O/T Someone recently expressed scepticism that I even live in Italy....

We do (in Le Marche region) and here are some of the reasons why:

https://www.thetravel.com/25-reason...o-visit-la-marche-italys-most-underrated-gem/

Number 14 is particularly interesting as it confirms , what we have often said, based on our experiences, that people in Le Marche are like Yorkshire folk - basically, honest, down-to-Earth, hardworking and 'straight talking' and much of the landscape is like Yorkshire on steroids. One of the main reasons we feel so much 'at home' here.
Of course, there are also disadvantages, one of those being that it is over 1200 miles to Oakwell (not to mention the occasional Earthquake!!)
On balance though, not a bad place to end one's days (although hopefully not too soon)

Oh! and for anyone considering retiring here , little has changed since the 'B' Word regarding qualifying to take become resident. You need to seek Elective residence”. This is only for people who can support themselves without working. There is a little bit more paperwork and a visa is now required (costs around £120) 'small fry' when compared to the cost and bureaucracy you encounter when moving to another country.
One big change that was brought in and nothing to do with 'B' was the overseas property tax that resulted in loads of Brits returning home. An annual tax on UK property based on UK Council tax banding was introduced several years ago. OK for us as we 'sold up' in UK but many people particularly from London and S.E. who retained their expensive houses found themselves paying several thousand euros extra in tax even if the UK property was not being rented out. This has recently got worse as they are now proposing to tax on current value and NOT the council tax banding rate.

Nevertheless, regarding health cover, initially you need Private insurance but once resident you can join the Italian Health service which, based on our experiences is very, very good and worked out at around under 400 euros a year p.p. before we reached official retirement age at which point it becomes 'free'. Italy taxation on UK earnings (including state pensions) remains the same as it comes under the 1993 dual taxation treaty between Italy and the UK. Taxation here is higher than UK but other things are cheapere (swings and roundabouts) 'There are plenty of 'non EU country' citizens around who have retired here... Americans, Canadians Australians etc. who come for the culture and lifestyle.

 

You live in Italy?

You should have mentioned it before.

 

I wish you'd read more @Bossman.

 

Do you vote in the British elections?

 

I love visiting Italy, Will have to check this región out

 

No

 

Looks a beautiful place. We've visited Tuscany, the Lakes, Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Even though these are tourist destinations you can still come across idyllic villages not in the guidebook. The thing I love is the history. There's very little demolition of old buildings to make way for modern concrete blocks. You've chosen a great place to retire.

 

Aren’t you getting on a bit for the swings and roundabouts? Seriously though I’m not a bit jealous, no absolutely not. No definitely not, no.

 

Just get to the point.