Retiring to Spain to be made easier with high-speed rail link

Retiring to Spain to be made easier with high-speed rail link http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=38 A proposed high-speed rail link will make getting to <a href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/spain">Spain</a> faster, easier and greener. It means expats who have retired to Spain will be able to get there quickly and avoid the need to fly. Over the next decade, European destinations will become increasingly linked by high-speed rail networks and the Spanish capital is one of the premier cities for such a system. <a href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/spain/central-and-northern-spain">Madrid </a>is set to be just a mere 8 hour train trip from London once the plans have come to fruition. The move is designed to offset the increasingly high-priced, seemingly dangerous, and heavily criticised air travel industry where fuel prices, seat restrictions and invasive security policies have led to high levels of dissatisfaction amongst airline passengers. An additional high-speed rail network between Madrid and Paris is slated for opening within the next two years will see travel times of around five hours – hardly more than by plane and most probably with far less inconvenience and reduced costs. While presently flights from London to destinations such as Madrid in theory only take two-and-a-half-hours, there are numerous hours added on when passengers are required to check-in some three hours before departure in addition to the relatively distant location of city airports in relation to railway stations which are predominantly in the city centre. In effect this means that travel from London’s St Pancras station to Madrid via Paris by train could take as little as nine hours, considerably less if and when a direct route is established. The rail industry is certainly flavour of the month for politicos and environmentalists, not to mention those sick of airport hassles. Lord Adonis, the British Transport Secretary, has called for all short haul flights to be replaced by rail services in a bid to protect the environment. Original story from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.emigrate.co.uk/news/955342.html">Emigrate.co.uk</a> France "offers a great lifestyle" http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=37 France offers a good lifestyle and more than just good value property, an expert has argued. Speaking after the country was listed at the top of International Living magazine's quality of life index, the editor of Living France magazine Eleanor O'Kane said that the country has a wide range of drawing factors. "France offers a great lifestyle that extends beyond the opportunity to buy good value property, and that's what sets it apart from many other countries," said Ms O'Kane. She added that community life tends to revolve around the village and good manners and social etiquette are "still rigorously observed", helping to make day-to-day living much more pleasant. Those considering a move to the country should consider a number of factors before buying a new home abroad, however. Ms O'Kane recommends visiting in both summer and winter to get a feel for the different season, doing plenty of research and using French-speaking advisers. Original story appears on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.expatriatehealthcare.com/news/Expat-medical-insurance-news:-France-offers-a-great-lifestyle-802">expatriatehealthcare.com</a> Expats in Alicante protest over removal of free early retiree healthcare http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=36 The Spanish region of Valencia’s regional government has drawn fire from the local expat community who took to the streets of the town of Alicante in protest over plans to strip early retirees of free healthcare. Some 200 people expressed their dissatisfaction with the move during the street march. The issue stems from the regional government's decision back in 2003 to introduce free health care for those British expats who decided on a beach life of retirement, shunning the colder UK. At the time, the move was seen as potentially beneficial to the local community finances as retirees generally were in reasonable financial stead. The move aided the creation of mini-Britains in the areas where few Spaniards would bother going, with the hamlets even labelled 'Little Britain' ghettos. Spain now plays home to around one million UK expats according to statistics from the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR). However, less than half of these are believed to have officially declared Spanish residency. IPPR figures further indicate that some 250,000 Britons emigrate to Spain each year, the largest number in over three decades. Many make little effort at integration, which has brought about the healthcare reforms aiming to limit the millions of euros spent each year on foreigners. The result is that a new levy of 1,080 euros per annum has now been introduced except for those with chronic illnesses. While the move has not been meet with any great reaction by local expats it must be noted that until now Valencia was on its own in offering the waivers and the changes bring it into line with the rest of the country. Additionally, Spain offers excellent options for private health care. Original story from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.emigrate.co.uk/news/857342.html">emigrate.co.uk </a> 75 year-old British grandmother wins Spanish TV talent show http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=35 British grandmother of seven Paddy Jones (pictured above) has won the Spanish version of Britain’s Got Talent. <object style="height: 344px; width: 425px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DZUyjguBvSo"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DZUyjguBvSo" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="344" width="400"></object> The septuagenarian, originally from Stourbridge in the West Midlands, was lifted, spun and shimmied to victory during her salsa routine by her partner Nico, the local dance school teacher who is 40 years her junior. The pair won 10,000 euros (£9,055) for their performance on Spanish show ‘Tu Si Que Vales’ (You Are Worth It). Her routine, above, has become a sensation on internet video site You Tube. Mrs Jones retired to Gandia, near Valencia, and only took up salsa five years ago after the death of her husband. A professional dancer in her youth, she also finished second in the Spanish ‘X Factor’ equivalent. “Nico said as long as I can keep doing it, we’ll still do it. I do thank my lucky stars. If I wasn’t doing this my life would be very different — but now there really isn’t a dull moment. It’s incredible,” she told the Stourbridge News. The duo were also a big hit when they were invited to perform at an international salsa congress at Los Angeles retirement complex Laguna Woods Village in The Old Pros’ Stars of Dance event earlier this year. France provides best quality of life in Europe for expats http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=34 Nearly half of expats in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/france">France </a>report an improvement in their quality of life and their health. The results, part of the 2009 HSBC Expat Explorer survey, put <a target="_blank" href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/france">France </a>at the top of the European destinations for expats and seventh worldwide. With 44% of respondents noting that both their family life and health had improved, it would seem that life is more relaxed across the English Channel. And while some stereotypes are well-founded – 71% said the food was better in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/france">France </a>– others are dispelled, as 85% said they had been welcomed and made friends locally. Of these, 43% were aged 55 and over, so age is no barrier to making new friends even where another language is concerned. The French reputation for excellent healthcare is maintained, ranking above neighbours Switzerland and Belgium as the best in the world. Arranging finances in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/france">France </a>was deemed to be difficult by just over a third of those surveyed, so using a company that deals with international expat finances, such as our partners <a target="_blank" href="http://www.stmnummos.es/default.aspx">STM Nummos</a>, is highly recommended. Retired expats drawn to Canada's quality of life http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=33 Canada’s position as the world’s number one for expat lifestyle has proved a big draw for retirees. The country, which ranked top in the 2009 HSBC Expat Explorer survey, has a high proportion (24%) of retired expats (compared with 7% globally) according to the survey. With 61% of foreign settlers aged 45 and over, the expat community is relatively older than in many places. Some of the main reasons for Canada’s popularity include ease of finding a property, arranging healthcare and finances, and integrating into the local community. Overall, more than half (53%) of all expats in Canada have noticed an improvement in the quality of their family life there, while 38% report a noticeable improvement in their health since moving, comparing favourably with the global average of 27%. Fewer expats from Canada return home regularly, with under half (44%) returning annually, compared to an average of three-quarters (74%) globally. With perceived lower crime rates and a healthier environment among other reasons singled out by those surveyed, Canada continues to be highly attractive for expat retirees. Senior expats enjoy a better social life – and a whole lotta love http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=32 Over 70 per cent of expats aged 55 and up enjoy a significantly better social life since moving abroad. And a quarter of this age group has found love or a life partner whilst living abroad. The results, taken from the HSBC annual Expat Explorer survey, show that retiring abroad really can be a positive experience. More than 3,000 expats were asked for their opinions on the quality of life in their new country. Top of the list was Canada, which offered the greatest improvement in terms of available accommodation. In third place was Thailand, behind <a href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/australia">Australia</a>, where almost half (45%) of respondents noted a marked improvement in personal health since moving ‘down under’. <a href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/france">France</a> was the most popular European destination and seventh overall. It also came top globally for healthcare and, predictably, for food. <a href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/spain">Spain </a>was the second-favourite place on the continent, followed by Germany and Switzerland. Overall, the survey revealed that expats enjoy a better life in their new country, with the majority claiming an increase in the quality of living compared with life back home. UK tax amnesty extended http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=31 UK resident taxpayers with offshore investments are being given more time to declare them under the <a href="http://www.stmfidecs.gi/news/new_uk_tax_disclosure_opportunity_in_september" temp_href="http://www.stmfidecs.gi/news/new_uk_tax_disclosure_opportunity_in_september" target="new">UK’s New Disclosure Opportunity</a> (NDO). Originally scheduled to finish at the end of November, the deadline for NDO notifications has been extended until to 4 January 2010. It is the last such opportunity for UK taxpayers to obtain favourable terms when they inform the UK tax authorities about offshore assets and income that they have not disclosed in the past. The UK tax authorities are still obtaining information from 308 banks in the UK about their offshore account holders, which will be used to ensure that everyone pays the right tax in the UK. Darren Anton, International Tax Manager at STM Fidecs in Gibraltar, suggests that, “individuals should review their affairs to see if they should take advantage of this NDO and the extended deadline”. Dave Hartnett, HMRC’s Permanent Secretary for Tax, said “I strongly urge anyone who has been hiding taxable assets offshore to go on line and register. “The NDO is voluntary but from the start of the New Year we will begin to investigate those who were eligible to use the NDO but instead buried their heads in the sand. “This is a great way to start the New Year – with the knowledge that your tax affairs are in order and the certainty that the penalty will be capped.” Pensioner power gives more choice in retiring abroad http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=30 <meta style="" http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"><meta style="" name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"><meta style="" name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><meta style="" name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 11"><link style="" rel="File-List"><style style="">  </style> The Alma Verde eco development in the hills of the western Algarve It’s getting simpler to live in two countries during your retirement. With ever more choice on the market, and retirees the group least affected by the credit crunch, now could be an excellent time to invest in the ideal retirement lifestyle. Specialist retirement villages at home and abroad are offering pensioners the option to “lock up and leave” their property in one country and go to live in the other for a while. As reported on the Telegraph’s website, this lifestyle suits the adventurous baby boomer generation and can also help bring in rental income while you are away. Norman and Lorraine Jones have opted for a trial year in Annecy – with its lake and nearby skiing – where they are renting the same property they've stayed in for the past 20 summers, before deciding whether to buy into the French property market. "Everyone is so welcoming," says Mrs Jones. Should they decide to buy, there is plenty of choice on the market, such as MGM's new development of 18 apartments under construction at Parmelan, which is a one-minute walk to Lake Annecy or five minutes from the medieval town centre. One to four-bedroom properties start at €388,000 (£346,000). If something green – and a sustainable development award winner at that – takes your fancy and you are inclined toward Portugal, Alma Verde in the hills of the western Algarve is one to consider, where sun-dried adobe bricks and air-cooling technology reduce carbon emissions by 94 per cent. Low density and set among mature carob, oak and pine trees, 130 villas are priced from €460,000 (£411,000), including a swimming pool and an upmarket furniture package. A new phase of apartments and town houses with a large eco-friendly spa is soon to be released, with garden studios priced from around €150,000 (£134,000). Slightly further afield is El Gouna on the "Egyptian Riviera", with its mountainous backdrop and everything on offer from golf, horse riding and tennis to snorkelling, diving and a rich choice of restaurants. Ancient Sands is this vast resort's latest offering where its Hilltop Village features expansive views of the Red sea, lagoons, mountains and an 18-hole Karl Litten-designed championship golf course. Apartments, town houses and villas start at £96,000 for a studio of 58 sq m, with vaulted ceilings and a private terrace. Read the original story on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/expatproperty/6654427/Retire-at-home-or-abroad-in-grand-style.html">telegraph.co.u</a>k. Conservatives to consider thawing out frozen pensions for expats http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=29 Opposition leader David Cameron will consider whether to stop the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news/?newsArticle=18&page=2">fixing of frozen pensions  for British expats</a>, mainly in old Commonwealth countries, such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand, before the next election. A letter from the Conservative leader’s office to British expats Barbara and Nick Steward who have retired to Canada, stated, "As has been made very evident recently, the Prime Minister has left our nation's finances ill prepared for the economic difficulties we now face. “As a result we will have to make some tough decisions about spending in the current economic climate. Conservatives are therefore unable to make the commitment to amend the rules at present. “Nonetheless the issue will be considered as part of the Conservative's policy review process prior to the next election." While in the UK pensions increase each year, in the affected countries they are fixed at the rate they were when the retirees emigrated; in real terms they actually decrease annually as prices go up.   With some 530,000 British pensioners affected globally, the protests to bring expat pensions in line with current inflation could make a big difference to those who receive them. “It  is grossly unfair that we have paid into our pensions, like it or not, and then be denied any inflation-linked increases because we moved to one of the UK's old colonies,” says Barbara Steward. “Canada has 150,000 people receiving the British pension, some of them now in severe financial circumstances through no fault of their own,” she added. “We have also tried to get the Conservative government in Canada to contact David Cameron to try and encourage some action – this does not seem to be forthcoming, so the next move will be to write to the Leader of the NDP Party in Canada.”   The question of frozen pensions has been raised in the House of Commons. The current British Government claims the cost of unfreezing the government pension would be too high, estimating a cost in 2007-08 of approximately £3 billion to bring frozen rate pensions up to current levels and to pay all the arrears. It says it would cost around £420 million if arrears were not paid plus ongoing costs which will rise annually. Andalucia government provides billion euro subsidy for homebuyers http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=28 Those looking to retire to the sun in Andalucia, southern Spain, have been given a helping hand by the local government (Junta). A one billion euro scheme to subsidise sales of newly-built properties has been announced by the Junta in a bid to rid the region of its glut of 70,000 empty houses. It offers a substantial reduction – around 20% – to make the property price equal to the mortgage value originally granted to the developer. This translates as between 9,000 and 15,000 euros, depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant. In total, this could save up to 230 euros per month according to the Junta. The scheme applies to buyers intending to use the house as their main residence and needing a mortgage of up to €245,000. It will begin in January, running until the end of 2010. Canada is most desirable retirement destination for Britons http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=27 British people looking to retire abroad have named Canada as the most popular choice to emigrate to. It came top with 12% of the vote, above Spain, Australia and New Zealand, which all took 10% in the survey for Halifax International. One in six British pensioners have considered moving abroad, according to the poll. New Zealand relaxes entry criteria for retirees – if you’ve got £4m http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=26 The New Zealand government has announced a new entry policy which could allow more retirees to move there. It means anyone with NZ$10m (£4m) to invest over three years will be guaranteed immediate residency, regardless of age and with no business conditions attached. Applicants must spend at least 73 days per year in New Zealand. Alternatively, under 65s with three years of business experience can invest NZ$1.5m (£658,000) over four years to gain residence and must have another NZ$1.5m in settlement funds. It requires 146 days or more to be spent there annually. It’s the government’s way of boosting the economy, getting around the current requirement for potential emigrants to the island to have specialist skills. The money can be invested in a number of vehicles, including government bonds, corporate bonds, managed funds and equities. With no inheritance tax and an interest rate currently standing at 2.5% it could be a beneficial investment for those who have the money. Retiring to France and Spain offers best quality of life in Europe http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=25 The best European countries for quality of life are France and Spain, according to a new study. The uSwitch.com Quality of Life Index places France top of the list, closely followed by its more southerly neighbour. The UK, meanwhile, finished bottom of the table, despite having an average net household income of £35,730, double that of Spain and more than £10,000 above the European average. Workers in France can expect to retire three years earlier and live two years longer than those across the English Channel, while UK workers have less holiday allowance than their continental counterparts. Spain enjoys the most sunshine and the lowest fuel and alcohol costs, some of the major reasons it is a key retirement destination. Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy at uSwitch.com, says, “There is more to good living than money and this report shows why so many Brits are giving up on the UK and heading to France and Spain. "We earn substantially more than our European neighbours, but this level of income is needed just to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table and our homes warm. "It’s giving us a decent standard of living, but it’s not helping us achieve the quality of life that people in other countries enjoy.” New flights make Madeira retirement more accessible http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=23 Retiring to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.retiretothesun.com/countries/portugal/madeira-and-the-azores">Madeira </a>will be made more accessible from the UK with the launch of new flights by Jet2.com in 2010.   The low-cost airline will begin flying from Manchester airport to Funchal on 3rd May 2010, with prices starting at £49.99 one way (including taxes). Madeira has long been a popular all-year-round retirement resort because of its health-giving climate and pristine natural beauty. The islands are famed worldwide for their stunning scenery and beautiful flowers, giving the islands the nickname “The Floating Garden of the Atlantic”. Ian Doubtfire, Managing Director at Jet2.com comments, "Madeira is a stunning island … which I am sure will be extremely popular with our customers in the North West and beyond." Duarte Ferreira, Director at Madeira Airport, adds, "The launch of this new scheduled route is extremely positive news for Madeira and will open up this beautiful region to many more visitors. We hope that this partnership with Jet2.com will result in the opening of several new routes from the UK in the near future." Jet2 joins easyJet and Thomson Flight, along with a number of other airlines all serving Madeira. New help for vulnerable older Britons living in Spain http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=22 Image: FCO A new partnership between the British Consular network, Age UK and Age Concern España has been established to help older British people living in Spain. With so many Britons retiring to the sun in Spain, the British government provides a help package offering information and assistance to those who find themselves in a vulnerable situation. It includes a revamped full-time telephone information line, a new country casework manager with a range of responsibilities, and increasing the number of caseworkers to around 100. The aim is to care for those who need it and make sure expats are receiving the help available from the Spanish state.   The government also provides information roadshows, advice surgeries, and dedicated Department for Work and Pensions/Department of Health staff in consulates. Minister for Consular Affairs, Chris Bryant MP, unveiled the partnership during a trip to Madrid in mid-September. He explained, “I’ve heard first hand what kind of problems older British people living in Spain are experiencing and some of them are heartbreaking. “The Consular team here is great, and there’s a certain amount they can do to help – but their partnership with other UK government departments and this new partnership between Age UK, Age Concern España and the Consular service means that more personal help will be available, as well as more practical information for older British nationals abroad.” For more information, visit the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ukinspain.fco.gov.uk">Foreign and Commonwealth Office website</a>. Millions of overseas voters urged to register for UK general election http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=21 Only a fraction of eligible UK voters living abroad have registered to vote, according to The Electoral Commission. It is currently running a campaign in an attempt to boost numbers, particularly as there will be a British general election sometime before 3 June 2010. With an estimated 5.5 million Britons retired or working overseas, the number of unregistered voters could be in the millions. British citizens are still eligible to vote in UK and European parliament elections if they have been resident in the UK and registered to vote within the last 15 years. Votes can be cast by post or by proxy, or in person in the UK on election day. The large number of potential voters could have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph, Philip Dunne, deputy chairman of the Conservative party with responsibility for Conservatives Abroad, said: “British expat voters could have a critical impact on the next general election if they register to vote in sufficient numbers. “The number of expats currently registered is pitiful, so we are working hard to try to raise awareness about the ability to vote. We have encouraged all our MPs, candidates, councillors and associations, if they are on holiday abroad and meet expats, to encourage them to vote. Find out more about registering your vote on the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/">Electoral Commission’s website</a>. Baby Boomers want convenience and energy efficiency in new homes http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=20 A new survey in Washington DC reveals that 55+ Americans would prefer suburban living in single-storey homes with amenities, particularly high-speed internet access, for their later years, and they don’t consider “universal” design a priority. These are some of the findings from 55+ Housing: Builders, Buyers, and Beyond, a survey conducted by the [American] National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the MetLife Mature Market Institute, which asked owners and renters about their current homes and the types of homes, communities and features they prefer as they age. The survey also questioned builders about specific features provided in new homes and how much customers are willing to pay for them, which revealed interesting contrasts. While builders seem to be providing more universal design features (lever-handle/door knobs, wider doors and hallways, a full bath at the entry level), consumer preferences don’t reflect an equal appreciation of such items. Consumers indicate they want amenities such as non-slip floors, larger medicine cabinets, lower kitchen cabinets and emergency call buttons, but those features are not as widely included in new homes. On other issues, builders and consumers are closer to agreement. Consumers clearly want to be close to community resources like shopping and medical services; builders and developers have responded by placing communities accordingly. Builders are providing more energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive features. While many consumers note that they are conceptually supportive of these efforts, fewer indicate a willingness to pay significantly more for “green” homes. “The data suggests that builders will have to be more tuned in to consumer needs, but potential buyers may be somewhat shortsighted as well,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. "The homes consumers say they want may present difficulties for the long term as they age in place. They prefer the suburbs and the country, but these areas generally lack public transportation. "Universal design is not a strong preference, but they’ll need greater accessibility later on. Aside from recognizing that one-story homes will be best for their later years, customers may be somewhat unrealistic.” NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe pointed out that as the housing market returns to health, builders will need to be increasingly responsive to changes in the market for 55+ housing. “These surveys were conducted as consumers were watching their savings shrink and as builders were seeing sales grind to a halt,” said Crowe. “So this study reflects the very latest in the changing perceptions of what is most important in housing for this age cohort.” NHS restrictions eased on expat Britons outside Europe http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=19 New government plans are set to double the time expatriates can be outside the UK each year and still receive free NHS treatment, from three months to six. The change will allow British expats in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and Canada to spend longer away from the UK and still qualify for free treatment. However, patients will still need to prove that they are not just popping back for free treatment and are planning to stay in the UK for the long term. Expats outside the EEA  have only had access to treatment within three momntha of leaving the UK since 2004, when the then Health Secretary John Reid clamped down on free care for those living further abroad. Subject to consultation this autumn, the proposed policy change by Health Minister Ann Keen will go ahead in early 2010. Frozen pensions for British expats challenged in European court http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=18 British expats in Australia, South Africa, Hong Kong and Canada could finally see their ‘frozen’ pensions increase in line with inflation. A group of 13 British pensioners living in the affected countries reached the last appeal stage in the European Court of Human Rights on Wednesday, where they contested the current system that sees their UK state pension payments fixed, effectively decreasing in real terms each year. Despite paying National Insurance contributions in the UK during their working lives, government policy dictates that pensioners receive different amounts depending on where they live. Retirees in European countries and the USA receive the same inflation-linked increase as those in the UK, thanks to agreements between governments. With around half a million British expats affected by the ruling, the Department of Work and Pensions estimates that it would cost £500 million to upgrade the frozen pensions. It maintains that the increased payments would prevent it helping some of the poorest pensioners in the UK. Andrew Harrop, head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged, supports the case. He said: "It's hugely unfair that pensioners who have made their national insurance contributions all their lives in the UK are being penalised for retiring abroad and losing out on the uprating of their pension." "We hope the case will see an end to this inequality and ensure the government gives every pensioner their fair share, no matter where they decide to retire," Mr Harrop said. The case has previously been rejected in Britain and Europe, so the Strasbourg court is the last hope for the group. A verdict is not expected until March. Have you been affected by frozen pensions? <a href="mailto:editor@retiretothesun.com">Let us know!</a> Expat price comparison website to be launched in Spain http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=17 Well-known price comparison and switching website uSwitch is to launch a website aimed at the thousands of expats living in Spain later this year. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.uSwitch.es">uSwitch.es</a> is the first international version of the site for the independent company, which will  mirror its UK service. The site will offer consumers a full price comparison and switching service across home utilities and personal finance products, such as mobile phones, broadband, credit cards and car insurance in Spain. A Spanish language version of the site, called <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yoahorro.es">yoahorro.es</a> has already launched, aimed at Spanish-speaking consumers. Key global housing markets show signs of improvement http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=15 After a year of tumbling house prices, the property market is starting to look stronger in some parts of the world. Portugal, France, Australia and New Zealand are all showing signs of recovery according to online property research house <a target="_blank" href="http://www.globalpropertyguide.com">The Global Property Guide</a>. They are among seven countries which have begun to climb out of the housing market recession, along with China, Hong Kong and Sweden. Yet most countries continue to see post-inflation prices fall, so there is still plenty of opportunity to purchase retirement properties as investments. As the three big economies of France, Germany and Japan move out of recession, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declares that global recovery has begun, now could be an ideal time to buy a retirement property abroad. New UK tax disclosure opportunity in September http://www.retiretothesun.com/retire_to_the_sun_news?newsArticle=16 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has won the right to demand compulsory disclosure notices against hundreds of banks and financial services providers in the UK and obtain information on their clients with UK addresses holding offshore interests. In addition, HMRC will be considering institutions that have processed payments and transfers on behalf of their clients to overseas bank accounts, including accounts held with other organisations.  Some commentators have called this HMRC's largest tax evasion initiative to date and there is now a real incentive for people who have undeclared income and unpaid taxes connected with offshore bank accounts and overseas assets to voluntarily disclose. To encourage taxpayers to disclose unpaid taxes linked to offshore accounts and assets, HMRC has now confirmed the details of the New Disclosure Opportunity (NDO). The NDO has the incentive of reduced penalties but HMRC has warned it “will be the last opportunity of its kind”. Assets can include, for example, bonds or other financial products, land and property, trusts, business interests and other assets such as yachts and vehicles. The details are as follows: <ol><li>To use the NDO a notification of the intention to disclose must be made to HMRC between 1 September and 30 November 2009.</li><li>Those notifying on paper can do so from 1 September to 30 November.</li><li>Those notifying electronically can do so from 1 October to 30 November.</li><li>After notification, full disclosure of the details, the calculation of the amount of tax, interest and penalties due and full payment relating to all unpaid UK tax liabilities (not just those connected with the offshore accounts and assets) can be made on paper from 1 September 2009 to 31 January 2010 or electronically from 1 October 2009 to 12 March 2010.</li><li>The penalty rate of 10% will apply to those who were not written to by HMRC under the Offshore Disclosure Facility in 2007, which related to five high street banks (Barclays, Lloyds TSB, HBOS, HSBC and RBS).</li><li>Those to whom HMRC wrote to in 2007 offering the 10% rate but did not complete the Offshore Disclosure Facility procedure and now want to disclose will have an opportunity to do so, with unpaid tax attracting a penalty of 20%. </li></ol> Once this disclosure window closes on 12 March 2010, those taxpayers who have not come forward but are found to have unpaid tax liabilities will face penalties of at least 30% rising to 100% of the tax evaded. They also run a risk of criminal prosecution. International tax advisors STM Fidecs suggest "anyone who believes that they need to make an offshore disclosure should take advantage of this simple and straightforward scheme. "More information, including guidance and instructions, will be available from 1 September and we will be happy to assist with the making of declarations." STM Fidecs International Tax Team can be reached by <a href="mailto:tax@stmfidecs.gi" temp_href="mailto:tax@stmfidecs.gi">e-mail</a> or in their Gibraltar office on (+ 350) 200 42686. New Website Launched Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec tortor massa, facilisis et, volutpat non, sagittis id, dolor. Curabitur mi. Maecenas imperdiet nisi eget urna. Nulla blandit turpis ac dui. Curabitur mauris lectus, aliquam in, ultrices ac, porttitor a, nisi. Sed dui dolor, semper vitae, congue luctus, interdum sit amet, enim. Nunc scelerisque leo id erat. 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