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The Triggering of Article 50.
The Prime Minister of the UK Theresa May will trigger article 50 today March 29. The majority of consumer protection and rights are derived from EU Regulations. With this in mind, the Citizens Advice UK with Money Saving Expert have sent a letter to the prime minister urging her to consider the potential impact that Brexit would have on consumers.
Citizens Advice Spain are also aware of the rights the UK citizens resident in Spain have been privileged to avail of unlike our neighbours from a third country. The EU directives do not rule on taxation but insists on equal treatment.
“Under EU rules, no matter in which EU country you are considered a tax-resident, you should be taxed in the same way as nationals of that country under the same conditions. For example, in the country where you are tax-resident or where you earn all or most of your income, you should be entitled to:
any available family allowances and tax deductions for childcare costs, even if the costs are incurred in another EU country
any available tax deductions for interest on mortgages, even for a house you own in another EU country
joint tax assessment with your spouse, if this is possible in that country” Would like to add that this includes reductions in CGT when selling a property in Spain and purchasing anywhere in the EU. We are all by now aware of the IHT where the ECJ ruled against Spain and its discrimination against nonresident beneficiaries on succession taxes.
Consumer rights on purchases, air travel, cost of calls when roaming, safety and others to numerous to mention.
We intend to keep up to date on the progress of any future agreements made between the UK and the 27 EU States. We are researching the Spanish laws and all EU regulations that offer protection up to a certain point for those in the Spanish system which includes those employed, self employed and those who receive Spanish pensions. We also keenly follow any positive news for UK pensioners in Spain.
The letter dated today March 28.
“Dear Prime Minister,
“The British people’s vote to leave the European Union has raised many questions about the future of trade, business, the financial markets and British workers’ rights, to name just a few. The Government is discussing all of these issues openly and publicly, with various forums being announced by Government ministers.
“Yet an economy is nothing without consumers. Despite this, the UK Government is still to make a substantive statement about the role consumers will play in its vision for a successful Brexit. Less than a third of consumers currently think they will be represented during the negotiations and this must be addressed.
“A vast range of consumer rights, safety and quality standards, and enforcement regimes is founded in EU legislation. These rights and safeguards are woven into our everyday lives, and can often be taken for granted. They range from having access to a basic bank account, assurances that food and electrical products are safe, to seeking redress when buying products across borders.
“It is therefore vital that core consumer rights and protections do not fall by the wayside during discussions to leave the EU, any future trade deals with the EU and other countries, as well as in our future domestic framework. This will safeguard UK consumers from any potentially negative effects of Brexit, while taking advantage of and maximising any opportunities.
“We are calling for a cross-Government high-level working group focused solely on securing the best possible deal for UK consumers. This is imperative for the economy and our communities, and we are ready and willing to help you achieve this.”
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive, Citizens Advice
Martin Lewis, Founder, MoneySavingExpert.com
Peter Vicary-Smith, Chief Executive, Which?
