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Absolute insanity! Each Comune in Italy needs that source of income. All in favour for paying a higher rate than "prima casa" and for special discounts for pensioners and low income families, but everybody should pay property taxes as they are a source of funding for local council.

I do not think that the fact that you are currently living overseas means that you are not affected by decisions made in your native country. This is what other countries think by allowing citizens who live overseas to maintain tneir voting rights. Furthermore, they have members of Parliament who are directly elected by overseas residents and who represent those constituents' interests. Politicians go campaigning overseas whenever there are general elections, visiting those countries that have a high concentration of potential voters.  So, I am sorry, but I think that the UK is out of tune and discriminating against a section of its citizens. France, Italy and Spain, to name the closest ones and the ones who have a large number of UK residents apply these rules regarding voting practices. And the UK-Australia social security bi-lateral agreement would not have been detroyed if the Uk residents in Australia had the right to vote in the UK elections and elect a representative to look after their interests. Now, it is up to you... 

Hilarious!!!

Charlotte, it does not affect me because I am a Spanish national; however, I strongly believe that anyone should be entitled to have voting rights as long as you maintain your nationality and you are currently registered with the local Consulate as a national residing in that particular country. This is what many countries do, including Spain. And nobody should be told to relinquish his/her nationality after residing in another country. Citizenship is a basic right. I think that Harry Shindler should get the support from all British expats. 

Ram, I would agree that having lower rates of debt makes both countries and individuals less vulnerable and that this is good, also that the finance world are the ones who are currently setting up the rules while politicians seem to blindly follow what they say. On the other hand, there is another factor which cannot be ignored and that is that the job market has changed a lot in the past decade or so and that jobs, particularly the unqualified ones are becoming very scarce. I think that unemployment will tend to increase and there is nothing that will solve that problem. So, the outlook is not very bright. As for the financial system, they are playing "roulette" with our money. Let's hope that it will not turn into Russian roulette...

I think that there is a bit of confusion here regarding the difference between EHIC entitlements, which cover 3 months only in any signatary country and for emergency treatment only and the possibility for 65 + year old pensioners to transfer their health entitlements to Italy. I understand that there is some type of insurance called EHICPlus that covers certain gaps; however, I do not know much about how it would suit your requirements. Also, keep in mnd that if you stay more than 3 months, you will have to register with the local "Questura" as "free circulation" for EU citizens only allows us to stay for up to 3 months in any country without having to justify that we have means of support and will not become a burden to the host nation. One of the main issues will be health cover. 

From time to time, Lidl has a week when they sell a small number of Indian products. They call it "A Taste of India" or something similar. Every few weeks, they have one of these themed events with a limited number of Thai, German, French, American, Latin American, etc products being offered. Check it on

Both Marmite (British) and Vegemite (Australian) spreads are yeast extracts which contain good doses of Vitamin B, including Thiamin or 1, the one that seems to have an effect on the little monsters. If you are already taking the supplement, you should be right.

I do nt think that the children will enjoy it. Generally, it is hot and it is always crowded. An amazing experience, though!

Citronella candles are also useful. I have not experienced any problem in Bagni di Lucca, but I light them whenever we are outdoors having a barbecue. They also smell very nice...