UK expats 'entitled to winter fuel payments'
Expatriates have been reminded many are still entitled to winter fuel payments from the British government even if they are living abroad.
Research from Bank of Scotland International found that during winter 2006, expats from the UK claimed £6.5 million in winter fuel payments from their new country of residence.
Figures showed that expats who had moved to France claimed £1.5 million in fuel subsidies, while those in Portugal received £119,700.
However, Bank of Scotland International warned that many people did not realise that they were eligible for payments from the British government, a factor that could potentially influence any decisions to move abroad.
Managing director Tony Wilcox added: "Even though many expatriates choose to escape the colder months in the UK by moving to a warmer climate, their fuel bills are still likely to increase during the winter."
According to the Office for National Statistics, 385,000 people relocated to another country during the year to July 2006.
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