Spain Forum

President. Chairman or dictator.

2013-04-14T15:14:57Z

Our community has had problems with street lamps for years. I have tried to get into dialogue with presidents about how to find the source of the problem.
Suddenly I was informed, that the president decided to replace all lamps at a cost of €5000. On direct questions to the president, I have been verified that: No AGM/EGM decision has been taken, no budget is approved. The Committee has accepted but there is no minutes taken.
I have read the Horizontal Property Act back and forth and the only information I can get is that the Presidents action is illegal. It also very much disturbs my feeling for democracy and moral.
Everyone I have talked to think this is all right as the President signs the checks and as elected at AGM he can do whatever he wants as he can not call an EGM for every bill he has to pay!!!!!
A would very much appreciate if only forum members with legal knowledge comment on this. Thanks

Are you a US or Canadian citizen looking for an exciting….

2013-04-08T17:10:42Z

I buy books from B4S and just seen this and so - as we get Americans and Canadians here….......

http://books4spain.com/blog/win-a-trip-to-spain/?utm_source=Conexion+Spain+Trade+Show+7+April+2014&utm_campaign=Win+a+Trip+to+Spain&utm_medium=email

Good luck!

announcing there is a hoja de reclamaciones

2013-03-31T18:29:17Z

A friend of mine who has a foodstore in Nerja was told the announcing note there is a complaints book was on a blue background and should be a white one. Six months later he received a fine of 800 € because of this, but no mention of any legal requirements whatsoever. He didn’t pay yet and antered a notice of objection, but is there somewhere a legal requirement herefore to justify this fine, or is it just (again) harrassment of non-Spanish commercials ? And what can be done about it ?

Thank you very much

UK AND SPANISH AUTHORITIES JOIN FORCES TO SHARE INFORMATION ON UK BENEFIT FRAUDSTERS IN SPAIN

2013-03-06T16:58:07Z

The British and Spanish authorities have joined forces in the fight to bring benefit fraudsters to justice through new information sharing arrangements.

The UK government is committed to clamp down on fraudsters who cheat the system to obtain taxpayers’ money that should be going to people needier than themselves.

Sharing information, such as deaths of British nationals in Spain, helps the UK to ensure that the pensions and benefits of deceased expatriates are stopped as soon as possible, to avoid large overpayments to benefit recipients that then need to be paid back.

The sharing of information also helps to identify fraudsters who deliberately fail to report the death of a family member to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in order to continue fraudulently receiving the pension or benefit.

One such case involved Michael Higgs and Nancy Rutter who together stole more than £39,000 from the public purse by continuing to draw the benefits of a deceased family member. Data matching between the UK and Spain revealed that Higgs’ father had died in Spain in 2005 yet the couple, who were living in Malaga, had failed to notify the DWP of the death.

Thinking they would never be caught, they continued to fraudulently claim the father’s benefit. After being found guilty of fraud, and as well as having to pay back the money they had stolen, Higgs was given 18 months in prison and Rutter received two sentences of 30 months and 18 months to run concurrently.

A criminal record can easily be avoided by keeping the DWP informed of any change in personal circumstances, including the death of a family member who is in receipt of a pension or benefit. Failing to do so can lead to hefty overpayments that will have to be paid back, and even a prison sentence.

For further details on how you can report someone you suspect of committing benefit fraud, visit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/benefit-thieves-spain/ or call the DWP’s free and confidential benefit fraud hotline in Spain on 900 55 444 0. The UK and Spain are working together to tackle benefit fraudsters.

UKinSpain

Endesa facturas.

2013-03-02T18:29:48Z

I have just noticed something very strange with my Endesa electricity facturas. In January an estimated reading was made and the following month when a real reading was taken Endesa refunded the €60.00 overcharged. This was deducted from my current factura. The only problem with this is, that when the €60.00 estimated was shown on the January factura, 21% IVA was added on this amount. Now that the €60.00 has been refunded, the 21% IVA was not included, which means that Endesa have charged the customer IVA on an item that does not exist.

I will be going into the local Endesa office next week to ask for an explanation. I have in the meantime asked a few friends if they have noticed this IVA charge, which should have been refunded with the amount overcharged when estimating the usage. One of those contacted, has confirmed that he noticed this some time ago and made an official complaint with Endesa, but is still waiting for an answer.

I live in a small 1 bed apartment by myself and do not abuse the electric use. My February factura has a 362% increase over the last factura. The latest is not an estimated one so I will also be asking Endesa to explain this outrageous increase. Between January and February, my lifestyle has not changed and I have not started using any additional electrical appliances.

Michael.

Advice re Rogue Community President

2013-03-01T10:45:51Z

I am seeking urgent advice from anyone who has had to remove the President of a community of ‘horizontal dwellings’. The President, a Spanish gentleman was properly installed but since his election has not only engaged in autocratic, non constitutional behaviour but has also engaged in a spending spree and a building project which is draining the communities resources. He refuses to communicate and is hostile to the English speaking representatives. While we can vote him out next year immediate action is needed to stop him having access to the community funds. Has anyone experienced such a thing and what steps are available to us?

New website helps British citizens make correct use of European Health Insurance Cards

2013-02-22T15:32:16Z

A new website that explains how British citizens should use their UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) has been launched as part of a campaign to clear up common confusion over how to obtain healthcare in Spain.

The website http://www.healthcareinspain.eu provides comprehensive information on the use of EHICs, whether visiting or living in Spain.

What you should know about the European Health Insurance Card

A UK-issued European Health Insurance Card should only be used to access medically-necessary state treatment during the course of a temporary stay in Spain. It does not provide access to all state treatment but for those in Spain on a temporary stay, it is the correct way to access state healthcare.

British citizens who live mainly in Spain should change the way they are registered, because for them the UK European Health Insurance Card is not the correct form of health cover. The new website http://www.healthcareinspain.eu provides an interactive questionnaire that, depending on personal circumstances, links British residents to the Spanish social security webpage or a search page for the local INSS office or local health centre.

David Pennington, Head of the Department of Health’s International Healthcare team, says:

“Many British citizens living in Spain are confused about how to access state healthcare and many use their EHIC cards when they should be accessing healthcare in another way.

“This website is part of a campaign to explain who can use a UK-issued EHIC and what it’s for. It also helps people to find out about other ways to access state healthcare in Spain, depending on their circumstances.”

The website http://www.healthcareinspain.eu is part of an EU-funded campaign by the UK Department of Health and Valencia Health Authority that aims to raise awareness of the correct use of EHICs among Britons visiting and living in the Valencia region. The information on the website is also relevant to British citizens across the whole of Spain, including the mainland and islands.

UKinSpain

Old Photos of Spain (Costa del Sol)

2013-02-19T11:06:46Z

I’m interested in compiling a collection of old photos of Spain, initially I’m looking at what is now the Costa del Sol, but will consider any area which non-Spanish visitors have become familiar with today. Can anyone point me in the direction of any archives or publications, on-line would be even better. I had a few books in the UK which ran the “Then and Now” theme, that’s the sort of thing I’m thinking about.

I’m looking at the links to Torremolinos which someone posted on this forum in the past, thanks.

Any help or collaboration with interested members would be appreciated.

Cheers

Brian

Over-55s risk huge medical bills by failing to take out comprehensive holiday insurance

2013-02-13T11:31:05Z

Visitors to Spain could face a bill for thousands of pounds for medical treatment if they are taken ill or injured whilst staying with friends and family, the Foreign Office has warned. Yet one in ten over 55-year-olds admit that they sometimes fail to take out travel insurance before going on holiday - even though more than half suffer from a medical condition.

Research1 for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office reveals that a third (35%) of over-55s who sometimes fail to take out travel insurance do so because they are ‘only going on a short break’. A quarter (27%) claim it’s too expensive, whilst nearly one in five (18%) think they don’t need insurance because they are visiting friends or family. Many also think they can avoid buying a policy because they are covered by their bank.

Equally concerning is that one in five (21%) who do have travel insurance then risk invalidating it by failing to declare an existing condition because they are on medication to manage it. Some 15% admit they wouldn’t update their insurance policy if they developed a medical condition or were prescribed new drugs for an existing condition.

Every year around 5000 British nationals2, including over-55s who have failed to take out insurance cover or have invalidated their policies, find themselves seeking assistance from consular staff in Spain. Some end up with life-changing bills of many thousands of pounds for expensive medical treatment or specialist repatriation to the UK.

Mark Simmonds, Minister for Consular Policy, said: “‘It won’t happen to me’ or ‘I’ll be fine’ are risky assumptions to make when deciding whether or not to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Our consular staff around the world deal with thousands of cases each year that prove that things can and do go wrong.

“Being prepared can mean the difference between the holiday of a lifetime and a holiday from hell. Being unwell abroad is stressful enough without the added pressure of having to find thousands of pounds to pay for treatment.”

Dave Thomas, Consular Regional Director for Spain, added: “If you have over-55s visiting you this year, tell them to get insurance before they travel. Taking out a comprehensive policy and declaring any medical condition may be an added expense but it’s a small investment compared to what you could end up paying if something goes wrong.”

A spokesperson for the Association of British Insurers said: “Travel insurance is a must for all holidaymakers. Policies are widely available for people of all ages, but the insurance industry recognises that some older people need help finding cover. Under the Age Agreement which we developed with the Government and British Insurance Brokers’ Association, older people who are unable to find cover at the first firm they approach should be directed to an alternative provider who will be able to offer insurance, or to a signposting service.”
A British Embassy spokesman added:
• “All British visitors to Spain, including over-55s, also need a European Health Insurance Card, known as an EHIC. It is free and you can apply on the NHS website or by calling 0845 606 2030. If you then have an accident or become ill, you can get the necessary state-provided medical healthcare at reduced cost or sometimes free. But it is very important to realise that an EHIC does NOT cover all your medical costs, private treatment or repatriation to the UK. You still need travel insurance to ensure you are fully covered for all eventualities.
“Many people think an EHIC is enough and don’t take out insurance. They will greatly regret it when they are forced to pay thousands of pounds for an air ambulance back to the UK or have to pay for extra accommodation to stay in Spain to look after a hospitalised family member or friend they are travelling with.”

British Consulates can:
• Provide information about transferring money
• Give you a list of local doctors, lawyers, interpreters or funeral directors
• Contact friends and family back home for you if you wish
• Issue you with replacement travel documents British Consulates are unable to:
• Get you better treatment in hospital than is given to local people
• Provide medical repatriation or cover the costs of medical bills or repatriation
• Pay any other bills or give you money
• Make travel arrangements for you

Details of how the Foreign Office can provide support to British nationals when things go wrong are outlined in Support for British nationals abroad: A guide: http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel

Thinking about glass curtains, read this

2012-01-02T14:05:52Z

Less than three years ago, I fitted glass curtains to the balcony of my apartment in Calpe. I had several companies quote, and chose Glass Curtains Costa Blanca S.L. with offices in Mijas and Catral because, their quote included i.v.a., they offered a very comprehensive 5 year warranty, they were au fait with Calpe Town Hall requirements, and they showed me around their factory in Catral. They said that they were the market leaders, and indeed, their Managing Director, Mr. Neil Ingram was credited by RTN with inventing the concept.

http://www.roundtownnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18192&Itemid=9

This summer the curtains developed a fault, and I telephoned the number on my invoice. The ‘phone was answered by Clear Glass Curtains who denied any knowledge of the company. I therefore sent an email to the address on my invoice, and received a reply, again from Clear Glass Curtains, denying any liability.

I have done some googling and it would appear that Glass Curtains Costa Blanca SL has disappeared without trace. However, the President of Clear Glass Curtains is Mark Ingram. I have sent Mr. Ingram two emails asking him to clarify the position but have received no reply.

I suspect that the previous company went into liquidation, or there was a management buy out. In any event, it would appear that my warranty is worthless. Does anyone know how I stand under Spanish Law?