|
The banks begin to listen - Why granny
might call more often - The oil’s to blame… and maybe Jospin - Train
versus plane - Loss and gain
- The government has made it clear it expects the banks to be more
consumer-friendly. They’ve listened … to some extent. As from January
1st they’ve stopped charging for closing an account. They’re also
looking again at charges for withdrawing money where they exist.
Meanwhile, the European Court has ruled out of order France’s
prohibition on paying interest on current accounts. But don’t get too
excited: when this comes, there’ll be a minimum deposit required and
maximum interest will be around 2%.
- The government has also put pressure on the mobile telephone
companies to cut their charges on calls from land-lines to mobiles.
Over a third of the French still don’t have a mobile — many of these
are elderly and not very well off — and they have to pay through the
nose when calling a mobile. The cuts announced mean that, with some
variation between providers, callers will pay 11% less in 2005 and a
further 15% less in 2006.
- One news item we can’t ignore is that concerning the rise in the oil
price which has brought us continuing hikes in what we pay to fill our
petrol tanks, to heat our homes — and to buy an airline ticket. The
cost of heating oil went up by around a third across last year, for
example. Another outcome has been a substantial increase in the price
of gas — up recently by between 7 and 9.5%. At the same time the charge
for domestic electricity was upped by around 3%. As you tell the kids
to turn off the light before leaving their room, note that EDF is
currently under investigation for covertly funding the campaign of
socialist Lionel Jospin in the 2002 presidential campaign.
- The SNCF is making a determined effort to face up to competition
on the Paris-Mediterranean route from budget air fares. It’s recently
introduced the so-called iDTGV — one train a day, two at weekends —
which serves Paris-Marseille-Toulon. As with companies like easyJet,
the earlier you book the cheaper the fare. Lowest rates are €19
one-way, €39 first class.
But note this: the SNCF has changed the rules for “no shows” —
passengers with a reservation who don’t show up — for those travelling
on any form of reduced fare. Now there’s no reimbursement and no
exchange of the ticket possible. You don’t turn up? Too bad … The only
exception is for those who genuinely miss their train and arrive at the
station within one hour following its departure.
- Bad news, good news: From March 1st you’ll pay 53 centimes for a
stamp, that’s a rise 2 cents less than first proposed; if you make your
tax declaration online you get a rebate of €20. To find out more visit www.impots.gouv.fr.
From Reporter 107 - Feb/Mar 2005
 |
Consumerism 
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form