From February 1, new things will enter the daily lives of the French.
Whether it concerns new deadlines or the entry into force of certain measures voted at the end of the year, we take stock of the changes to come.
Rising electricity prices
On January 21, the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire announced an increase in electricity prices, Bercy recalls on its site.
It will be 9.8% for peak/off-peak rates and 8.6% for base rates.
This increase comes as part of a gradual end to the price shield put in place by the government.
9.3 million French people for the regulated rate and 10.6 million people for the basic rate will see their bill increase next month.
Revaluation of the minimum compensation for internships
The minimum bonus granted to pupils and students on internships of two months or more increases by 7% in 2024. From February, the internship compensation will be increased from 4.05 to 4.35 euros per hour.
For a full-time internship, this represents an increase of 40 to 50 euros per month, notes the Public Service website.
3% increase on tolls
Toll rates will increase by a maximum of 3% this February 1, states the Ministry of Transport in a document consulted by AFP.
The main motorway concessionaire, Vinci, indicates that this increase will not exceed 2.79% on its 4,443 km network, which is less than inflation.
But certain axes, such as the Mont-Blanc tunnel, the A6 Duplex, the A150 between Rouen and Le Havre, the A79 in Allier or the Millau Viaduct will see their prices increase by 4 to 5.8%. .
“Toll rate increases are mainly determined by inflation,” notes the Vinci company.
Entry into force of the Digital Service Act
On February 17, the Digital Service Act - European regulation on digital services aimed at protecting European consumers on online marketplaces, will come into force for all platforms.
Also read: Fake news, harassment, porn: 5 minutes to understand how the DSA will regulate the Web
Concretely, the emphasis is placed on transparency in terms of general conditions of use of websites, the facilitation of complaints, the fight against illegal content, the regulation of advertising or even the clarification of the rules on the operation of algorithms and content moderation.
Potential drop in gas prices
If regulated prices no longer exist since July 2023, benchmark prices can serve as an indicator.
In France, 12 million homes heat with gas, and the new benchmark prices set by the Energy Regularization Commission seem to be moving towards a reduction in gas prices.
For gas consumption intended for cooking, hot water and heating, a consumer's variable share (excluding tax) decreases by €9.16/MWh.
Furthermore, the variable portion (all taxes included) decreases by €11/MWh compared to the month of January.
Social net amount for the activity bonus and the RSA
Displayed since January 2024 on all pay slips, the Social Net Amount now serves as a reference.
From February 1, notes the government website, this value will have to be entered for any request relating to the Activity Bonus and the RSA.
#SocialNetAmount |
Since January 2024, the social net amount has been displayed on all pay slips and will appear on benefit statements during 2024. From February 1, it must be used for procedures in order to benefit from the Activity Bonus and the RSA ⤵️
— Ministry of Solidarity (@Solidarite_gouv) January 18, 2024
The Social Net Amount began to appear on pay slips last summer, and aims to fight against non-recourse to the right.
Read also Against the non-recourse to social assistance, the lucrative business of simulators
Reduction in the LEP remuneration rate
As of February 1, the rate of remuneration of the Popular Savings Booklet goes from 6 to 5%, indicates the website of the Ministry of the Economy.
With this new rate, a LEP will bring in 250 euros between February and August for an outstanding amount of 10,000 euros (ceiling).
The remuneration of the popular savings account should have fallen to 4.4% on February 1.
I decided, with the governor of the Banque de France, to give a helping hand by setting the remuneration at 5%.
This is an exceptional rate on the savings market and it is significantly more than…
— Bruno Le Maire (@BrunoLeMaire) January 15, 2024
Intended for low-income earners, the Popular Savings Account allows taxpayers to invest income while maintaining their purchasing power.
The Livret A rate will also be maintained at 3% until 2025.
Inheritance law: the simplified process
The process of accessing inheritance tax will be simplified, reports the government on its website.
A decree passed on December 28 aims to reduce the response time of the public accountant to two months.
In the event of the death of a loved one, the payment credit at Bercy will be more accessible, in order to compensate for the financial difficulties that a disastrous event may represent.
Increase in the price of tobacco
Published in the Official Journal on January 16, a new decree increases certain references of tobacco-based products.
This is particularly the case for Dunhill cigarettes which go from 12 to 12.50 euros, the same goes for certain packs of Peter Stuyvesant and Vogue L'Originale.
This will also be the case for certain cigars, cigarillos or packs of rolling tobacco with increases ranging from 10 cents to 1 euro.
All references concerned are listed in a document published on the Customs website.