Ibiza Sun - Special features

Special Feature:

BRITISH CONSULAR NEWSLETTER

Closing In On Benefit Cheats
Back in November we explained that although most people living in Spain are law-abiding citizens, there are unfortunately those who try to take advantage of the system and the British taxpayer, by claiming UK benefits they are not entitled to. But it’s important to know they are being caught. One lady, who claimed over £28,000 of UK income support (a non-exportable benefit) for 5 years whilst living in Alicante, was recently sentenced to 18 months imprisonment at Sheffield Crown Court.
Remember, you can help to stop the benefit cheats by reporting suspected fraud to the DWP„s Benefit Fraud Hotline. Call 900 554 440 in confidence and free of charge.

The Importance of Making a Will
All expatriates are advised to make a will, as intestacy can cause great difficulty or inconvenience to heirs and dependants, particularly where there are children who could be left in a foreign country with no designated parents or guardian. We at the Consulate understand it is acceptable to make a British will for any property or assets in the UK, and a Spanish will for property or assets held in Spain.
A will according to Spanish law is normally signed in front of a Spanish Notary Public. However, Spanish law is complex, and differs considerably from English law, so professional legal advice should be sought on all aspects. The British Consulates across Spain can provide you with a list of English-speaking lawyers upon request who may be able to assist with writing a will. Contact your nearest consulate to request this.
Further information about the Spanish Central Wills Register is available on the Spanish Ministry of Justice website (www.mjusticia.gob.es) under “Trámites y gestiones personales” and “Certificado de Actos de Última Voluntad

Poppy Appeal 2011 In Spain Raises €210,675.67!!!
Districts South and North of the Royal British Legion raised €76,544.49 and €134,131.18 respectively: making a total of €210,675.67 raised in mainland Spain. Not only is this a wonderful result but the figure is up on the previous year, which is heart warming in view of the current economic situation.
A huge amount of time and effort goes into the organisation and coordination of the Poppy Appeal here in Spain and our thanks must go to our Poppy Appeal Officers – Mr David Harpin (South) and Mr Tony Dengate (North) for all their hard work. Thanks also to our dedicated Volunteer Poppy Collectors, who once again took the collection boxes into their communities and encouraged people to make a donation - and of course to each and every individual who dropped a donation in the box and wore their Poppy with pride.

Healthy Resolution!
With every New Year comes New Year’s Resolutions. Some of the most popular are centred on healthcare and healthy living, such as getting fit. But how about making a “healthy‟ resolution with a difference? As you may be aware, registering as a resident in Spain does not mean you are automatically registered for free, public healthcare. There are many ways to register for healthcare as a resident – see our website for more details – but unfortunately there are still many people who are registered incorrectly, or who are not registered at all. You never know when you might need to call on a doctor, or pay a visit to A&E, so browse our website, and the NHS choices website (www.nhs.uk) and make sure, this year, you are registered should the need arise, ensuring a healthy and happy new year for you and your family. The Partners Newsletter is now issued on a quarterly basis and the next issue will be available in April. For more information on Living in Spain, see http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk