Jeremy Browne MP urged British residents to enrol on the 'padrón' and praised those who embrace integration

Sur in English | Noticia

Jeremy Browne MP, a British Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, attended a Malaga Consulate Roadshow in Alhaurín el Grande on Wednesday afternoon, where he told SUR in English that he was “delighted so many British residents are firmly integrated into their local community.”

He said: “British people have not always had the best reputation for integrating when they move abroad, and so it’s very encouraging to see a good number of expatriates here participating fully in Spanish life.

“In the UK, we like it when people who move there from other countries speak the language a little and become part of our society. For example, we don’t expect our doctors and nurses to have to speak Polish to those Polish people who now live in Britain. So it’s quite right that British people in Spain try and do the same thing when they reside here .

“Learning a bit of Spanish, for instance, will go a long way and help you live a more fulfilled life in the country you’ve chosen to live in.”

The Minister highlighted enrolling on the ‘padrón’ (municipal census) as one of most important steps the one million Brits could take to get the most out of living in Spain. “This is vital as it means you will be eligible for certain benefits and social care. You can also save money on local taxes and inheritance tax,” he affirmed. “It’s all too easy when you move to Spain and are enjoying the great weather and the fantastic quality of life, not to think about the future. But we should, where possible, anticipate what lies ahead in the years to come. What happens if you need to go to hospital for an operation? Or you’re suddenly unable to get to the supermarket to buy food as you’re incapacitated? Or you find yourself out of work? Being enrolled will entitle you to a greater level of assistance.”

Consulate

Browne paid tribute to the Malaga Consulate and its partners. “The hard-working consular staff can provide help in a number of key areas and, in addition, they’re supported by Royal British Legion, Age Concern Acción Social and the Pensions, Benefits and Healthcare team, amongst others, who are well-placed to advise those living here on some health or financial matters. “All too often the ‘bigger’ issues that a consulate sometimes deals with, such as a natural disaster, get a disproportionately large amount of media attention for the actual time devoted to them. But there’s a huge amount done by the staff and the volunteers every day which improves the day-to-day lives of so many British people in Spain.”

Speaking at the Roadshow this week, British Consul Steve Jones, said that in 2010 the Malaga Consulate had issued more than 1,000 emergency passports, helped 682 bereaved families, dealt with 400 detainees, assisted 100 people in hospital, and handled over 5,000 general enquiries. “We can help in many ways, but there are some things we’re unable to do. But thanks to a holistic approach with our partners, we’re usually able to signpost people in the right direction,” he said.

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