More success against the benefit cheats in Spain

The British Embassy in Madrid website, 'UK in Spain' published an article today confirming that UK Benefit Fraud investigators have recently enjoyed more success in the fight against benefit cheats in Spain.

In one of the latest cases to go to prosecution, Debbie Williamson from Rotherham was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court to 18 months immediate imprisonment for having stolen UK benefits between 2004 and 2009. Ms Williamson had been claiming a number of non-exportable benefits from the UK, including income support. She denied having any connection with Spain, but investigators established she owned property in Valencia, had made regular cash withdrawals abroad and had her daughter in a local Spanish school. In total Ms. Williamson stole £42,558.72 from the British taxpayer by claiming benefits she was not entitled to after her circumstances changed.

The full article can be read here: More success against the benefit cheats in Spain. 

This is excellent news.

British Embassy in Madrid now on Facebook

The British Embassy in Madrid has today launched its Facebook page, allowing social networkers to get news about the Embassy and Foreign Office via the popular site

Following the British Embassy in Madrid on Facebook allows you to see all its latest news.  There are also links to FCO travel advice and information about visiting or living in Spain.   Linking to the Embassy’s Flickr and YouTube channels, the Facebook page shows up-to-date photos from events and useful videos.  Most recently, the consular network in Spain uploaded a “Living in Spain” video which gives important advice on a range of topics from claiming a pension to registering to work in Spain.  Users of Facebook are encouraged to visit the site and give it a thumbs up if they think information they see there is useful - use the 'like' button!

News from the British Embassy in Madrid can already be found on: Twitter

British Embassy, Madrid

New passports in only 6 working days.

I can't believe it!

Last Wednesday (26th May) Natalie and I sent off our applications for renewal of our passports to the British Consulate in Madrid, because we are currently resident in Spain, expecting to wait several weeks (the Consulate website says to allow 4 weeks) for the new ones.

On checking our credit card account this morning (2nd June)  it showed that the renewal fee had been charged on the 28th May. We thought, that at least confirms that the Consulate had received the applications and old passports and would be getting on with things.

¡Qué Sorpresa! This afternoon we received a telephone call from DHL Courier Service, confirming that they wish to deliver our new passports tomorrow (Thursday 3rd June) afternoon.

Thats only 6 working days from posting to receipt - unbelievable!

If it happens - 'Well done British Consulate in Madrid'

New British Consul for Alicante

The British Ambassador to Spain, Giles Paxman, has announced the appointment of the new British Consul for Alicante, Paul Rodwell, who is due to begin in August.

More details Here