The rate of pay goes this Tuesday from 0.5% to 1%. The last increase in the Livret A dated back to August 2011, when it went from 2 to 2.25%. It has only stagnated or fallen since then, falling in February 2020 to 0.50%. In mid-January, Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of the Economy, had chosen to follow the recommendations of the Governor of the Banque de France, François Villeroy de Galhau. A rate of remuneration of 1% “would be likely to better ensure the remuneration of the holders of the booklet A, without creating too high an additional cost, in order to preserve the financing of social housing”, had estimated the latter.
This new rate of 1% also applies to the sustainable development booklet. The People’s Savings Account (LEP) goes from 1% to 2.2%.
Increase in toll rates
The tolls of the motorway networks increase by around 2% on Tuesday, after an increase of 0.44% at the start of 2021, according to decrees published on Sunday in the Official Journal. For cars (class 1 vehicle), prices increase by 1.89% on the Cofiroute network, 2.19% on ASF, 1.91% on Sanef or 2.05% on APRR.
However, Vinci Autoroutes undertakes to block the prices of tolls for 80% of journeys of less than 30 km “to preserve the purchasing power of motorists” and “to promote daily travel, home to work in particular”. The operator should do the same for two-thirds of journeys of less than 50 km.
Limited increase in the price of electricity
The internal tax on final electricity consumption (TICFE) is reduced to a minimum from February 1 and until the end of January 2023 as part of the “tariff shield” in order to limit the increase in the electricity bill. It will be one euro per megawatt hour for households and 50 cents for businesses. This tax was previously 22.50 euros per megawatt hour.
The measure is part of the “tariff shield” on energy announced at the end of September by Prime Minister Jean Castex. The objective is to limit the increase in regulated electricity prices to 4% in 2022, instead of a 45% increase which would have occurred on the basis of the explosion in gas prices.
Tobacco price rise
According to a document from French Customs, some brands are slightly increasing their prices from Tuesday. This is the case of Gauloises, Fortuna, Villiger… with increases of between 5 and 20 cents.
Distribution of “baby box”
From this Tuesday, parents of newborns will receive “baby boxes” at the maternity ward. This box, which will in fact be a shoulder bag, will include objects deemed essential for the baby – sleeping bag, bib, soap… – and for young parents – booklet with public health messages… 250,000 boxes should be distributed from by the end of 2022. In 2023, all maternity units will be affected by this system.
Domestic violence
The authorities will have to systematically warn victims of domestic violence of the release of prison of their violent spouse, according to a new decree of the government which comes into force on Tuesday. Among the measures envisaged in the decree, the ban on contacting or appearing in certain places, until the granting of a “serious danger telephone” to the victim or the pronouncement of an anti-corruption bracelet measure. – rapprochement for the aggressor.
Easing of restrictions
From Wednesday February 2, several health restrictions will be lifted or lightened, as announced by Jean Castex on January 20. All sports and cultural equipment will be able to return to full capacity operation, that is to say without a gauge. Teleworking will no longer be compulsory but will nevertheless remain recommended and appreciated at the corporate level. Another important measure: wearing a mask will no longer be required outdoors. Then a second stage will take place on February 16.
Inflation allowance for retirees
They are the last to receive inflation compensation. Retirees will finally start to receive the check for 100 euros from the end of February. This indemnity will be paid to beneficiaries of the minimum old age or of a retirement pension of less than 2,000 euros net per month.