August 1 is no exception. Like every first day of the month, this Monday is marked by the entry into force of a series of measures, with important repercussions on the daily life of the French. Booklet A, minimum wage, health emergency… Summary of the main changes.
• Livret A, LDDS, LEP… A better return for regulated savings
Following a revision to 1% in February, the Livret A rate will drop to 2% on August 1, taking into account the level of inflation. This is its highest level in almost 10 years. The remuneration of the sustainable and solidary development primer (LDDS) also increases to 2%.
For its part, the rate of popular savings accounts (LEP) will be 4.6%, compared to the previous 2.2%. As a reminder, the ceiling of livret A is set at 22,950 euros, not including interest paid by the bank. The LDDS is 12,000 euros and the LEP is 7,700 euros.
• The minimum wage increases
Third revaluation of the year for the minimum wage. On August 1, the minimum wage will automatically increase by 2.01% to account for inflation.
Specifically, the monthly minimum wage will increase by around 26 euros for a full-time job, up to a total amount of 1,329.66 euros. In addition to the annual revaluation on January 1, the Smic does increase mechanically during the year by the amount of inflation for the 20% of households with the lowest income, if it exceeds 2% compared to the last increase.
• The index point of civil servants is revalued
As announced a few weeks ago by the Minister of Transformation and Public Function and as provided for by the purchasing power law, the points index of civil servants will increase by 3.5% this August, with retroactive effect in July. This increase will mean a monthly salary increase of 45 euros net for the lowest rates.
• Promotion of pensions and social benefits
Provided the purchasing power law is approved, social benefits and retirement pensions will be increased by 4% during the month of August. This increase will be applied in practice from July 1 retroactively.
In particular, it deals, in addition to pensions, family allowances and social minimums, such as the RSA, the Disabled Adult Allowance (AAH) and scholarships for students based on social criteria.
• Extended 18 cent fuel discount
Initially supposed to end on July 31, the discount on the 18-cent pump effective April 1 has been extended by decree until August 31.
In fact, this discount will apply for longer than expected. As part of the examination of the reform project, the deputies voted last week to increase it to 30 cents per liter in September and October. This aid should be reduced to 10 cents per liter in November and December.
• End of the health emergency
The Parliament definitively approved on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, in a final vote of the Senate, a health bill that ends the state of health emergency and ratifies the end of the exceptional measures against Covid, as of August 1 . Therefore, sanitary measures such as confinement or curfew, the sanitary pass or the obligation to wear a mask can no longer be applied.
However, travelers over the age of 12 from abroad may be asked to test negative. This test may also be required for travel between mainland France and overseas territories. Proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 may not be required.
• Tax refund and opening of the online correction service
If the first refunds were made on July 21, some taxpayers will receive a payment from the tax authorities on August 2. Those who are entitled to the refund of bonuses or tax credits for certain expenses incurred in 2021 (donations, home employment, child care, etc.) and those whose withholdings, made throughout the last year, have been higher than the amount end of tax calculated based on 2021 tax return.
It should also be noted that taxpayers who want to correct an error or omission in their return completed in the spring will be able to do so through the online correction service that should open on August 3 on the tax site.
• Back-to-school subsidy payment
Like every year, the Back to School Grant will be paid automatically (means-tested) in mid-August. In 2022, its amount will increase by 4%, as will the rest of the benefits.
• Advertising ban on fossil fuels
According to a draft decree resulting from the climate and resilience law, the advertising of fossil fuels will be prohibited from August 22 (with the exception of gas, which benefits from a one-year suspension). Specifically, a large retailer will no longer be able to promote a “fuel at cost price” operation. What Michel-Edouard Leclerc has repeatedly denounced.
“I find it inappropriate to apply this measure when fuel operations are in favor of preserving purchasing power and fuel prices have never been higher. If we no longer have the right to ‘inform consumers of the implementation of fuel operations, they will not know’. that exist and will not benefit from them… they will no longer exist!”, declared in particular the head of the Leclerc centers.
• Freezing of rents for thermal screens
While rent increases have been capped at 3.5% for a year, thermal filter rents will be frozen from August 25. In fact, the climate and resiliency law prohibits on this date any rent increase for properties rated F and G in the energy performance diagnosis (EPD).
Source: BFM TV
