2024-01-19 11:29:54
A new year means the entry into force of law changes. What will be the impact on prices, social insurance or even the world of work?
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Rising prices
To finance the AVS reform, passed last year, the three VAT rates are increasing. The most significant increase will take place on the normal rate, going from 7.7% to 8.1% (+0.4 point). The reduced rate goes from 2.5% to 2.6%; the special rate for accommodation from 3.7% to 3.8%. Over one year, this represents around 200 francs per household.
>> Read also: The increase in VAT will hit disadvantaged households harder
Your health premiums are more expensive from this month of January, with an increase of 8.7% on the Swiss average. Your electricity bill is also 18% heavier on average, with big differences depending on your canton and municipality.
>> To consult: Municipality by municipality, the map of electricity price increases in 2024
And even the price of stamps is increasing: 10 cents more for A and B mail. Sending a package weighing up to two kilos by post goes from 7 francs to 8.5.
>> Also read: The price of letters and parcels on the rise once more next year
We are making up for it with a reduction in VAT from 7.7% to 2.6% on tampons and sanitary napkins. But it’s not much: it represents a little more than 20 cents per box…if the businesses play the game and pass on this reduction.
>> More information on this subject: Menstrual protection should be taxed less, advocates the National
Health Insurance
Young people are no longer responsible, when they come of age, for premiums unpaid by their parents when they were minors. The health insurance law was amended to reduce the debt of policyholders. Like other law changes, this modification does not have retroactive effect.
Still for health insurance, new benefits will be covered in 2024 by basic insurance: preventive ablation of the breast and ovaries in the presence of certain high-risk genes; HIV prophylaxis for certain people; and telemedicine in cases of heart failure.
>> Details: New services covered by health insurance in 2024
Additional services
For beneficiaries of AI and AVS, the transitional period for the amendment to the law on supplementary benefits ended with the year 2023.
Since the start of the year, certain charges, such as rent, have been increased, and others have been reduced. A maximum wealth threshold for receiving additional benefits is also set: many people will no longer receive them.
>> Read also: Many people no longer benefit from additional benefits
Work and wages
The world of work is also experiencing changes. Since this year, it is possible to gradually retire between two years before and five years following the reference age. Future retirees will be able to anticipate part of their pension and postpone another part.
The minimum wage increases to 24.32 francs per hour in Geneva and 21.09 in Neuchâtel. For the agricultural sector, hourly remuneration is just below 18 francs in these two cantons.
In the event of the death of a parent shortly following a birth, the surviving parent will be entitled to an extension of their maternity or paternity leave.
>> Also read: VAT, retirement, universal chargers: these laws which change in 2024
Sexual violence
From July 1, 2024, the new definition of rape and sexual coercion comes into force. Threat or violence will no longer be necessary conditions to characterize rape or assault.
A pronounced or gestured “no” is enough and the state of astonishment is taken into account. Furthermore, the notion of rape is extended to any analogous act involving penetration which is not that of a penis in a vagina.
>> Read regarding it: New rape law will come into force on July 1
Mobility
If you have a car, your sticker can now be digital. And if you prefer the physical version, it remains available at the usual points of sale, such as La Poste and gas stations.
Old blue licenses will no longer be valid from November 1, 2024. You must therefore take steps to exchange them without delay.
>> Read also: The driving license is being modernized for a high level of safety
Finally, this year also marks the end of an exception: electric cars will no longer be exempt from tax. If you ride an electric bike, your two-wheeler must be equipped with a tachometer within four years
>> Also read: Electric cars will also be taxed from 2024
Swiss series
The new law on cinema comes into force and should bring a windfall of 18 million francs to Swiss cinema each year.
Streaming platforms must now invest 4% of their turnover in local productions and respect a quota of 30% of European films. We should therefore see more Swiss blockbusters, like the first co-production between RTS and Netflix, the series “Winter Palace”, which will be broadcast at the end of 2024.
>> About this series: “Winter Palace”, first series co-produced by RTS and Netflix
And you in all this?
After a year 2023 occupied by federal elections, 2024 will be marked by numerous votes. At least ten objects will be submitted to the people, including several linked to purchasing power.
>> The voting program: At least ten objects will be submitted to federal votes in 2024
Claire Burgy
1705670918
#change #rts.ch
