much money do you need for a ‘decent life’ in France?