With the arrival of December, several measures are disrupting the daily lives of the French. Whether it is health, purchasing power or taxation, this last month of 2024 promises to be full of developments.
Medical consultations and prescriptions: rising costs in December 2024
From December 22the consultation with the general practitioner will cost 30 euros compared to 26.50 euros currently. An increase which is part of the agreement signed on June 4, 2024 between Health Insurance and private doctors. For pediatric or specialist consultations, increases are also planned. Moreovermedicines containing sensitive substances such as tramadol or codeine will now only be delivered with a secure prescription, in order to limit the risks of dependence.
Good news for some households: the Christmas bonus will be paid from December 13 to beneficiaries of the RSA or the specific solidarity allowance. Its amount remains unchanged, ranging from 152.45 euros for a single person to 535.10 euros for a couple with several children. On the employment side, employees in the hotel and catering industry will benefit from a salary increase. The conventional minimum will reach 12 euros per hour, above the current hourly minimum wage of 11.88 euros.
Taxation and administrative procedures: deadlines not to be missed
Gas bills will increase by an average of 2.5%, impacting household heating budgets. A kWh will now cost 0.1124 euros compared to 0.1093 euros previously. In Île-de-France, the removal of aid of up to 9,000 euros for the purchase of clean vehicles risks discouraging more than one. This measure mainly concerned low-income households in the departments bordering Paris.
The month of December also brand the final stretch to correct your tax return online, with a deadline of December 4. As for the housing tax on second homes and vacant accommodation, it must be paid no later than December 16. Moreover, the Parcoursup search engine will open its doors on December 18 to help future students prepare for their start at university.
Given the simultaneous rise in gas bills and the removal of aid for clean vehicle purchases, what are the potential ramifications for both household budgets and France’s commitment to environmental sustainability?
## World Today News Interview: December in France – A Month of Change
**Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into the changes and developments set to impact daily life in France throughout December 2024. We are joined by two guests: Dr. Emilie Dubois, a general practitioner with expertise in healthcare policy, and Monsieur Jean-Pierre Martin, an economist specializing in consumer spending and taxation.**
**Section 1: Healthcare & Social Aid**
* **Dr. Dubois, the cost of a standard GP consultation is rising in December. What are your thoughts on this increase, particularly considering the already strained healthcare system? What impact could this have on patient access to care?**
* **Dr. Dubois, the article mentions secure prescriptions for certain medications. How do you see this change affecting patients who rely on these medications for pain management? Could it present any unintended consequences, like delaying necessary treatment?**
* **Monsieur Martin, the Christmas bonus remains unchanged for RSA beneficiaries. While this provides some relief, do you think it’s enough to adequately address the financial pressures faced by low-income households during the holiday season? What larger systemic changes could be implemented to provide more long-term support?**
* **Monsieur Martin, the hotel and catering industry is seeing a minimum wage increase. How significant is this change in the context of rising inflation and the overall economic climate? Will this be enough to attract and retain workers in this sector?**
**Section 2: Taxation & Cost of Living**
* **Monsieur Martin, gas bills are set to increase further in December. How will this impact household budgets, particularly for those who rely heavily on heating during the colder months? What measures could be implemented to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs on vulnerable populations?**
* **Monsieur Martin, the removal of aid for clean vehicle purchases in Île-de-France is a controversial move. What are the potential consequences of this decision on the adoption of environmentally friendly vehicles and the fight against climate change? Do you think alternative policies could be more effective in achieving these goals?**
**Section 3: Administrative Deadlines & Future Planning**
* **Monsieur Martin, the deadline for correcting your tax return online is approaching fast. What advice would you give to individuals who may need assistance with this process? Are there any resources available to help ensure everyone meets the deadline?**
* **Monsieur Martin, the Parcoursup platform will open for student applications in December. What are some key things students and their families need to consider when navigating this platform? What advice would you give to those applying for university for the first time?**
* **Looking ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, what other major developments or challenges do you anticipate will impact everyday life in France?**
This structured interview format, using open-ended questions and thematic sections, will encourage thoughtful discussion and diverse perspectives on the various issues affecting the French public in December 2024.
