Beginning of the winter break, end of terrace extensions in Paris or even a freeze in gas prices … Point by point, franceinfo will give you details of the news from this Monday, November 1st.
Gas prices are frozen
Gas prices should have increased by around 15%. But Prime Minister Jean Castex announced at the end of September “a tariff shield” with the blocking of the regulated gas tariff to respond to the general surge in energy prices. These prices, which had increased by 12.6% in October, must not move before the end of 2022.
On the other hand, the price of certain packs of cigarettes must increase by around ten cents.
The winter break begins
This is the first day of the winter break, which will run until March 31, 2022. This means that tenants can no longer be evicted from their homes.
The housing tax is also reduced by 30% for the 20% of households which are still liable to this tax. It will be permanently abolished for all in 2023.
Snow tires or chains are mandatory in the mountains
Motorists must equip their vehicles with snow tires or have snow chains in their boot in all mountainous areas of the country (Alps, Corsica, Massif Central, Jura Massif, Pyrenees, Vosges Massif).
The prefects of 47 departments had to establish the list of municipalities where this equipment becomes compulsory. In Cantal, Haute-Loire, Haute-Savoie or Puy-de-Dôme, the measure concerns the entire territory. In the Hautes-Pyrénées, 55 municipalities out of 469 are concerned, because they are located above 1000 meters above sea level.
On October 4, the Interior Ministry announced a season of tolerance for this year, explaining that breaches would not be “not sanctioned this winter”. Reports of police checks for alcohol or drug use on Waze-type apps are also restricted.
The ephemeral terraces in Paris, it’s over
Parisian bars and restaurants which had been able to extend their terraces on the sidewalks or parking spaces thanks to the Covid-19 to promote outdoor gatherings are asked to pack their bags. From Monday, these ephemeral terraces must officially disappear.
Psychological assistance for minors is extended
The “PsyEnfantAdo” device, which allows children aged 3 to 17 to consult a partner psychologist free of charge for ten sessions, has been extended.
It was launched in April to help children and adolescents suffering from various disorders or depression due to the Covid-19 crisis. It is supposed to be active until January 2022, according to the website of the Ministry of Health.
Pensions are revalued
Supplementary private pensions (Agirc-Arrco) are revalued by 1%. The point’s service value goes from 1.27 to 1.28 euros.
The lowest agricultural pensions are also increased, from 75% to 85% of the agricultural minimum wage.