Mallorca 16 – 22 March 2023 Issue 1967

THE summer Palma ­ New York flight connection by United Airlines will be launched on May 26.

This year the service has been brought forward one week and will run until the end of September given its popularity and demand in 2022, when it was first introduced.

Flights from Newark to Palma run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays landing at 9am, with return flights scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11am.

The Boeing 767 ­ 300 aircraft covering the route have a maximum of 214 seats ­ 30 in Business Class, 46 in Economy Plus and 138 in Economy.

Initial pre ­ season offers of flights for €500 are reportedly increasing due to high demand, with the lowest available prices now sitting at around €900.

According to travel agent association Aviba, bookings from Mallorca are on the rise while North American travellers are also increasingly interested in the connection.

Spokespeople for Aviba have also confirmed that package deals to New York are also selling well, with offers ranging from €1,500 to €1,800 for six nights in a threestar hotel, flights and connections included.

SPAIN’S government has finally announced that UK licence holders in the country will be able to exchange their driving licence for a Spanish one without taking an exam from Thursday, March 16.

The period to allow Brits already living in Spain to do this will be six months. Anyone moving to the country after March 16 will also be given six months.

Announced by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday, March 14, the news puts an end to travel misery for thousands of expats left in limbo after the Spanish government abruptly brought extensions allowing anyone who hadn’t exchanged their licence before December 31, 2020 to continue using their UK licence to an end last May.

Brits will now be able to ‘canjear’ (exchange) their

UK licence with the DGT for a Spanish one. Existing category permissions (for example, ability to drive heavy goods vehicles or motorbikes) will also be honoured.

Spanish living in the UK will similarly be able to exchange their licences under the agreement.

The government’s statement said: “The Council of Ministers has approved this Tuesday the agreement by which Spain and the United Kingdom will offer reciprocal recognition and exchange of driving licences as well as the exchange of information on traffic offences.”

The news means existing

traffic offence information will also be exchanged between the two countries.

Those wishing to exchange their licence can now contact the DGT directly to arrange an appointment to do so.

They will first need to check they have their relevant paperwork in order, including proof of residency, and take a short ‘psycho­physical’ test. This includes basic health tests (including eyesight, blood pressure) a psychological test and a mobility test.

THE Balearic Islands are the seventh top destination for budget­ friendly holidays in the world, according to a new study.

Online travel planner Loveholidays has drawn up the list of best affordable destinations with Tunisia in first place, where a seven­ night holiday averages around €650 per person including flights, hotels and transfers.

Bulgaria and Morocco come next, with weekly stays averaging €716 and €790 respectively, followed very closely by Malta with €800 and mainland Spain with €840.

Sixth place is for Italy, where visitors can enjoy a seven ­ day break for €848, with the Balearic Islands coming in seventh with €860 per person.

Image by Philip Pilosian/Shutterstock

Image by Video Media Studio Europe/Shutterstock

DRIVING LICENCE: UK holders can now exchange for a Spanish licence.

Credit: Yau Ming Low/Shutterstock.com

Taxi solutions ‘too late’

AN announcement by the Balearic Islands Government last week that the number of taxi licences will be increased ready for the summer has been met with shrugged shoulders by drivers in Mallorca.

The presidents of the island’s two taxi associations, Biel Moragues and Antoni Bauzá were quoted by a local news source as saying that the emergency measure to grant seasonal licences “is already unfeasible” and “should have been done at the end of last summer.”

According to the two spokespeople for the sector, the issue is not so much the procedures involved, but the actual logistics of getting more licensed cars on the roads, especially in Palma and Calvia, the two cities most affected by the taxi shortage last year.

The difficulties reportedly lie mainly with the installation of taximeters and appointments with the ITV (MOT) vehicle inspec­

THE gender pay gap between men and women has been dropping in the Balearic Islands since 2018 and currently sits at below 8.5 per cent.

A study by Ibestat shows that the Balearics, together with the Canary Islands, lead the ranking of Spanish regions with regards to closing the gap, which currently sits at half the national averageand shrinking each year.

This is partly explained by the fact that average earnings for men are lower than the Spanish average on the islands, while average earnings for women are higher.

The Ibestat report also shows that 50 per cent of the pay gap is due to wage differences per hour, while the remaining 50 per cent is down to greater difficulties for women to access full­time, year­round employment.

The good news is that the research only covers as far as the first half of 2022, ie before the new labour reform implemented by the Spanish government targeted temporary and part­time con­

Children and technology

Image by Christian Mueller/Shutterstock

tion service. A maximum of four meters can be installed per day, while waiting times for an ITV appointment ­ once the meter is installed ­ can be up to a month or more. A more efficient solution, they say, would be to remove the regulatory restrictions on the operation of taxi fleets.

Mind the gap

tracts ­ two issues that affect women more than men ­ so the gap is expected to al ­

ready be much smaller and to continue closing each year.

Airport bus is back

THE airport bus service to Calvia is set to be launched on April 1 ready for the holiday season.

Aerotib was first introduced in 2017, since when thousands of people have used the connection between Palma airport and Camp de Mar via Palmanova, Magalluf, Santa Ponsa, Peguera, Son Caliu and other major tourist hotspots.

The service will run until October 31, with the first bus leaving the airport at 8.15am and the last at 11.45pm, Monday to Sunday.

Return journeys take place from the different resorts and are direct to the airport, ie the service cannot be used to travel to intermediate stops.

Tickets can be bought on board or online in advance at a discount. The price of a ticket between the airport and Palmanova, Magalluf or Santa Ponsa is €4 online or €6.75 on the bus.

Visit the Transports de les Illes Balears (TIB) website tib.org for further information and to book tickets (available in English, search for ‘Route A11’).

IS the use of computers and smartphones good or bad for children?

A team of professors of seven different fields from the Balearic Islands University (UIB) took part in the study, including IT, education, medicine and psychology, and found that children currently spend an average of four hours a day connected to these devices outside of school and up to 71 per cent use them during mealtimes.

While the experts report that screens are not dangerous per se, the risk comes when users neglect other activities such as meeting friends, sport or studying in order to spend more time online.

Recent scientific studies have revealed that the excessive use of computers, smartphones and tablets among children can have a negative impact on five basic cognitive processes, namely perception, attention, memory, language and thought.

Abuse can also eventually lead to psychological and psychiatric problems such as anxiety, anger, attention deficit or hyperactivity.

Spokespeople for the UIB team advise not banning children from using these devices, but instead showing them how to use them correctly, delaying smartphone use ideally until they are teenagers, and encouraging them to take part in other activities.

Number of taxi licences to be increased.

You’re nicked!

A YOUNG man has been sentenced to four months in prison for filming himself driving very dangerously through the Serra de Tramuntana at top speed in July 2022 and posting the footage on his social networks. He is shown crossing over into the oncoming lane and forcing other drivers to swerve out of the way.

Snow to sand

MALLORCA registered the highest March temperatures since 1981 at the weekend, encouraging hundreds to flock to the beaches just two weeks after Storm Juliette brought record snowfalls and temperatures of ­4°C. Friday night in Palma and Pollença was classed as ‘tropical’ with temperatures above 20°C.

Get to work

UNEMPLOYMENT continued dropping in Palma in February, with less people unemployed with regards to January and a whopping 25 per cent less compared to the same month in 2022. This is great news as this is usually the worst time for unemployment, between Christmas and the summer season.

School year

SCHOOL enrolment for children aged up to three years old for the 2023­2024 academic year began this week. Applications can be done online via the regional Education department websiteIEPI ­ or in person at their chosen school. Parents are advised to hurry, as enrolment closes on April 1.

Big brother

CONCERN arose this week that British tourists are being ‘spied on’ by the Spanish authorities. The National Statistics Institute is reportedly collecting data on where visitors to Mallorca come from, where they stay and for how long as part of a project to calculate tourism statistics this year.

THE Balearic Islands Government is leading a European drive to protect the posidonia oceanica.

Regional Environment councillor Miquel Mir was in Brussels last week to meet European Commission conservation chiefs and discuss a project to launch an EU­wide protection scheme for the highly valuable seaweed.

The project will involve 11 countries all along the Mediterranean and will be based on a series of protection drives launched in the Balearic Islands in recent years.

Sr Mir also called on governments to

THE Mallorca Island Council this week presented a project to create 7,000 free parking spaces throughout the island to encourage the use of public transport.

More specifically, the Infrastructure department will build 22 new car parks and renovate 16 existing ones located next to bus and train stops in 21 towns.

None of these will be in Palma, as the plan is to reduce the number of

get more involved in marine habitat protection, “especially in the Mediterranean, one of the parts of the world that is most suffering the effects of the

YOUR EWN HAS

climate emergency.”

Save the Posidonia Free parking

private vehicles entering the capital by enabling drivers to leave their cars for free and take public transport instead.

The new car parks will be built in Arta, Andratx, Bunyola, Calvia, Campos, Capdepera, Consell, Felanitx, Inca, Llucmajor, Manacor, Muro, Petra, sa Pobla, Pollença, Satanyi, Santa

Glass ceiling

THE so­called ‘glass ceiling’ for women in business persists in the Balearic Islands.

According to a report by the Informa D&B group entitled ‘Study on the presence of women in Spanish business’, only 24 per cent of companies based in the islands have at least 40 per cent of female directors on their managing boards.

The figure is almost identical to the national average for Spain, although in certain regions such as the Canary Islands, Asturias and Galicia, the figures are higher ­ up to 26.6 per cent.

Other parts of the country score much lower, such

as Melilla, where only 16.6 per cent of firms have a minimum of 40 per cent women directors.

The report also focuses on self­employed workers.

In the Balearics, up to 35.6 per cent of women are selfemployed ­ one of the lowest figures in Spain.

Regarding the main national companies on the Ibex 35 national stock exchange, the situation has improved gradually over the years.

In 2005 there were only 17 women directors, a mere 3 per cent of the total, with the figure increasing to 144 in 2021.

Posidonia oceanica, commonly known as Neptune grass or Mediterranean tapeweed, is a seagrass species that is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. It forms large underwater meadows that are an important part of the ecosystem and provide food and shelter for many species of fish and other animals.

The posidonia has a very high carbon absorption capacity, being able to soak up 15 times more carbon dioxide every year than a similar sized piece of the Amazon rainforest.

María, Soller, Marratxi, Sineu and Son Servera.

Of the nearly 7,000 estimated new parking spaces, more than 5,600 will be for cars and another 1,000 for motorbikes, mopeds and reduced mobility vehicles. They will also be equipped with 298 charging points for electric cars.

A card system will be set up to ensure that the spaces are only used by drivers who take the train or bus.

Protect

A PROJECT to improve the resistance of 125 hectares of forest land to climate change throughout the Balearic Islands has been made possible thanks to the EU’s Next Generation funds.

Regional Environment councillor Miquel Mir presented the plans in Alcudia this week, explaining that the project “aims to improve the resistance and resilience of forest masses to environmental disturbances and thus avoid the processes of degradation due to desertification and soil erosion, through actions to improve the vegetation cover,” adding that “at the same time, it seeks to multiply their CO2 capture capacity.”

The bulk of the project will take place in Mallorca, over 78 hectares in Alcudia, Arta, Calvia and Escorca.

Forest areas in the Mediterranean region, and specifically in the Balearic Islands, are particularly vul­

forests

nerable to the impacts of the current climate crisis. The consequences are very evident in the form of extreme meteorological phenomena, such as prolonged periods of drought, strong wind storms, large forest fires or extreme episodes such as the recent Storm Juliette, which can generate important processes of forest degradation.

STORIES IN THIS WEEK’S EDITION

THIS tourism season in Mallorca will be longer and free from overcrowding, according to Balearic Islands President Francina Armengol.

Speaking at the ITB travel fair in Berlin last week, the regional president highlighted the “wonderful moment” the area is going through thanks to eight years of progressive policies and her government’s project for a “regenerative” type of tourism based on environmental sustainability.

Sra Armengol added that the Balearic Islands is a “mature” destination that is working towards ensuring all­year­round tourism, and pointed out that the German travel sector is especially committed to environmentally sustainable travel.

The arrival of €60 million from the EU’s Next Generation funds are expected to further boost the sustainable transition of the islands, with many project proposals already being processed.

Even

The seagrass forms large meadows.

Image by Pommeyrol Vincent/Shutterstock

There are still not enough women on managing boards.

Lights, camera…

MALLORCA director Kane Kwik is currently competing at the Malaga film festival with a short movie about homosexuality. Reflections premiered at the event at the weekend to a great reception. It is a choral piece with very little dialogue and a narrated voice­over depicting “the feeling of betrayal to the family when you tell them that you’re gay,” in the director’s own words. Kwik, whose mother is English, explained that Reflections invites the audience to “reflect and draw their own conclusions about the LGTBI community”, adding that “it is almost more a film for those who are not members of it.”

In 2019, Kwik won the Cannes Lions, the most prestigious award in the field of audiovisual advertising.

Fighting obesity Help for house buyers

ANDRATX Council is set to launch a scheme to help first ­ time property buyers in the town.

The municipality is among the most expensive places to buy a house in Mallorca, which has prompted the town hall to launch a series of grants of up to €60,000 for properties costing a maximum of €280,000

and built over a maximum surface area of 130 square metres.

Mother’s Day

UK Mother’s Day is this Sunday, March 19, so don’t forget the flowers, chocolates and extra goodies for your mothers this weekend. Mother’s Day takes place on the fourth Sunday of March, exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday.

In the UK a Mother’s Day tradition is that of baking a simnel cake, a light fruit cake with two layers of marzipan. As Mother’s Day falls in between lent this is known and represents a relaxation fasting rules tarditionally also known as Refreshment Sunday.

If you are unsure on what colours to wear this Sunday green is known to represent the protective nature of mothers, while yellow alludes to an optimistic outlook towards life for children. Coincidentally the date for UK Mother’s Day this year is the same day as the Spanish Father’s Day. Spanish Mother’s Day is on May 7.

PROVERB OF THE WEEK

Andratx mayor Estefanía Gonzalo declared that the measure is aimed at benefiting existing residents so that they “do not have to leave the municipality due to the high prices for buying and selling homes.”

A points system will be introduced to assess applications for the grants, taking into account how long applicants have lived in the town and with higher scores for those who have been there the longest.

The scheme is expected to reach more residents than a previous aid package launched by the regional government, offering to cover 20 per cent of mortgages for first ­ time buyers of properties valued at less than €270,000 ­ a mere 5.2 per cent of all houses on sale in Andratx.

A TEAM from the Balearic Island University (UIB) is leading a European project to combat obesity. Entitled ‘HealthyW8’, investigators will work with children, young people and pensioners to find ways to solve a problem that is currently said to affect more than 30 per cent of the European population.

As well as the UIB team, the project features collaborators from Denmark, Italy, Germany, France, Holland, Portugal and Bulgaria.

‘HealthyW8’ is financed by the Horizon Europe programme with a total budget of €10 million, of which the UIB will obtain €579,000 to be managed by the Healthcare Investigation Institute of the Balearic Islands. The project aims to tackle obesity using digital technology and taking into account the personal context, environment, dietary preferences, physical condition and emotions of participants in the study.

Meaning that the voice is an amazing gift, both a privilege and a responsibility that should be used. The origin of this proverb is unknown but can be dated to back to the time of Shakespeare’s Othello, The Speeches and Silences of Women.

It will target the population groups most at risk of the disease, including schoolchildren aged five to 10 and their parents, young adults aged 18 to 25, and pensioners aged over 65. The study will be carried out over one year and is expected to start on June 1.

ANDRATX: One of the most expensive places to purchase.

Image by 360degreeAerial/Shutterstock

“A woman’s voice is meant to be heard, not silenced.”

Don’t forget the flowers.

Image Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock.com

Victory at Rally Clásico

LAST week’s Rally Clásico Isla de Mallorca will surely go down in history as one of the most exciting and successful editions yetnot least for British driver Seb Pérez, who claimed his third trophy in a nail­biting finish against Austrian rival Kris Rosenberger.

It had been many years since the winner of the Rally had not been decided until the last day, but that is what happened this year, with the leader changing after each stage. After dropping 13 points below Rosenberger in the

last day of the race and direct competitor and last year’s champion Feustel being forced to drop out

THE regional government this week announced plans to invest €41 million in creating new residential and day care vacancies for mental health and disability dependents.

Up to 19 projects have been approved to increase the number of available places in existing centres and build new ones throughout the islands. Plans include creating more than 220 new super­

due to breakdown, Pérez and his co­pilot Gary McElhinney managed to turn the race around and end

Day care places

vised housing vacancies, 230 extra places at day care centres and an extra 340 at occupational therapy centres, plus boosting cultural and leisure activities for dependant citizens. Most of these new facilities will be built in Mallorca, with seven projects approved in Palma, three in Inca and one each in Felanitx, Manacor

Flights rescheduled

GERMAN airlines and tour operators are debating whether to reschedule flights from Turkey to Mallorca.

the morning laps with a 3.5­second lead.

The Pérez/McElhinney team then sailed to victory on both the afternoon laps on board their Porsche 911 from 1976, earning their third top spot on the podium at the 19th edition of the Rally.

The record number of participants in this edition has been a great incentive ready for next year’s 20th edition of an event that has become deeply rooted in the Balearic Islands and has garnered high international prestige.

and Marratxí. This new investment, the largest of its kind ever approved on the islands, is added to a previous budget of €85m for new services for dependent elderly citizens in residential homes and day care centres. Balearic Islands President Francina Armengol also announced that an extra €3m have been set aside to build a new residential home for people with physical disability in Menorca.

Speaking at the ITB travel fair in Berlin, operators revealed that the recent earthquakes and the continuing ­ albeit fairly unlikely ­ threat from Russia are prompting airlines to look at safer destinations this summer.

But these fears are not just shared by the German travel sector. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is also said to be wary of trips to Turkey this year, according to a local Mallorca news source.Both the British and German markets are expected to recover losses from 2022 this year with traveller numbers returning to 2019 ­ ie preCovid ­ levels.

And Mallorca is top of the list, with a surge in reservation requests for hotel beds. This has prompted concern about how well the island’s hotels are prepared to meet the increased demand, as 2022 was already said to be a busier year than usual for visitors from other countries such as Italy and other parts of Spain.

In all, this is predicted to be a record year for tourism in Mallorca and the Balearic Islands in general.

Charity shop bargains

CALANOVA Cancer Care charity shop is currently holding a fantastic sale on all clothes and accessories for men and ladies.

Shoes, bags, hats, scarves, coats, jackets... all at only €1 each. Unbelievable absolute bargains to be found, simply amazing. You must come and look around!

Calanova Cancer Care charity shop is located at 354 Avenida Joan Miro, San Agustin, Palma. Open from 10.00am to 2pm Monday to Saturday.

Seb Pérez and co-pilot Gary McElhinney celebrate their victory.

Image by Rally Clásico Isla de Mallorca

Son Armadans has a facelift

HIGH­INCOME Scandinavian property buyers are the new majority foreign residents in the Son Armadans area of Palma.

Interest among property investors from northern Europe has gradually shifted away from Santa Catalina and the old town towards Son Armadans, Gomila and El Terreno.

Finnish promoter Bellver Park was the first to see the area’s potential, buying three abandoned properties in 2020 and building three 25home luxury developments that are nearly completed and already sold ­ mainly to Finnish and Swedish buyers.

Prices for the top storey homes are set at €2.4 million, with views over Bellver Castle and private rooftop swimming pools.

These developments are being welcomed as a chance to give the area, that used to be the summer holiday resort of the island’s wealthier residents, a much ­ needed facelift.

Stop that noise! Accidental discovery

A COURT in Mallorca has for the first time stopped a construction project due to complaints about the noise.

Two residents in the Son Vida urbanisation filed a complaint against Palma Town Hall for failing to control the noise caused by builders of two luxury houses in the area.

Private technicians employed by the residents performed volume tests and found that the work hit levels of over 90 decibels, far above the permitted limit under current noise pollution laws.

These readings were reported on 10 different days and times, starting at 8am and continuing until late in the afternoon.

However, the town hall claims to have sent in the Local Police to take measurements on four different days, and the officers reported that the work was being carried out with adequate machinery and within the per­

SWEET­TOOTHED Palma residents are in for a treat.

A circular, cream­filled croissant called the ‘New York roll’ that has taken the US by storm is now on sale at Maison Legrix cake shop in the city centre.

Originally called ‘Supreme’, the roll was first launched at Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery in New York in 2022,

mitted times.

Finally, a judge ruled that the excessively high volume levels were preventing the residents from leading a normal life and that their fundamental rights were being infringed, as well as their physical and mental well­being.

The complainants are not requesting financial compensation and only ask for the work to be halted until the developers present an acoustic report that falls

when it went viral on social networks and led to long queues of customers outside the shop looking to try the cake at $8 a go.

Its popularity continued to grow and the ‘New York roll’ can now be found all over the world ­ including Palma, where French confectioners Florence and Paul have renamed it the ‘Palma roll’.

within the municipal noise pollution laws.

RENOVATION work being carried out in s’Aigua square in Arta has uncovered a historic water deposit.

Council workers are currently in the second phase of a project to improve the town centre, and while they were excavating the town square discovered a 100­square­metre and 12­metre­high deposit split into two sections.

The last recorded references to the water deposit date back to 1792, although its exact size was unknown until now. It was buried during previous renovation work in 1923.

Spokespeople for Arta Town Hall have declared that there are no plans at present to make a special feature of the historic finding and that it will be covered over again once the municipal archaeologists carry out the necessary measurements and evaluations in order for the renovation project to continue according to plan.

In the meantime, the ancient remains have become a point of interest for residents and visitors alike, keen to discover what used to be the only drinking water source in many towns and villages throughout Spain.

These types of deposits work by collecting rainwater from building roofs through a system of pipes.

NO more than three cruise ships a day will be able to dock at Palma port this year and next.

Cruise ship restrictions

drawn up to prevent more than three ships from coinciding at any one time.

The regional government has signed an agreement with the main operators to reduce the number of liners with no daily exceptions, as was previously the case.

Tourism councillor Iago Negueruela met with cruise ship companies and sector authorities at a European summit in Paris this week, where the calendar of arrivals for 2023 was

Yummy!

Since launching their new creation less than a week ago, the owners of Maison Legrix have been stunned at the reception, revealing that it “sells out in five minutes” every day. They prepare two lots of 50 rolls a

Work is already well underway to close the calendar for 2024 and prevent a repetition of the situation reported in previous years, when more ships than those permitted tried to dock at the same time over the summer season.

The aim of limiting the arrival of cruise ships is to juggle environmental protection and business, at a time when the sector is looking for ways to become more sustainable.

day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, both of which lead to queues outside the shop, and report that they have full bookings three weeks in advance.

It was reportedly their teenage daughter who first told them about the cake after seeing it on TikTok.

CONSTRUCTION: Residents complained about the noise.

Image by KN/Shutterstock

Image by Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery/Facebook

Fighting climate change

LIMITING tourist numbers and reducing hotel vacancies by 40 per cent are just two of the proposals being suggested by the Mallorca Climate Assembly to tackle the climate emergency.

The association, formed by 60 local residents aged over 16, this week presented a list of 56 suggestions, of which both the Mallorca Island Council and the Balearic Islands government pledged to take on board at least 32.

One of the most striking proposals put forward by the Assembly is to limit numbers on beaches to prevent overcrowding, with priority given to residents.

Adapting forest management to the new

Repairing ‘the snake’

climate conditions, increasing the protection of marine reserves with faster detection and response systems for pollution, and increasing the number of green areas are also on the list.

Regarding CO2 emissions, the association suggests limiting flights and cruise ships and fining airlines when running at less than 85 per cent of their capacity.

Boosting public transport and gradually limiting car access to the busiest parts of the island was also among the most widely supported proposals.

For the full list of proposals visit assem bleapelclima.net

Juliette hits olive oil production

OLIVE oil production in Soller and Fornalutx is expected to drop this year by half due to the severe damage caused by Storm Juliette two weeks ago.

Spokespeople for the local farming cooperative lament that they were expecting a good haul this year with around 75 kilos per tree, which will now be reduced by at least 50 per cent.

The regional Agriculture department visited the affected crops this week to assess the situation and promised financial help for producers to compensate for their losses.

Mallorca Island Council has already reserved €1.5 million to pay for plot clearance and minor repairs.

Department sources reported that all olive tree plantations located 400 metres

above sea level and higher were affected by the record snowfall, adding that “they will have to be drastically cut back and production will take a long time to recover.”

In some plantations the trees have reportedly lost all their productive branches and will have to be regrafted, meaning it will be another 10 years until they can produce olives again.

REPAIR work has begun on Sa Calobra road after a delay caused by Storm Juliette two weeks ago.

The repairs were classed as urgent following a collapse of an embankment on February 7, which forced the local authorities to close the road to traffic with only residents allowed to pass.

Since then it has been reopened to vehicles of less than 10 tonnes, a restriction that will remain in place until work is completed due to technical and safety reasons.

According to Turismo Mallorca: “Hidden within the Sierra de Tramuntana, Sa Calobra

SPRING Festival

Port Adriano is back after several years on pause.

is one of the most spectacular roads in Spain and the world.”

Sa Calobra means ‘the snake’ in Catalan, name given due to its tight bends and the way it ‘snakes’ through the mountains.

It is also quite dangerous, as its 14 kilometres run above sharp drops with very few

barriers, no central line and a frequent traffic of cars, buses and bicycles.

The road was built in 1932 without the use of heavy machinery and is one of the main tourist attractions of Mallorca for drivers looking for an exhilarating experience that is not for the faint­hearted.

Welcome spring!

The event will be held on Saturday March 18 from 11am to 6pm and will feature numerous activities for the whole family, especially for the little ones, including workshops, performances, circuits, exhibitions, clowns, storytelling, Zumba and much more.

Admission to the event will cost €4 per person. All funds raised at the party will be donat­

ed to the NGO Educaclown.

We want to avoid the use of single­use plastics, so we ask attendees to bring a refillable bottle to the event for water consumption. We will have a water fountain provided by Cleanwave.org.

In addition, Cleanwave Education will also be offering a children’s yoga class, so remember to bring your mat if you want to take part.

For further information visit Port Adriano of Facebook.

SA CALOBRA: The road was closed to traffic.

Image by Prosign/Shutterstock

Setting up home in Mallorca is always a pleasure, whether you plan to live here permanently or enjoy regular visits. You may already have a check list of jobs as you settle into the island, but it is important to include reviewing your financial planning on that list.

Taxation in Spain

Tax residency in Spain is not just about day counting. You could be resident even if you do not live in Spain but your spouse and/or minor dependent children do, or if your centre of economic interests is here.

UK nationals also need to understand the UK Statutory Residence Test and make sure you apply the rules correctly.

Spain residents are liable for Spanish income, capital gains and wealth taxes on worldwide assets and subject to Spanish succession and gift tax rules, as well as annual reporting of assets. Establish how your wealth is affected by these taxes and what mitigation opportunities are available.

Income tax rates for Balearic Island residents currently range from 19% to 49.5%. Savings income benefits from lower rates, from 19% to

Setting up home in Mallorca? The financial essentials

pend on the beneficiary, where the deceased and the beneficiary are resident, and where the assets are located. Rates, allowances and exemptions vary per region, so seek advice from a local adviser to understand how your family will be affected.

By Cathal Rochford, Partner, Blevins Franks

tax, which generally hits those with worldwide assets worth over €1 million – there is a personal allowance of €700,000 plus up to €300,000 for a resident’s main home. The Balearics rates start at 0.28% and rise to 3.45% for wealth over €10,909,915.

You can often use compliant arrangements to lower taxes on investment income, assets, pensions and estate. Depending on your situation, you may be surprised at how much tax you can save.

Estate planning

Besides succession and gift tax, you also need to understand how Spanish succession law and its forced heirship regime will affect your family.

However, the EU succession regulation ‘Brussels IV enables foreign nationals to elect for the law of their country of nationality to apply.

ings and investments, the better. Make sure they are structured in the most suitable way for your new circumstances and objectives, taking your appetite for risk into account.

British expatriates need to think about currency. Once you are living in Mallorca and spending Euros daily, keeping savings in Sterling makes your income vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. Look for structures that let you diversify by holding investments in multiple currencies, with flexibility to choose the currency of withdrawals.

At the same time, you want them to be structured in the most tax efficient way for Spain, and to meet your estate planning wishes.

Pensions

Pensions are another key issue f to consider for your future in Mallorca. There are various options available

how they work for you and the Spanish tax implications. If you have not yet started drawing your pension, seek advice before you do.

Careful and early financial planning can help you make the most of what Mallorca has to offer. The sooner you carry out your tax and wealth management planning, the sooner you can relax and get on with enjoying your new life here. Crossborder wealth management is a complex area, so take specialist advice to secure the best results.

Tax rates, scope and reliefs may change. Any statements concerning taxation are based upon our understanding of current taxation laws and practices which are subject to change. Tax information has been summarised; an individual is advised to seek personalised advice.

Keep up to date on the financial issues that may affect you on the Blevins www.blevins

British Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott talks driving licences, the 90-day rule and embassy help

FOLLOWING the news that the Spanish government had finally given approval to an agreement allowing UK nationals to exchange their driving licences for Spanish ones, the Euro Weekly News interviewed British Ambassador to Spain Hugh Elliott for his take on events.

He told the EWN: “First of all, I want to say this has been a long process ­ far longer than anyone would have wanted ­ and it’s been really tough for people.

“I haven’t lived it personally but I’ve felt a little like I have because of how well people have expressed what this agreement has meant to them.

“It’s affected people very personally, very directly, and in no way do we underestimate that.”

Speaking about criticism over delays in the agreement process, the ambassador said: “We understand the criticism.

“There’s been a team in the embassy, the UK Department for Transport, and in the Spanish government working on this literally every day

for some time but sometimes these things sadly do just take longer than expected.”

The ambassador added that now the agreement is in place, it is imperative that expats get on with their licence exchanges.

He told the EWN : “Do get on, make an appointment with DGT, get your pyscho­physical test booked beforehand. If you need any help we can point you in the right direction. It’s important that people don’t think they can now forget about this.”

The ambassador also spoke to the EWN about any hopes to the much vilified 90/180 day rule.

While he was firm that there was no prospect of any changes to the rule in the near future, he revealed that the Spanish government still debate this issue internally.

He explained: “This is often raised with me by many visitors here and of course in the areas where there are a lot of Brits with second homes, especially in the Canary Islands and Costa del Sol.

“The Spanish realise they have a vested interest in helping Britons in Spain and there are elements of the Spanish authorities who realise it’s a win­win. There is currently no negotiation over this but it is still on the table and debated internally in the Spanish government.

“It’s important to be realistic though that there won’t be any change in the short term.”

The ambassador also explained

that in many other ways however Brexit, one of the most hotly­debated subjects among expats over the last seven years, hasn’t changed much about every day lives.

He said: “Because we actually left the EU at the same time we had Covid, it initially made significant changes to people’s lives.

“However, all sides from the outset were determined to protect people’s rights through the withdrawal agreement. And when issues ­ like driving licences ­ have come up we have tried to resolve them.

“In other ways though, a lot hasn’t changed. Tourism is still thriving and last year was a great year for Spain. There’s still a lot of movement and a lot of business.”

Beyond simple diplomacy however, the embassy also has another important role; helping Britons in need and pushing out accurate, up­todate information.

The Euro Weekly News spoke to the ambassador about how the embassy can get involved when people need it most, including in cases of

homelessness, lost passports, or simply on general information.

He said: “There are a number of ways we can help. Firstly through gov.uk and our Living In guides.

“However if people get into difficulty where they need help they should call our consulates. They will get pointed in the direction where they can find help.

“We will help as soon as we possibly can. We have an extensive team who can assist. Even if people just have a specific question about living in Spain then they can make a quick call to the consulate.”

The ambassador added that the embassy is soon to publish even more helpful information for expats.

He said: “We have commissioned Age in Spain to put together information to complement our Living In guide with tips about coming to Spain and this will be published soon.”

Ending his interview with this message, he said: “I really hope people are now able to be free to enjoy their lives in Spain.”

Barcelona to Amsterdam

THE launching of a new sleeper train project has been confirmed by the railway company, European Sleeper.

The company confirmed that: “European Sleeper is very proud to be part of this ambition of the European Commission.

“For the new Dutch­Belgian railway company, the train to Barcelona will be the second route after introducing the Brussels ­ Amsterdam ­ Berlin night train in May 2023.

“The Amsterdam ­ Barcelona night train will strongly improve Europe’s quality of northsouth rail connections. Even more so because one travels efficiently while asleep on the night train, and distances are reduced to just a night away.”

European Sleeper added: “On the way between Amsterdam and Barcelona, European Sleeper is planning to call at Rotterdam, Antwerp, Brussels and Lille (connection from

THROUGHOUT the month of February the price of rent in Spain rose by 0.4 per cent. This represents a year­onyear increase of 8.7 per cent and the highest price reached in Spain.

In the last quarter, the price has risen by 3.4 per cent while in the last year,

London) in the evening and Avignon, Montpellier, Perpignan, Figueras and Girona in the morning.

“European Sleeper aims to start the new night train between Amsterdam and Barcelona in the spring of 2025.

“As a first step, the European Commission will invite all applicants to discuss the pilot projects in detail, agree on potential ways to support them, and further detail the planning.”

Rental prices

the increase is 8.7 per cent.

Thirty­seven capital cities have experienced rises in the price of rented housing over the last month. The most pronounced increase was in

Huesca, where rents rose by 9.6 per cent, followed by Zamora (3.7 per cent), Jaen (3.3 per cent), Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (3.2 per cent) and A Coruña (3 per cent).

Leon is the capital in which the price of rent has fallen the most during the month of February (­1.9 per cent).

SLEEPER TRAIN: Planned for spring 2025.

British Ambassador, Hugh Elliott.

Image

Credit: LevanteEMV

Getting out more

MOVING to our rural community in Galicia, we were more of a curiosity than anything else.

Americans move to the Costa del Sol or the Costa Brava, not the geographical centre of the rainy Spanish province tucked up above Portugal. As far away from the capital, Madrid, as you can get. Let’s face it, where we live isn’t sexy. No one is in a bikini getting a suntan or enjoying a fruity beverage under an umbrella on the beach in midMarch. Where we live is a work ­ a ­ day placefilled with farmers and tradesmen. And tractors.

Everyone here knows everyone else except us. And they don’t need to broaden their circle, especially to include linguistically challenged Americans who dress weird and are always smiling, as Americans are known to do. So, we had to find another way in.

After we moved to the farm, Jeff and I decided we wanted a dog. Our neighbourhood dogs visit regularly, but we wanted one of our own. Finally, a shelter responded to my inquiry, and we adopted our new Labrador, Fergus. And I began walking him on the trails in the area, through villages, and into town.

Writing triumphs

At first, people were sceptical of the American woman and her little puppy. Then, they started to stop their chores to pet him. Soon, I began to recognise fellow dog walkers. I would get a tip of the cap or a barely discernible chin nod. Then, they would allow their dogs to interact with Fergus and chat.

Jeff and I were in town recently. A man smiled and nodded at me as we passed.

“Who’s the guy?” Jeff asked.

“Just one of my dogwalking friends. Fergus knows him.”

Jeff just laughed. But he really should get out more.

Age in Spain. www.ageinspain.org

Email: info@ageinspain.org - Tel: +34 932 209 741

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY might be over, but there’s still plenty to celebrate, because March is Women’s History Month!

For years, women have been left out of the literary world, but that is all changing now. This month, we are celebrating the trailblazing women who have fought against patriarchal systems and societal barriers to make their mark on the literary world.

Award­winning Jewish author Corie Adjmi knows the power of women’s writing. She describes it as an act of rebellion, advocacy, and empowerment. Through their words, women build empathy, understanding, and connection with readers. They guide, inspire, and influence conversations and outcomes, shaping the literary scene with their unique perspectives and voices. Thanks to the tireless efforts of feminist movements and the increasing recognition of women’s contributions, women authors are now breaking down barriers, shattering stereotypes, and paving the way for future gener­

ations of female writers. So this Women’s History Month, let’s raise a glass to these incredible women. It’s time to celebrate their triumphs and honour their contributions to the literary world. It’s time to read their works, listen to their voices, and amplify their messages.

Tragic race

A 21 ­ YEAR ­ OLD runner who died during a half marathon in Elche at the weekend was a Spanish soldier.

Fernando Ayala Collado collapsed when he crossed the finish line apparently due to a heart attack. After first being treated by the medical services at the race, he was taken by ambulance to Elche General Hospital, where he passed away shortly afterwards.

It is believed the tragedy was due to the unseasonably hot weather registered at the weekend, with temperatures close to 30ºC.

Elche mayor Carlos González expressed his condolences to the family of the young athlete and called on the municipal medical services to clarify the exact reasons for the accident “on a day on which the race was marked by a strong heat that made it harder than usual on a course with hardly any difficulties.”

March is Women’s History Month.

Jonathan Ross is back

JONATHAN ROSS will be back on the radio, after nearly 15 years since a scandal resulted in taking him off the air.

According to a news source, the star will be joining Classic FM in the UK as their new host for the show Saturday Night at the Movies.

Ross will be on air from 7pm to 9pm, to host his first radio show since he faced backlash after he last made an appearance on the Russell Brand show.

Both celebrities were criticised after they left ‘lewd messages’ on Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs’ answering machine.

The BBC had also faced a fine worth £150,000 (€169,000) by regulator Ofcom after the incident as Brand had to resign, while Ross, who was then hosting the Radio 2 show, was suspended for a period of three months.

Taking about his new show, Ross said, “If

you love film scores and want to revisit the classics, then I hope you’ll make it a date to join me at the movies on Classic FM every Saturday evening.”

UK flood damage bill

CLIMATE change affecting Britain over the next century could see annual damage caused by flooding to increase by more than a fifth.

There are certain floodprone homes and businesses that could be impacted unless global pledges to reduce carbon emissions are met.

And experts say, even if pledges are met, capping temperatures to a rise of 1.8 degrees Celsius, south Wales

and the south­ east and north­west of England are going to experience increases in flooding.

Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff and London are all highlighted on the University of Bristol ‘flood risk map’ created by researchers at the University and Fathom, a company that assesses climate risk.

They used information about terrain, river flow,

rainfall patterns and sea level to build a detailed picture of how much flood damage there would be to people’s homes and businesses across England, Scotland and Wales.

They combined this with Met Office climate predictions over the next century.

The Association of British Insurers says the annual cost of flood damage across the UK is £700 million.

Cannabis plants discovered

POLICE have seized cannabis plants worth an estimated value of £200,000 (€226,000) from a farm in the UK after the property was discovered.

The incident took place in a neighbourhood of Rochdale, as police teams received information that electricity was being bypassed at an address on Yorkshire Street.

After the officers arrived on the scene to investigate, the property was discovered and

upon further investigation a substantial cannabis farm was found.

A press release issued by

Greater Manchester Police said that “Officers discovered approximately 350 plants, spread over three floors, at different stages of cultivation.”

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing as officers gather evidence that might identify those responsible for the cannabis farm.

“This is a significant find and fantastic work by all of the teams who worked together to locate and dismantle the farm,” said Chief Inspector Trevor Harrison.

RADIO STAR: Is returning to the air.

UK FARM: Where a substantial cannabis farm was found.

Palma Boat Show in April

PALMA International

Boat Show takes place this year from Thursday, April 27 to Sunday, April 30.

It is one of the most important nautical events in the Mediterranean, kicking off the nautical season in style.

More than 60 per cent of the exhibitors who participated in the last edition of the Palma International Boat Show have already confirmed their presence this year.

More than 32,000 people visited the show in 2022, twice as many as in 2021, so organisers are encouraging all those interested to book their tickets as early as possible.

The Superyacht Village, formerly called the Palma Superyacht Show, features some of the finest 24m+ superyachts currently on the international brokerage and charter market.

Another huge attraction is the Village’s wide array of shore­side exhibitors, showcasing anything from the latest advancements in sail design to next­level marine electronics. The Superyacht Village also includes a dedicated Refit & Repair area that targets the yachting industry’s experts and professionals.

The last edition of the fair represented the event’s definitive recovery after the pandemic. It brought together 276 participating companies, 21 per cent more than the previous year, and 264 boats on display at sea.

For more information and tickets visit palmain ternationalboatshow.com

Classic Car Club Mallorca

THE next Car Run, entitled ‘Signs of Spring’, will be on Sunday March 26 and is being organised by Stan Hunter and Pam Gardner. The theme will be an observation one, where you will have to spot missing words from signs that you will encounter along the route.

The Car Run will be 70 kilometres long and will cover a number of scenic roads both south and north of Esporles. It should take approximately 90 minutes to complete, and there will be an opportunity to stop on the way for a coffee break.

We will be meeting again at the Son Bonet airfield at 10.30am, where there will be coffee and croissants available to purchase from the bar. The Car Run will start at 11am and finish at the familiar Lofthotel Canet Restaurant near Esporles, where there will be a delicious threecourse lunch.

The meal will start at 2pm and the menu will include a mix of tapas style starters followed by a choice of four main courses: entrecote, lomo con col, dorada a la plancha or vegetarian and

PORT ADRIANO celebrates the seventh edition of the AfterSun Market with proposals from brands and talents mainly from the Balearic Islands. This market takes place inside decorated maritime containers, creating an openair exhibition.

To this end, a call has been launched to select the 20 urban artists who will decorate these containers in 2023.

Proposals will be accepted until April 9. Sketches of the proposals should be sent in pdf or photograph, together with a short explanatory note and the artist’s CV to market ing@portadriano.com, indicating AfterSun Market in the subject line.

Each of the artists selected by the committee will receive a money prize from the organisation: €400 for threemetre containers and €600 for six­metre containers.

The selected projects will be part of a Street Art Circuit at the AfterSun Market, made up of a total of 20 containers that can be visited in Port Adriano during the last weekend of May and the first

Join

for dessert a gato de almendra with ice cream. The cost will be €35 per person for members and their co­pilot including food and water as well as a bottle of Rioja wine per four people, or a bottle of cava and coffee.

There will be an administration fee of €15 per car for non­members.

For further information and to book, visit cccmallorca.com, follow us on Facebook at ‘Classic Car Club Mallorca’, or email info@ccc­mallor ca.com

We look forward to welcoming you on March 26!

Calling all urban artists

three weeks of June.

In addition to the 20 containers decorated by urban artists and more than 20 brands of fashion, accessories and decoration, the event will also feature food trucks and

small performances. AfterSun Market is a permanent, 24hour exhibition.

For further information visit portadriano.com/even tos/aftersun­market (available in English).

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Norse god

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SCIENTISTS identified the oldest-known inscription naming the Norse god Odin on part of a gold disc found in western Denmark in 2020. Lisbeth Imer, an expert in runes at Copenhagen’s National Museum in Copenhagen, said this was clear evidence that Odin was worshipped as early as the fifth century.

THE NETHERLANDS

Chips chopped

THE Netherlands confirmed new controls on exporting equipment for manufacturing microchips, following the US in preventing China from accessing specialised machinery. The government also wants to ensure that Dutch technology was not used in military systems or weapons of mass destruction, the Foreign Trade Minister said.

BELGIUM

Clergy lurgy

CATHOLICS criticised a 60-page booklet published in Belgium which argued that to abolish clericalism, “we must abolish the clergy.” It was written by nine people associated with the diocese of Liege, two of whom were priests, who declared it was time to “return the initiative to the communities.”

GERMANY

Fair dos

BERLIN’S outdoor and covered pools now allow women to swim topless following a complaint to the ombudsman. The Justice and Antidiscrimination department announced that establishments would apply regulations fairly, creating equal rights for all Berliners “whether male, female or non-binary.”

FRANCE

Bird flu

AFTER three foxes were found dead in a nature reserve in Meaux near Paris where gulls had died from highly contagious bird flu, one of the animals which was collected and tested was later found to have the disease. The virus also infected a cat in France in late December.

NORWAY

Don’t drive

BERGEN in Norway will inaugurate a 2.9kilometre pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under the Lovstakken mountains on April 19. Linking the Fyllingsdalen and Mindemyren residential areas, the world’s longest purposebuilt tunnel of its kinds aims to encourage the public to walk or cycle instead of driving.

FINLAND

New life

FINLAND’S Immigration Service updated regulations regarding asylum applications submitted by Afghans and will grant refugee status to all women and girls. After the Taliban came to power the position of women in Afghanistan had deteriorated significantly along with their rights and freedoms, the government said.

IRELAND

Flower power

MORE than half of Ireland's native plants have declined in range and abundance, the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) found. In contrast, 80 per cent of species that were introduced since 1500 have increased and in some cases, like Himalayan Balsam and rhododendron, overwhelmed native plants.

ITALY

Spy snared

AN Italian military court recommended a life sentence for Walter Biot, 56, a naval captain accused of passing documents to Russia for cash. After a police swoop in Rome, Biot was arrested and charged with accepting €5,000 for classified NATO documents while two Russian diplomats were expelled.

PORTUGAL Big profits

PORTUGAL’S Food Safety Authority (ASAE) detected huge profit margins on basic food products on sale in the country’s supermarkets. These ranged from between 20 and 30 per cent for sugar, up to 50 per cent on eggs, oranges and carrots, and more than 50 per cent for onions.

UKRAINE

Donated cars

UKRAINE is receiving vehicles that the Latvian authorities confiscated from drunk drivers under a scheme introduced to assist the war effort. The cars were delivered to the Agendum group which delivered 900 donated vehicles to Ukraine’s devastated cities and frontlines in the first three months of the war.

SWEDEN

Pandemic riddle

THE number of overweight children in Sweden increased during the pandemic, a statistic that baffled Professor of Food Studies, Paulina Nowicka at Uppsala University. “Given that Sweden was one of the countries that did not have a lockdown during the pandemic, this increase is startling,” she said.

BUSINESS EXTRA Not flexible FINANCE

Driving force

UK car sales recovered further in February for the seventh consecutive month as registrations rose by 26 per cent with electric vehicles and plug­in hybrids accounting for almost a quarter of new models. Last month’s 77,441 registrations were only 6.5 per cent lower than pre­pandemic levels.

Pampered dogs

PET CARE company Artero, which specialises in dog grooming and cosmetics, had a turnover of more than €20 million last year, compared with €8.5 million in 2018, a 150 per cent increase. The group, which sells in 90 countries, now has plans to open subsidiaries in the UK and France.

Naughty step

TONY DANKER, who heads the Confederation of British Industries, took time out during an investigation into his conduct at work involving a female employee. The CBI said it took all matters of workplace conduct “extremely seriously” but declined to comment until the review was complete.

Serve yourself

SPAIN has 1,900 petrol selfservice petrol stations, accounting for just over 18 per cent of the total. This 49 per cent increase between March 2021 and January 2023 was accompanied by lower running costs, resulting in more competitive prices, said Aesae, the association representing the sector.

Fashion fiasco

MANCHESTER’S online fashion group In The Style is selling out to private equity group Baaj Capital for £1.2 million (€1.34 million) two years after it was listed on the stock market with a value of £105 million (€117.82). The company said the sale was necessary to avoid administration.

was paid out in dividends to the holders of stocks and shares in companies listed on Spain’s Stock Exchange in 2022, an increase of 32 per cent on 2021.

Not without a struggle

Linda

Hall

SPAIN’S government is looking to prevent multinational Ferrovial from moving its headquarters to the Netherlands.

Ministers believe it could be possible to use anti­takeover legislation to halt the planned merger between Ferrovial’s Madrid­based parent company and Ferrovial International, its Dutch subsidiary.

This law was introduced in early 2020 to protect foreign companies from snapping up strategic Spanish businesses as shares plummeted owing to Covid lockdowns and restrictions.

The law, extended last December, will be in force until the end of 2024

THE decision to close the UK’s Taxpayer Protection Taskforce could involve the loss of up to £5.1 billion (€5.7 billion) for taxpayers.

The £100 million (€112.3 million) taskforce was created to combat fraud in the Covid­19 financial support schemes that were administered by His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during the pandemic. More than 1,000 employees were assigned to focusing on recouping fraudulent and faulty claims.

A cross­party parliamentary committee voiced concerns on March 8 that HMRC’s plans to close the taskforce would now result in paying insufficient atten­

Grifols doubt

GRIFOLS CEO Steven F Mayer’s surprise resignation has disconcerted shareholders.

Mayer resigned from the pharmaceutical company that specialises in plasma­derived medicines at the end of February, citing “personal motives” five months after taking over.

This coincided with the presentation of the Barcelonabased multinational’s savings plan, created to demonstrate commitment to tackling its share price crisis and the €9 billion debt dogging the company since the pandemic.

Tactics include laying off 8.5 per cent of Grifols’ global workforce and measures aimed at saving an annual €400 million.

and legal experts are currently analysing whether activating it would require explicit Cabinet authorisation.

Nadia Calviño, vice­president and Minister for Economic Affairs pointed out on hearing Ferrovial’s announcement that the highly profitable con­

struction and services company had founded its fortune on public sector infrastructure contracts. During Pedro Sanchez’s time as president alone, Ferrovial was awarded €1 billion in contracts.

Calviño stressed that Ferrovial could not be “punished” via contracts but inside the construction sector the feeling is growing that the company would not be the best ally in coming months.

This was the opinion of the director general of a company listed on Spain Ibex­35. Many of the infrastructure giants would think twice before joining Ferrovial on big contracts, he said. Another agreed that at present, Ferrovial would not be the “best of companions” on short­term joint ventures.

Covid billions lost

“It would be unacceptable for HMRC to write off such a large amount of taxpayer’s money,” the committee claimed. “Too many companies claimed that shouldn’t have and now won’t give it back,” said Dame Meg Hillier, the committee’s Labour chairwoman.

GOLD is a traditional standby providing protection against uncertainty and inflation although prices can experience intense fluctuations, experts warned.

“I wouldn’t recommend this type of investment for someone wanting short term returns,” financial adviser Victor Alvargonzalez said.

Gold shot up at the start of the pandemic and the beginning of the Ukraine war but tumbled between March and October 2022. An ounce of gold fetched $1,824 (€1,728) in February, 11 per cent below the maximum of $2,067 (€1,958) it reached in early August, Alvargonzalez said.

“Gold isn’t meant for speculation, it’s more of a strategic investment,” added market analyst Javier Molina.

Rising sales

GREGGS will open 150 new shops and trial 24­hour drivethrough outlets after a rise in sales and profits despite increased overheads.

tion to chasing up the billions of public money lost.

The committee learnt that HMRC estimated that between £2 and £5.1 billion (€2.6 and €5.7 billion) of spurious claims have been made to the furlough scheme for

company workers, the support programme for the selfemployed and the ‘Eat Out to help out’ meal subsidy plan.

This was unlikely to have been recovered by 2023­24, the committee found.

Caixabank says no

CAIXABANK intends to lodge a formal challenge against Spain’s 4.8 per cent windfall tax.

The bank joins other Spanish lenders in objecting to the temporary tax announced by the government in December to finance the €6 billion measures introduced to counteract the cost of living crisis.

The group ­ in which Spain’s government still has a holding of just over 16 per cent via the 2009 Bank Restructuring Fund (FROB)has described the tax as “discriminatory, confiscatory and distorting market competition within the eurozone.”

Instead of settling the first advance payment of the windfall tax on net profits of more than €800 million due in February, Caixabank has opted to contest the levy.

Sabadell, Bankinter, Abanca and Kutxabank have joined, or will join, Cataloniabased CaixaBank in appealing against the tax.

HMRC said in January that the taskforce “has not given value for money” and announced it intended to close the unit in September 2023. The taskforce is likely to recoup between £525 and £625 million (€589.5 and €701.8 million).

Punishment

CONSULTANCY firm PwC was fined £7.5 million (€8.4 million) for serious breaches while auditing the accounts of engineering company Babcock.

These included faking evidence related to a sensitive government contract, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said, adding that it found infringements in every area of Babcock’s 2017 and 2018 accounts that were investigated. The independent regulator for the UK and Ireland maintained that PwC “repeatedly” failed to challenge management, gather sufficient evidence to confirm financial statements, or follow basic audit requirements. PwC’s succession of failures meant there was a risk that mistakes or misstatements in Babcock’s financial accounts could have been overlooked, the FRC said.

The chain renowned for its sausage rolls announced plans to resite 40 shops in larger premises and refurbish another 150 stores this year, as demand for its products remained buoyant, notwithstanding the cost of living crisis.

The London Stock Exchangelisted company reported that sales had risen by 23 per cent to £1.5 billion (€1.68 billion) in 2022, with pre­tax profits 1.9 per cent higher at £148 million (€166 million).

Tickets hiked

RAIL fares in Britain have experienced the largest increase in more than a decade despite record levels of poor timetable reliability.

Fares in England and Wales rose by up to 5.9 per cent on average, adding hundreds of pounds to the outlay for most annual season tickets, consumer groups said. The annual rise was the largest since the 6.1 per cent hike across the country that was announced in 2012.

Britain’s Rail minister Huw Merriman justified the increase which he maintained was “well below” inflation.

NADIA CALVIÑO: Economy Minister looking for ways to halt Ferrovial’s exit.

COVID SCHEME: HMRC admitted it received billions of false claims.

Photo credit: Moncloa Pool Photo credit: photopublishing.service.gov.uk

DOW JONES

BUSINESS EXTRA

Keep warm

THE National Grid put backup coal­fired power stations into action for the first time this winter as low winds reduced windfarm output and Britain prepared for the coldest night of the year. Two units at the West Burton plant (Nottinghamshire) began producing power on March 7 to meet the expected demand.

Passive ads

THE National High Court in Madrid pronounced broadcaster Atresmedia guilty of passive advertising by naming El Corte Ingles while promoting AtresPlayer Premium Subscriptions on January 2, 2022. The court confirmed Atresmedia’s €183,220 fine imposed by Spain’s National Markets and Competition Commission.

Not worth it

FEW childcare places and expensive nurseries are prompting mothers to question whether it is worth returning to work. Only 48 per cent of local authorities in England have sufficient childcare places to meet the demand of parents working full­time, compared with 59 per cent in 2022.

Stop and go

RENFE president Raul Blanco announced that Avlo low­cost trains will stop at all stations on Spain’s highspeed routes, while Renfe’s AVEs would make no stops at all or only in principal cities. Blanco confirmed that Avlos would eventually cover all AVE routes once the trains were available.

Pay ruse

PRET A MANGER will give staff their third pay rise in 12 months, following other firms including Tesco, in boosting wages to offset the labour shortage. The company said the rise, which begins in April, amounts to a 19 per cent increase in year­onyear pay for staff.

Wary EU suppliers

Linda Hall

TENSE EU relations are affecting the British economy, warned manufacturers’ group Make UK.

As the bloc’s suppliers grew more cautious about doing business with post­Brexit Britain, the trade body warned that the UK is lagging behind its peers and called for an urgent readjustment of political and trading relationships.

A survey of more than 100 leading industrial companies revealed that practically half said their EU suppliers had become more wary about doing business in Britain.

Almost a fifth had reduced

the number of their suppliers from the EU over the last year while the report revealed damage to the UK’s image and trading relationships was not limited to the EU. Suppliers from elsewhere were also

guarded about Britain, 35 per cent of firms agreed.

Speaking at Make UK’s national conference, its chief executive Stephen Phipson said the survey highlighted the need to build stronger post­

Upkeep blow

Brexit relations with Europe.

“We need to reset our political and trading relationship with the EU which has been marked by such rancour,” Phipson declared.

While applauding the British government’s positive approach, he also called for further progress after the Windsor Framework deal in Northern Ireland.

Prior to the Make UK conference, members had said that more than 40 per cent of manufacturers thought that last year’s political upheavals had damaged the UK’s image regarding direct investment, Phipson added.

Ethical diamonds in Trujillo

CALIFORNIAN company Diamond Foundry will open its second laboratorygrown diamond production factory in Trujillo, (Extremadura).

The 30,000­square metre plant’s 144 plasma reactors will start producing singlecrystal diamond chips in 2024, with total production eventually reaching 10 million carats.

While the plant will focus on producing industrial diamonds that can be used for semiconductors, it will also create traditional synthetic diamonds suitable for jewellery.

Martin Roscheisen, CEO of Diamond Foundry ­ one of whose principal shareholders is Leonardo Di Caprio ­ laid the symbolic foundation stone at a ceremony attended by the regional and local authorities as well as Territorial Policies minister, Isabel Rodriguez.

The Trujillo plant will cost a total of €245 million, €120 million of which has been provided by the Ministry of Industry’s Industrial Support Fund (FAIIP) with another €81 million provided by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The factory will be one of the world’s first industrial projects powered entirely by solar electricity which will be provided by a nearby 120­megawatt, 700­acre

MORRISONS have warned at least 83 property maintenance suppliers that their services are no longer required, endangering around 1,000 jobs.

The debt­laden supermarket chain, taken over in October 2021 by US private equity group Clayton Dubilier & Rice, will switch to a single provider for repairs and upkeep. Morrisons is also likely to lay off roughly 50 office staff who handle maintenance in Bradford and other locations.

The suppliers said they were warned their contracts might come to an end during a short video call in which they had not been able to ask questions.

Dual listing

solar energy plant supported by battery storage. This will be built in partnership with Spain’s leading solarpower provider, Powen.

Vitally important from Trujillo’s point of view, the factory will also provide 300 direct jobs, Extremadura’s regional president Guillermo Fernandez Vara said.

Abengoa solution

COX ENERGY GROUP presented an offer of €564 million to acquire all business areas of the Spanish energy and infrastructure company Abengoa.

The Spanish multinational, which specialises in energy transmission and distribution, has been in financial crisis since 2014 when its shares plummeted by 50 per cent.

Cox Energy, which is based in Mexico City and is present in Latin America and Spain, has indicated its willingness to as­

sume Abengoa’s €206 million of debt and guarantees for outstanding projects.

In addition, it would take on the engineering firm’s project financing debt of a further €252 million, as well as €22.8 million in outstanding Social Security quota, while guaranteeing payment of 100 per cent of Abengoa’s privileged credits.

A Cox Energy communique also pointed out that its offer guaranteed 9,500 jobs and would allow Abengoa to maintain its headquarters in Sevilla.

Ocado takes on Tesco

OCADO is now price­matching 10,000 Tesco items.

The online grocer’s announcement came as the company reported losses of more than £500 million (€561.6 million) in 2022.

Food prices began to surge last year after the war in Ukraine sparked a huge rise in energy costs and at the same time disrupted imported supplies of grain, vegetable oil and fertiliser. While prices at all supermar­

kets have risen during this time, the big chains are now in fierce competition to maintain their share of the market.

Ocado has price­matched Tesco in the past but had not done so recently. However, on March 1 it began comparing prices with 10,000 ‘like­for­like’ products on Tesco’s website and will give customers money off their next shop if their order would have been cheaper at Tesco.

SPAIN’S National Securities Market (CNMV) is analysing possible limitations for Spanish companies wishing to list securities in Spain and the US.

Rodrigo Buenaventura, CNMV president, explained that “numerous” Spanish companies traded on US stock exchanges via the American Depositary Shares (ADR) system of certificates deposited with a US bank.

“Some indexes, like Nasdaq, admit ADRs,” Buenaventura said. “Others, no.”

He stated that until now the CNMV has not received enquiries regarding the hypothetical difficulties cited by Ferrovial in listing a Spanish company in the US while registering shares in Spain.

Go ahead now

GOVERNMENT advisers want ministers to take control of the UK’s renewable energy system.

They needed to remove planning permission obstacles for Britain to meet net­zero goals, Chris Stark, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, explained.

The existing planning regime prevented construction of onshore windfarms despite official promises to remove barriers which, together with lack of investment, were delaying construction of connections to the national grid, Stark warned.

“It would be an enormous mistake to wait until the next general election to introduce new ambitious policy,” he added.

LONDON’S SILVERTOWN: Manufacturers aware of EU suppliers’ caution.

SYNTHETIC DIAMONDS: Guillermo Fernandez Vara welcomes synthetic diamond plant.

Photo credit: juntaex.es

LEAPY LEE SAYS IT

OTHERS THINK IT

TOLD you the left would never ease up hacking away at its rivals for the next year or so; how right I was. Still fully in league with the Union bosses, most strikes are still being kept rampant.

Pandemic errors, including drinks at ‘Drowning’ street and dodgy WhatsApp messages are still at the forefront. In fact the whole well foreseeable onslaught is positively nonstop.

Starmer is so convinced he will be the next prime minister, his speeches (which you notice keep getting extensive left wing media coverage) are absolutely crammed with the ingenious and (apparently) welcome ideas to get everyone out of trouble.

A veritable multitude of the ‘brilliant well­conceived steps’ his party has planned when they sweep into power.

His own pandemic soirees have of course conveniently been swept under the media carpet. It is actually so easy to rummage around other people’s problems and pronounce

Told you so

liberally what you would do to put everything right. The human race does this all the time. I do it, you do it; opposing politicians do it. It’s a walk in the park to state how you ‘need action’ to improve the neighbors fence or put on extra buses.

It’s actually fixing the problems that prevent you from ultimately solving the problems ­ which truly produces the problems ­ and frankly Labour are coming up with just about a workable zilch in this direction. Interestingly, in a Party, which already includes over 50 per cent of female membership, (go for it gals!) they have announced the appointment of Sue Gray as Chief of Staff.

The job comes just 10 months after this veteran civil servant was the senior staff member who led the official enquiry into Party Gate, an investigation which undermined and ultimately led to the resignation of Boris Johnson. Who better to be rewarded with a place of prominence in a possibly newly elected government?

Well, not only do I think the

RIGHT DECISION? OUR VIEW

whole selection smells to high heaven, but is also a distinct flavour of things to come should they get into power.

To be quite honest I think Starmer comes over a bit weak and pretty easily dominated.

Hold tight Starmer, you may be in for a rough ride. Rayner is already licking her lips! She still has problems raising a smile.

Probably waiting to be posed on the steps of number 10. Personally I’m all in favour. Not of the left, but certainly putting the girls in charge.

History is full of female dominance. Amazons, Queens, Conquering Warriors, World Leaders, Ex Wives. In Africa whole tribes of female warriors have dominated large chunks of its warlike history. Now there’s an interesting thought! Come on girls. Let’s get it on. Chariots of fire an’ all that. You know you love it really.

Keep the Faith Love Leapy/ leapylee2002@gmail.com expatradioscotland. Mon and Fri. 1pm till 4

FOLLOWING a week of dramatic twists and turns in the fate of Gary Lineker’s career at the BBC, the question now is; was putting him back on air ultimately the right decision?

The BBC ­ known worldwide for its emphasis on unbiased news ­ is one of the UK’s longest ­ running and best ­ known institutions. In turn, Gary Lineker is one of the nation’s best ­ loved former footballers.

His decision to tweet his opinion on the government’s rhetoric around the immigration crisis is, clearly, something that any individual should be free to do.

But should that individual then be able to keep their job ­ and, crucially, high salaryif they fail to play by their wage payer’s rules?

After a presenterless Match of the Day where all of Lineker’s colleagues refused to go on air without him, the BBC said they hadn’t backed down by resintating Linker and much was also made of the fact that he is a freelance presenter, not an employee.

However, despite Lineker’s doubtless good intentions over immigration, his desire to have both the cake (his wage and the fame the BBC gig brings him) and eat by disregarding what the BBC stands for.

LeapyLee’sopinionsarehisownandarenotnecessarilyrepresentativeofthoseofthepublishers,advertisersorsponsors.

NORAJOHNSON BREAKINGVIEWS

THE UK’s got on and off strikes all over the place, a government at war with itself, inflation through the roof, the NHS in meltdown, war in Europe, a vegetable shortage and nothing works any more. And don’t get me started on flippin’ potholes. Or those intense bearded chaps doing nine­course tasting menus from reconditioned barns, celebrating ‘nature’s bounty’.

And then we read that a restaurant in Mayfair is selling the most expensive tins of seafood money can buy: £31 for a can of tuna or cockles for £56. Not to mention the Michelin­starred Welsh restaurant, Ynyshir, with its £350 tasting menu lasting five hours. With reservations reportedly snapped up immediately, most diners stay the night in the restaurant’s attached rooms (from a further £145 a head).

My flabber’s never been so gasted!

Well, that’s all very well for the likes of Tristan and Jocasta Gallivant­Jodhpur, Jemima Moneybags­Cashpot and Sophia Excess­Capital, but what about the rest of us?

I know the difference between the haves and have­nots is a minor problem compared to world peace, reality TV and why the slow­

The Haves & Have-Nots

uncertain. These restaurants are known for offering an unparalleled culinary experience, using the finest ingredients, employing highly skilled chefs and staff, and providing a level of service that is unmatched in the hospitality industry.

But with rising costs and economic uncertainty, there are many who think twice before shelling out large sums of money on a single meal. In addition, the economic uncertainty brought on by the pandemic further exacerbated this issue, with many losing their jobs or experiencing a reduction in income.

There are some who warn that high­end Michelin restaurants must adapt in order to survive. This could involve reducing prices, offering more affordable options or finding ways to streamline operations to reduce costs.

pivoted to this model during the pandemic and did a brisk trade. By offering high­quality meals that can be enjoyed at home, they could reach a larger customer base and generate more revenue.

However, there are some who believe that such restaurants should not compromise one iota on quality or price, but instead focus on providing an even more exceptional dining experience in order to justify their sky­high prices. This could involve offering more innovative and unique dishes, sourcing even higher­quality ingredients, or providing an even higher level of service and attention to detail.

So, it’s hard to see how Tristan and Jocasta Gallivant­Jodhpur, Jemima Moneybags­Cashpot, Sophia Excess­Capital and their mates need worry. There’ll always be the Haves and Have­Nots in the world.

est van’s always in front of you, but that’s seemingly how things are now in the worldsic Ford Transit gloria mundi...

Admittedly, the future of high­end Michelin restaurants during a cost­of­living crisis is

One potential solution is to offer a more casual dining experience. Many of these restaurants have strict dress codes and reservation policies that can be intimidating for some diners. By offering a more relaxed atmosphere, they might be able to attract a wider clientele.

Another option is to focus on takeout and delivery options. A number of restaurants

PS. I am available to solve any of the world’s remaining problems, for a small fee. (#piousface).

Nora Johnson’s 11 critically acclaimed psychological crime thrillers (www.nora­john son.net) all available online including eBooks (€0.99; £0.99), Apple Books, audiobooks, paperbacks at Amazon etc. Profits to Cudeca cancer charity.

Helping you navigate the circle of strife

THEY do say that life comes round in cycles, and the team at Neater Heater are inclined to repeat a phrase that Derrick Trotter might say: “It’s Deja­vu all over again, Rodney.”

NEATER HEATER started life in the last cost of living crisis after the world’s economies were crashed by the banks in 2008. Primarily looking for ways to heat their kids’ bedrooms, Richard and Tony had both decided separately on electric heaters. However, when shopping around they had discovered that the ones on offer were either very expensive to buy, but not too expensive to run, or were very cheap to buy but cost a small fortune to run.

One thing they all had in common was that they were not very efficient. This story is told in detail on their website www.neatrheater.es but the gist is that through luck they discovered a Norwegian Convector heater that they could import at a reasonable cost and was cost effective to

run. It enabled them to heat a room for less money. It is not a magic solution, it is a solu tion borne of efficiency and effectiveness. It is like buying a more efficient car when petrol prices go through the roof.

your bills with a Neater Heater. They had a customer ­ let’s call him Geoff. Now Geoff had bought a couple of small oil filled

heaters from the ferreteria near him, but he wasn’t happy with them. He thought they were defective as his electrics frequently tripped when he was using them. He then called NEATER HEATER and told them the size of the rooms he wanted heating. Both small bedrooms at 9sqm. He was provided with two 600Watt heaters.

When fitting these heaters Tony and Richard looked at the small ferreteriabought heaters and saw that they were each 2,200 Watts. In total 4.4 kilowatts. Geoff said that they just about took the edge off the cold. (He also only had a 5kW allowance, so when he put the kettle on the electrics tripped). Anyway, his bedrooms are warmer now, his electrics no longer trip, and he is saving 3.2 kilowatts every hour! In fact, possibly more as NEATER HEATERS have thermostats to further reduce consumption.

NEATER HEATER ­ Letting your money go further.

Nora Johnson’s opinions are her own and are not necessarily representative of those of the publishers, advertisers or sponsors.

Nora’s latest thriller.

Noraistheauthorofpopularpsychological suspenseandcrimethrillersandafreelancejournalist.

What the universe has in store

HELLO my angels, the card I have pulled this week is ‘Play’ where we have been going through the changes of different vibrations. We are almost through to the other side, spring is approaching and this puts everyone in a better mood.

We should be starting to feel more positive and clearheaded as we are all heading in the right direction, this isn’t to say there are still bumps along the way, but this again is a test from the universe to ask us if we are ready for the next step, how is the manifestation going from last week?

You should have noticed some changes, even if they are small, keep going with it and the universe will keep showing you more ways, it’s time now for a bit of ‘me’ time, take yourself back to when you were younger, around about 20ish. Your whole life was ahead of you, again where you

were single and having fun, a young parent, or more on your career, it doesn’t matter.

You still had plans and goals set out in front of you, you had all the time in the world. Now I am not saying act like you are 20 years old again, or am I? Think about one time in your 20s where you felt free and happy.

Yes you might say, well if I knew then what I know now I might have done things differently.

However again everything happens for a reason so let’s not focus in the would or should or could haves, I bet you can find a time where you felt really happy laughing with your family or friends.

Take that moment and hold on to it, recreate that happiness in what ever you’re doing at the moment, because life is for living not just existing. Yes there are things in life that we have to take seriously, but when you feel happy and you come up against a problem, how do you react when it happens? A lot less negative because you were all ready on a

high vibration to begin with, and this in turn will help you with your journey of manifestation and getting in life what you’re on your path to do.

Now you can read this and think well I haven’t got time to be doing this or how is this going to help me? Well you do have time, this is just an excuse, your ego has told you, you can get up earlier like we have talked about before.

You can make time, there are 24 hours in a day, eight of those you sleep through, two or more are worries and anxieties, eight of those are working hours, two of them are travelling around, 2.5 hours are in your morning routine and evening routine, watching TV, chilling out, trying to switch off. So why can’t you spend 15 minutes or half an hour making some me time? It will better your life.

Write in and let me know how it is helping you change your mind set. Remember to set your little goals each day. You are doing an amazing job, keep going…

If you would like to know more or have a reading please go to my website to book your own personal private reading with myself you can find me on Instagram @theangelic.medium or visit my website. https://www.theangelicpsychicmedium.com sending lots of love, yours Emma.

My tarot card for this week is ‘Play, have fun, don’t be so serious’

Shoulder bag theft LETTERS

AS a resident of Spain for 35 years, 30 years as a CID officer in London and over 20 years working as a volunteer with the police in Fuengirola, assisting victims of crime, I know the crime rate is far lower here than in the UK, and intentional violent crime against members of the public extremely low.

The letter I believe gives a false impression. She does not say she was deliberately physically attacked. From my experience, it appears the 80­year­old lady was the victim of a bag snatch.

However she had a good quality shoulder bag, the strap of which did not break when it was snatched. The lady was pulled over with the force involved, banged her head and suffered a broken shoulder. The injuries she suffered were clearly not intended, albeit sadly serious.

John Carrington (80 years old)

No example

WE have just spent a week on Mallorca and picked up the last two copies of Euro Weekly Informative for the most part but horrified at the racialist tone of the Leapy Lee columns.

Our ‘non­white’ friends were clearly upset at the tone and implications of his writing. Our friends, like their parents, were born in the UK. How can it be they are not ‘an example of what the majority of UK districts represent’. Do we all have to look ‘white’ to represent our country?

The disclaimer you print under his column feels disingenuous. Freedom of speech yes, but publishing overtly discriminatory views should have no place here.

Joseph Williamson Sunderland

Driving rules

BILLY, Fuengirola, in a letter recently complained 70­year­olds renewing their Driving Licences will now be required to undergo a medical test every two years.

It appears Billy does not know that from one’s very first application for a DL in Spain, every renewal and exchange of a licence, one has always been required to pass a psychophysical examination at a Driver Recognition Centre.

For those 70 and over the test is free. So no big deal to ensure we are safe to drive

Elaine Gonzales (83 ­ year ­ old driver)

Hi team La Scala

ON behalf of our table of ladies I would like to thank and congratulate all the team at La Scala for putting on such an excellent day yesterday.

As usual the service we had from all your waiting staff was superb and the kitchen staff outdid themselves producing wonderful plates for so many diners.

We loved the decor and table gifts we received from Michel at Euro Weekly, and if you could please pass on our appreciation of such thoughtful words and flowers that would be great.

We enjoyed our little VIP booth and being able to see all what was happening around the room as well as having ringside seats for Johnny and the sax lady. It was particularly good to see all the beautiful clothes the models from Mapuchi Moda were wearing. A big thank you to Sara and her girls for adding hugely to the afternoon’s entertainment.

Finally to think enjoying ourselves so much could raise such a huge amount for Dementia Support was absolutely lovely to hear.

Thank you and Kind Regards

Jane Richardson

Hi Leapy,

I READ your recent column with a wry smile. I am a 6ft former prop forward and no softie having been married to my lovely wife for 30 years. We still kiss numerous times a day and hold hands at all times while out and about.

She recognises what you said about the present range of over aggressive females. What really winds her up is the current TV advert fashion of the need for young females to have explained to them the intricacies of their periods and products for dealing with them and secondly the impression given that the menopause, like periods, never used to happen when she was young. How on earth did females manage back in their younger days?

What is the matter with young people today ?

It’s probably too good to be true

FRAUD in the British expat community appears endemic but much of it is hidden by the victims themselves who are reluctant to come forward to report it to the authorities.

This reticence only feeds an industry that lives off the savings and income of people who had hoped to be able to live the dream in Spain.

The dream often becomes a nightmare and for some that nightmare starts almost on arrival in Spain. Sometimes the fraud is so blatant that one is left in a state of bewilderment as to how someone had fallen for it ­ but they did, they do, and they will.

We were alerted to a couple whose dream move from Britain to Spain hit the rocks on arrival. They were in their mid50s, had been working all their lives, working people with a work ethic and were looking for a new challenge. They did their research too ­ this was no spur of the moment decision but one they thought through. They decided to buy a business ­ a going concern which had

premises and what they liked was an apartment upstairs where they would be able to live while they made it work.

They went to a lawyer, they checked Facebook groups and took holidays to get acquainted with the area and its population ­ their new customers and checked out a few social groups in the area.

In this they met a man who seemingly was connected and respected in the communityhe told them their idea was a great one ­ in fact they were onto something. He also mentioned that he knew someone who had a similar business with premises and apartment which due to a need for an urgent sale was at a bargain price ­ they had to hurry of courseanother party was drawing up the paperwork.

Out went common sense and in came the biggest mistake of their lives. They rushed through the sale ­ paid in cash at a notary ­ which later turned out to be a front and handed over all their life savings ­ in return for… nothing.

There was no business, no apartment and as quickly as he appeared he was off the scene. And as quickly their lives ruined and upended ­ the British Benevolent Fund were able to provide some emergency accommodation and a flight home. They filed a police report but as they left the country it wasn’t followed up.

The perpetrator is still out there ­ along with many others ­ if it’s too good to be true it really is… too good to be true. olaf.clayton@british benevolentfund.org

Dear Editor,

Gidney

Best wishes and keep going, Paul

I was appalled to read the letter from Unhappy, Torrevieja regarding the violence she was subjected to when her bag was stolen. Hopefully she is recovering physically, though it will have a lasting effect on her.

My husband had his bag stolen just over a month ago. It was a distraction theft and fortunately he was not injured but was shocked to be a victim after being so careful.

It would be interesting to know if anyone who has experienced this kind of theft has ever had any documents or personal possessions recovered.

Several friends and family members would also greatly appreciate the return of the Codeword in your newspaper!

Yours sincerely,

Glenda North Ciudad Quesada

Olaf Clayton of BBF.

Scottish veterinary crisis

THE veterinary sector in Scotland is facing a workforce crisis.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has published an action plan to tackle the problem, insisting that changes must be made to avert serious problems.

According to the organisation, the Scottish veterinary sector is struggling to cope with increased pet ownership during the Covid pandemic, the impact of Brexit on the workforce and the long­ standing problem of a sector with a poor work­life balance.

Spokespeople warn of increasing danger of burn­out among workers, with fewer qualified vets and greater workloads.

In addition, pet owners are said to be becoming increasingly demanding, leading to many workers reporting growing cases of abuse and the threat of physical violence.

Scotland currently has two vet schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh,

with a third set to open in Aberdeen later this year. The aim of the new vet school is reportedly to get students into practice early so they can experience life as a working vet earlier in their studies.

The plan is also to move away from all vets being straight­A students and encouraging a holistic approach to the profession, sourcing students from the highlands, islands and rural areas.

Gotta pay the cheese tax

A TIKTOK video about a dog’s love for cheese has gone viral.

As reported by Daily Paws, Matt Hobbs has written more than 150 tunes about his life with 13­year­old pups Marley and Leni as the founder of ‘Puppy Songs’. His latest hit, the musical theatre­inspired Cheese Tax, has earned millions of views on TikTok. What began as a fun project has transformed into a relatable anthem for

Happy cat

THERE’S nothing better than seeing a happy cat! There are a few clear signs that your cat is happy.

These include: An upright tail. If your cat’s tail is upright, sometimes curved at the tip, and they’re walking towards you, this is usually a greeting and means they are happy to see you.

Soft eyes. Eyes not open wide and alert. They might be half ­ closed (more of a rugby ball shape than a football).

Slow blinking. Cats will slow blink one another as well as people to show they are relaxed and being friendly. If you slow blink at a cat, then slowly turn your head away, this is a great way to show a cat that you’re not threatening.

Rolling onto their back. If your cat is happy and relaxed with you, they might roll onto their back and show you their tummy. This is a sign of greeting and trust and not an invitation for belly rubs!

If your cat does a little hop ­ up to greet you, they’re asking for a fuss and it would be rude not to oblige.

countless dog owners who expect their pet to materialise next to them whenever they open the cheese drawer.

‘Puppy Songs’ began in 2020 as a pandemic project for Hobbs, an opportunity for him to practise recording and mixing his own music while he was stuck at home.

He says the creative process usually begins when he catches one of his dogs doing something funny on

camera or when he notices one of their interesting habits. In this case, it’s them appearing seemingly out of nowhere whenever Hobbs and his wife get the cheese out.

The song is original,

though Hobbs says its groove is loosely inspired by Master of the House from Les Miserable. There are reportedly also some elements of Charlie Kelly’s music from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia in there as well.

Basset Hounds’ DNA

THE UK’s Kennel Club has now approved a new official DNA test reporting scheme for Lafora’s disease.

Lafora’s disease is an inherited form of epilepsy. Affected dogs usually begin to show signs (jerking or fits) from around five years old and gradually become worse over time, eventually leading to ataxia (not being able to walk in a straight line), blindness and dementia.

While it can afflict any breed of canine, it seems to be most often found in the Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund, Basset Hound and Beagle breeds, with the Bea ­

gle breed seeming to suffer more severe cases of it.

The disease is described as autosomalrecessive. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected.

From August 2018, in the UK it is mandatory that the dog’s microchip (or tattoo) is recorded along with either the dog’s registered name or registered number on any DNA certificates.

Any test results issued after that date that do not carry these identifying features will not be accepted.

Image: SerPhoto / Shutterstock.com

Image by Matt Hobbs/TikTok

Image by 135pixels/Shutterstock

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Polestar 2 - cool, trendy and capable

ROAD TEST

byMarkSlack

MENTION electric cars to even the least car aware person and it’s highly likely they’ll talk Tesla. It’s been the EV brand of choice and remained relatively unchallenged.

However, there’s a similarly cool, trendy and eminently capable rival in the form of the Polestar 2. While not carrying the sleek and smooth ex terior of the Tesla, the Polestar, part of the Volvo stable, has a determined and muscular stance. Inside there’s a definite Scandinavian vibe with a range of stylish treatments from light wood and fabrics to Nappa leather and black ash veneers. It’s a very nice place to be seated. A large central screen, which still doesn’t cut it over buttons in my view, is reason

ably intuitive with exceptional

ly clear graphics. Although the

interior is definitely minimalist there’s no loss of premium feel. As with the exterior of the car it’s the archetypal less is more effect that has been executed so well by Polestar. Standard features across all Polestar 2 models includes automatic lights and wipers, heated powered seats, 19inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, high beam assist, adaptive LED rear lights, navi­

Driving boost

gation, climate, keyless entry and start, auto lights and wipers, wireless charging, electric steering with three modes and Apple Car Play and Google built ­ in ­ although having to say ‘Hey Google’ to execute commands is somewhat of a gimmick in this writer’s viewand one of the best standard in ­ car audio systems. Four extra cost option packs are

INCREASING numbers of petrol­powered car owners are looking to convert their vehicles in order to obtain the ECO label authorising them to drive in low­emission zones.

offered depending on model.

On the power front you can specify a standard single motor, a long­range version and then a long­range dual motor. The range varies with the configuration, but 321 to 395 miles is the variance. In real world terms think of decreasing these figures by about 10 per cent and you probably would be about at your realworld range. In my experience

the Polestar comes close to meeting its mileage expectations. As with combustion powered cars range depends on how you drive.

These range figures aren’t quite up to Tesla standard, but they’re still very useable and, considering the weight and style of the

Polestar, most impressive. On the road the Polestar has a certain something which makes it special. Power delivery is smooth and effortless with admirable insulation from road and wind noise. Unlike so many cars the safety tech, such as lane keep, is more progressive and less interventionist when activated. With prices starting from €55,327/£44,950 it’s an EV that merits much praise and one which is an increasingly frequent presence on the road.

Facts at a Glance

Model: Polestar 2 – Long Range Single Motor – rear wheel drive

Engine: Li-lon 82 kwh battery – 220kW/295 bhp

Gears: Automatic

Performance: 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5.9 seconds/Maximum

Speed 205 km/h (127 mph)

Range: up to 394 miles

Emissions: 0 g/km (WLTP)

Price as tested: €55,327/£48,950

Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets.

Converting to ECO

THE UK is planning a boost for bus, coach and HGV driver recruitment with proposed reforms to training rules.

The proposed changes to training and a cheaper, shorter periodic test could help drivers to remain in or return to the sector.

Some of the proposed changes aim to help make it more affordable and more efficient for drivers to renew their qualifications or return to the industry.

The key changes include offering in parallel to the existing lengthy training format, which will be reformed, more flexibility with e ­learning and a shorter ‘new periodic test’ which could save employees

time and companies up to £460 per test in early estimates.

Reforms to training as well as the new cheaper and shorter periodic test will offer an accelerated route for former drivers to return to the sector more easily.

Roads Minister Richard Holden said: “Lorry, bus and coach drivers are some of our economy’s unsung heroes, keeping our goods flowing and ensuring people can hop on the bus to access shops, schools, hospitals and all the essential services they need. That’s why we must look at how we can support the continued growth of this industry.”

According to a news source, conversions of combustion vehicles to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased by 36.5 per cent in 2022 and reached a volume of 3,512 units, according to data from the Association of Vehicle Converters (Astrave). Toyota and Dacia reportedly led the ranking of the most transformed car brands in 2022, a demand that Astrave ‘blames’ mainly on the need for large taxi fleets to implement “more sustainable and efficient” mobility technologies.

22% of European lorry drivers are women.

However, the organisation has stressed that “this need is increasingly evident also among private drivers” due to the entry into force earlier this year of the legislation requiring municipalities with more than 50,000 inhabitants to implement low­emission zones.

“All petrol cars that are registered from 2006 and comply with the Euro 4 standard onwards (currently Euro 6 is in force), can obtain the ECO label by converting to LPG. An environmental badge with which they ensure that they will not have problems to access the low­emission zones in the coming years,” said Astrave.

In this context, he also defended that refuelling with LPG “can be up to 40 per cent cheaper than with petrol, depending on the vehicle.

“LPG is a necessary transition technology at this time to move towards the decarbonisation scenario proposed by the European Union. Howev­

er, a greater commitment is needed on the part of Spanish administrations to raise awareness among drivers about the existence of more

efficient mobility alternatives to petrol and diesel in order to meet this objective,” Astrave president Javier Navarro told the news source.

POLESTAR 2: An EV that merits much praise and is an increasingly frequent presence on the road.

Image by Scharfsinn/Shutterstock

LOW-EMISSION ZONES: Vehicles are being converted.

DRIVER RECRUITMENT: Reforms underway to training rules.

Lewis Hamilton speaks out

SEVEN-TIME world champion Lewis Hamilton has raised concerns about his underperforming Mercedes F1 car claiming the 2023 model ‘was not the right car’.

After placing fifth during the Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken about how the 2023 model had not been performing well.

ished over 50 seconds behind the race leader Max Ver stappen from Red Bull said that “Mercedes did

not listen to him,” during the development of this year’s Formula One car.

“Last year, there were things I told them. I reported the issues with the car,” said Hamilton during the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast.

He added, “I’ve driven so many cars in my life. I know what a

car needs. I know what a car doesn’t need.”

The 38­year­old driver also said “I think it’s really about accountability, it’s about owning up and saying, ‘Yeah, you know what? We didn’t listen to you. It’s not where it needs to be and we’ve got to work’.

“We’ve got to look into the balance through the corners, look at all the weak points and just huddle up as a team. That’s what we do,” Hamilton continued, adding “We’re still multiple world champions … just haven’t got it right this time. Didn’t get it right last year. But that doesn’t mean we can’t get it right moving forwards.”

The next Formula One race is now set to take place in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, March 19, followed by the Australian Grand Prix on April 2.

Against racism

THE second LaLiga Week Against Racism kicked off on March 14 and will run until March 21, the World Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The aim of the campaign, launched in partnership with EA SPORTS, is to raise awareness of the importance of eradicating racism in all areas of society.

It was created precisely as part of the commitment that both partners have, aware that they are a major influence, especially among the younger generation.

Javier Tebas, president of LaLiga confirmed:

“Putting an end to racism is one of the objectives of LaLiga. We already condemn racist comments that are heard on the pitch and we have just created channels for fans to help us identify and report offenders.

“This second Week

Against Racism helps us to raise awareness in society and to take further steps against racism.”

On this occasion, the artistic group Boa Mistura, who created the main axis of the campaign, the word UNITY, also joins the second Week Against Racism.

“This word symbolises the union of all of us together in the face of racism,” they confirmed.

LALIGA: Raising awareness of eradicating racism.

LEWIS HAMILTON: Said it was not the right car.

48.7 % was the ratio of female athletes in the Olympics of 2020.