“If Britain, Ireland had ID cards it wouldn´t be problem”

I respond to the letter from C. Crain of Palma (Tuesday 15th April), regarding the new paper residencia now issued to British nationals resident in Spain. Whilst I agree with the huge disadvantages of having to carry other forms of identification such as a passport, it must be noted that the rest of the Europeans resident here can use their ID cards issued in their own countries. It is therefore NOT the fault of the Spanish authorities that Britain and Ireland are the only EU states not prepared to embrace this system.

Plus was it not a group of British nationals who originally instigated the removal of the ID card for us Brits by complaining to the European Parliament that it was an infringement of their human rights to be obligated to carry such a document not required in their own country? It is Britain who should “get its head out of the sand and take a look at the real world”.

Yours faithfully

Helen Shortland
Palma

Dear Sir,

OUR editor Jason Moore has thrown down a challenge for anyone who says the residency certificate is a good idea to speak out. I don't quite say it was a good idea but it can be used in a naughty way to COMPLETELY SOLVE that other British bug bear - Property Spanish Tax for non-residents.

Assuming that the non-resident has a NIE (which can be obtained without coming to Spain) he can easily obtain the certificate.
My first residencia involved police checks at my home, police station visits to provide finger prints and photos, proof of health insurance, income etc., etc.

None of this is needed for the “useless” certificate but on selling property the Notary will not retain the 3% of the sale price as he does for non-residents. If you want to be really naughty you can board your EasyJet flight with the full sale price in your pocket never to return.

Mike Lillico
Playa de Palma