Latest news with #familylife
Telegraph
27 minutes ago
- General
- Telegraph
Fraudster can stay in UK because ‘his children do not speak Czech'
A convicted fraudster from the Czech Republic has been allowed to stay in Britain after claiming that his children do not speak Czech. An immigration tribunal found it would be 'unduly harsh' on Jan Balog's children, aged three and six, if he was deported back to the Czech Republic. The Home Office had argued that the children would be able to learn the language of his home country. But the appeal was rejected and Balog was allowed to stay in the UK on the basis that his deportation would breach his rights to a family life under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The case, disclosed in court papers, is the latest example uncovered by The Telegraph in which illegal migrants or convicted foreign criminals have been able to remain in the UK or halt their deportations on human rights grounds. Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has announced plans to curb judges' powers to block deportations with new legally enforced 'common sense' rules to clarify how they interpret Article 8 of the ECHR and strengthen the public interest test. Balog came to the UK when he was 10 before being granted indefinite leave to remain under an EU settlement scheme. But between 2010 and 2013, he was convicted of three offences for fraud and false representation, leading to a three-and-a-half-year jail sentence. A judge at the first-tier tribunal allowed Balog's appeal against deportation in December last year because this would be 'unduly harsh on his children'. The judge found: 'The children would lose access to education and healthcare in the UK. They would also be deprived of care from their grandparents. 'It is noted that they do not speak Czech and that they will be in a place where the mother has never lived before. On this basis, it is held that it would be unduly harsh.' The judge concluded that Balog had experienced 'significant social and cultural integration in the UK' after spending most of his life in the country. The tribunal heard that he was in a relationship with someone from the Slovak Republic. 'It was concluded that it would be harsh for the children to relocate to the Czech Republic as they do not speak the language,' the upper-tier tribunal was told. [Balog's] appeal therefore succeeded on human rights grounds.' The Home Office appealed against this decision, arguing that 'the judge failed to explain how the children would be detrimentally impacted by his absence'. It said that 'the children are young and could adapt to change'. However, Alexander Durance, the deputy upper tribunal judge, noted that Balog had been in work, which would mean the 'loss of emotional, financial and practical support' for his family. 'The judge held that modern communication could not mitigate the absence of the father. It was determined that it would be unduly harsh for the children to stay in the UK without [him]. In our judgment, the fact that travel to the Czech Republic is affordable does not alter the assessment that this would have an unduly harsh impact for the children.' The judge concluded: 'In our judgment, the [Home Office] challenge is one of disagreement rather than an identification of any error of law. The judge directed himself to the relevant case law and applied it. Whilst this may not be a decision which we would have reached, it is one which was open to the judge for the reasons he gave.'
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
A mum who moved her family to Spain says she would never return to Ireland or the UK - after finding she could save thousands of pounds on childcare and other costs abroad
A mother who emigrated to Spain with her family has revealed she will never return to Ireland or the UK because it is cheaper living abroad. Sandra Laurie packed her bags along with her husband Warner and their two children, Oliver, 12 and nine-year-old Abi, in 2017, and relocated to Costa del Sol. Prior to the move, the family had been forking out nearly £1,700 a month on childcare costs alone while living in their native County Tipperary, Ireland. But the ongoing financial strain, along with a low quality of life, eventually proved too much, prompting the family to up sticks and head for a sunnier and cheaper way of life. Having left their jobs and small housing estate behind, the family now live in a large Spanish villa they purchased in 2022. Just minutes from the beach, the luxurious property even features its own swimming pool and picturesque sea views. Ms Laurie, 38, said that the idea of emigrating to the Spanish coast first occurred when the family visited the area to celebrate her 30th birthday. Describing how she instantly fell in love with the 'relaxed outdoor lifestyle', the expat said: 'We had met other families already living in the Costa del Sol, and their relaxed, outdoor lifestyle with the kids made us realise what we were missing. Having left their jobs and small housing estate behind, the family (pictured) now live in a large Spanish villa they purchased in 2022. Just minutes from the beach, the luxurious property even features its own swimming pool and picturesque sea views 'We were on the plane home when we said, "It's now or never". The Costa del Sol offered sunshine, family life, and a healthier way of living. 'We had been there many times over the years on holidays and visiting, but something changed on the trip in 2016 - we really started to assess and evaluate that there had to be a better way of life.' At the time, Ms Laurie and her husband were spending triple their monthly mortgage costs on childcare alone. That, coupled with the increasing cost of living across Ireland, was making 'life extremely difficult' for the couple. Adding that childcare costs were 'consuming the majority of our disposable income', she said: 'Despite good salaries, the cost of living in Ireland made life extremely difficult. 'Our mortgage was only €600 (£500) a month, but childcare was a staggering €1,857 (£1,568) per month. 'It consumed the majority of our disposable income. We were essentially working to pay for someone else to raise our children.' As their son suffers from severe asthma, the family were also dealing with significant medical expenses, paying for regular, costly GP visits, alongside high prescription costs. Ms Laurie said that the 'exhausted' couple were often 'forced' to choose between the cost of medication for their sons and bills, living day-to-day in a 'constant cycle of stress'. The mother-of-two also confessed that the meticulous budgeting required was adding great strain to their relationship. Recognising that something desperately 'had to change', Ms Laurie quit her position as a contact centre director while her husband Warner, working as a sales leader, chose to make a vast career change and pursue a real estate business in Spain. At the time, the pair had just €50,000 (£42,000) to their name, made from from the sale of their home in Ireland, which they used to secure rent for their first year abroad. But, it was entirely worth the short-term financial struggle. Ms Laurie said: 'The difference in our lifestyle was immediate and drastic. 'Nursery fees can be heavily subsidised or free, primary school is free, and it starts at three years of age, and after-school care is heavily subsidised for working parents. Ms Laurie and Warner established their real estate business in 2018 before investing in property-buying, renovating and selling homes, which eventually allowed them to buy their 'dream' home 'Our childcare costs dropped to around €200 (£170) per month.' The family also noted a remarkable difference in their daily expenses, citing cheaper eating out costs, while the warm and sunny weather facilitated free, outdoor activities for the children. No longer living pay cheque to pay cheque, Ms Laurie said the family relished in the 'family-centric' culture of Spain, as their children, now bilingual, were able to stay up later for meals and socialise with their parents. Insisting that the move has had an 'incredible' impact on her young children, Ms Laurie remarked: 'They spend more time outdoors, participate in sports, and have adjusted beautifully. 'The lifestyle is slower, safer, and more focused on family. 'They are open-minded and are used to interacting with multiple cultures because the Costa Del Sol is a cultural melting pot.' Ms Laurie and Warner established their real estate business in 2018 before investing in property-buying, renovating and selling homes, which eventually allowed them to buy their 'dream' home. Believing that their incredible success would not have been possible in Ireland, given 'the higher operating costs and lack of flexibility for working parents', Ms Laurie now coaches other people interested in relocating to Spain in search of a 'better life'. And, given the vast amount of perks she cites as a result of the move, Ms Laurie insists they have zero plans to return home. Citing the slower pace of life, family-friendly culture, cheaper cost of living and better climate as just some of the reasons for staying, Ms Laurie added: 'We don't plan on ever moving back. Spain has adopted us, and it truly feels like home. 'Rising home costs in the UK and Ireland would be a concern, making us really question whether we could afford what we have in Spain in another country - our pool, a very large garden, space for guests, and being within walking distance to the beach. 'Living abroad, particularly in Spain, has given us something we never had in Ireland: time. Time to enjoy life, raise our kids, build a business, and thrive, not just survive. 'Ireland will always be in our hearts, but we have found our future here.' Spain continues to be one of the most popular destinations for British expats. However, in a bid to tackle a growing housing crisis, the Spanish government are currently pushing ahead with a controversial plan to slam Brits with a 100 per cent tax on holiday homes Spain continues to be one of the most popular destinations for Brits looking for a place in the sun, with some 350,000 UK nationals officially registered as living in the country, while more than 12,000 settle permanently with their own property each year. Despite UK government pledges to levy holiday homes and prioritise nationals, Brits are continually drawn to the allure of sunshine, good food and a cheaper cost of living. However, in a bid to tackle a growing housing crisis, the Spanish government are currently pushing ahead with a controversial plan to slam Brits with a 100 per cent tax on holiday homes. In May, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist party presented the plan to the country's Parliament. Under such plan, first announced in January, non-EU residents would have to pay double for properties in the country. The bill aims to promote 'measures that enable access to housing, since we are facing one of the largest problems our society is currently confronted with', according to a copy of the draft legislation seen by Bloomberg. Brits are the biggest buyers of Spanish properties outside of native Spaniards, making up 8.2 per cent of deals. In 2023 alone, non-EU residents bought 27,000 properties in Spain.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I moved my family to Spain & our childcare costs went from £1700 to £170 – we're richer & our house has a massive pool
SITTING on the beach, watching the waves crash against the shore in sunny Spain, Sandra Laurie couldn't feel more relaxed. But the mum-of-two isn't enjoying a week-long getaway, in fact, she won't be leaving any time soon having relocated to the Med with her family eight years ago. 10 10 And sangria and sunsets aside, Sandra says that the move has left them richer than ever thanks to rock bottom costs overseas. Sandra packed her bags along with her husband, Warner, and their two children, Oliver, 12, and nine-year-old Abi in 2017. The family had been forking out nearly £1,700 a month on childcare alone while living in their native County Tipperary, Ireland, prior to the move. The financial strain proved too much, along with a low quality of life, and they decided to up sticks and head for sunnier – and cheaper – climes. Leaving their jobs and small housing estate home behind, they now live in a large villa with its own swimming pool and sea views, just a short walk from the beach – which they bought in 2022. For Sandra, 38, the idea of moving there came after the family visited the area to celebrate her 30th birthday. 'We had met other families already living in the Costa del Sol, and their relaxed, outdoor lifestyle with the kids made us realise what we were missing,' she says. 'We were on the plane home when we said, 'It's now or never'. 'The Costa del Sol offered sunshine, family life, and a healthier way of living. 'We had been there many times over the years on holidays and visiting but something changed on the trip in 2016 – we really started to assess and evaluate that there had to be a better way of life.' I was fed up of working 14-hour days to get by so I moved to Spain with my family and now we save £1.6k on rent and bills every month At the time, Sandra and her husband were spending triple their monthly mortgage costs on childcare alone. She says: 'Despite good salaries, the cost of living in Ireland made life extremely difficult. 'Our mortgage was only €600 (£506) a month, but childcare was a staggering €1,857 (£1,568) per month. 'It consumed the majority of our disposable income. 'We were essentially working to pay for someone else to raise our children.' They also had medical expenses, with their son suffering from severe asthma, which led to regular costly GP visits and high prescription costs. Sandra adds: 'Often we were forced to choose between medication or bills. 'We were exhausted and had no time as a couple, no family time, and [lived in] a constant cycle of stress. 'Everything had to be budgeted meticulously, this added a lot of stress to our relationship. 'We realised something had to change.' That something proved to be a dramatic move, with them leaving their jobs – Sandra working as a contact centre director and Warner working as a sales team leader – to pursue a real estate business in Spain. 10 10 10 10 They had just €50,000 (£42,000) to their name, which was from the sale of their home, which they used to secure rent for their first year abroad. But it was entirely worth the financial struggle. Sandra said: 'The difference [in our lifestyle] was immediate and drastic. 'Nursery fees can be heavily subsidised or free, primary school is free and it starts at three years of age, and after-school care is heavily subsidised for working parents. 'Our childcare costs dropped to around €200 (£170) per month. 'We also noticed a huge difference in daily expenses – eating out is affordable, a coffee costs €1-2 versus €4 in Ireland, and the weather allows for free outdoor activities. 'We went from living paycheck to paycheck to finally being able to save and enjoy life with our family. 'Everything in Spain is family-centric, so not only did we benefit financially, but we moved to a culture where you socialise with your family, and it's perfectly normal to see families eating together in restaurants at 9pm and 10pm at night.' Another huge perk has been getting to see their children grow up 'happy, healthy and fluent in multiple languages'. Sandra said: 'It's been incredible [for them]. 'They spend more time outdoors, participate in sports, and have adjusted beautifully. 'The lifestyle is slower, safer, and more focused on family. 'They are open-minded and are used to interacting with multiple cultures because the Costa Del Sol is a cultural melting pot.' Ditching the gloomy UK weather to live in Spain sounds pretty dreamy - but is it as easy as just booking a flight? According to Advance Moves, those considering moving to Spain from UK in 2025 ''will need to obtain a visa in order to be able to live in Spain after Brexit''. Currently you can only stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180 day period, before you have to leave the EU zone. You can then return again once the rest of the 180 day period has ended. Although this may be okay for living in a holiday home over the colder winter months, anything more permanent will require a visa, experts warned. Sandra and Warner established their real estate business in 2018 and started investing in property – buying, renovating and selling homes – which eventually allowed them to buy their 'dream' home. She said: 'I don't believe we could have had this level of success in Ireland, due to the higher operating costs and lack of flexibility and support for working parents. 'Spain gave us the opportunity to build a business and a better life.' Sandra now helps coach other people who want to relocate to Spain and enjoy similar successes. And, with all the perks they've cited from being there, she says they will never move home. She added: 'We don't plan on ever moving back. 'Spain has adopted us, and it truly feels like home. 'The slower pace of life, the family-friendly culture, the cost of living, and the better climate – these are just some of the reasons we plan to stay. 'Also, rising home costs in the UK and Ireland would be a concern, making us really question whether we could afford what we have in Spain in another country – our own pool, a very large garden, space for guests, and being within walking distance to the beach. 'Living abroad, particularly in Spain, has given us something we never had in Ireland: time. 'Time to enjoy life, raise our kids, build a business, and thrive, not just survive. 'We are grateful every day for the life we have created here and it's a privilege to enjoy it. 'Ireland will always be in our hearts, but we have found our future here.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I had 19 kids but begged my husband for more – now we have 20 but I'm still a hands on parent
HAVING a handful of kids can be hard work - so imagine what it's like for Desiree Hart-Spegal who has 20 children to look after. Desiree, who shares her daily life with her 66,000 TikTok followers, said she had begged her husband to have one more baby when she hit 19. 2 In a light-hearted video, husband Christopher could be seen shaking his head to audio that said 'no, no no.' However, it seems like Desiree got her way, as baby number 20, Zavior Hezekiah Hart, arrived on May 19 this month. The proud mum showed off photos of her new son calling him 'perfect', and captioning the post: 'Here's your sign to have a 20th.' On her @perfectly_blended_family account, Desiree answered questions about her family and why they have so many children. She explained that she had given birth to 12 out of the 20 kids, and there were children from their previous relationships too. Desiree said that family photos show children who 'his, mine and ours (mine and ours is what I have birthed)' - with the couple sharing nine kids together. She explained: 'Yes! We're blended! But I would have gladly birthed them ALL.' As well as feeding so many mouths, Desiree shared how the biggest job is keeping up with the clothes washing. She told her followers: 'Laundry is my biggest tackle CONSTANTLY. It's the job that never ends!' The mum shared how her and her husband try to stay present with their kids, and explained: "We just wing it and pay attention!! I'm a mum-of-10 and I need four trolleys for a weekly shop because making all those packed lunches each day is like preparing for a family buffet "They also spend time with each other and we also group up to outings!" Another tricky aspect of having so many kids is getting around, and Desiree shared how they have multiple vehicles. However, she added: 'We are really thinking about the Mercedes 15 passenger van.' One of the benefits of having a large family is knowing they will have a support system in the future. Desiree shared: 'I know they will end up being good friends and making time for each other.' 2 One follower asked how they have time and space to make so many kids when they have such a full household. Desiree explained: 'Oh we have structure. And make sure to put each other first.' Many people were quick to chime in with their views, with one saying: 'He read 'be fruitful and multiply.' and took it personal lol congratulations and respect!!' Another added: 'If you guys can do it! go for it!' A third commented: 'So many beautiful babies.' The world's biggest families The Vassilyev family This family currently holds the record for the most children a couple has parented, after the matriarch gave birth to 69 children, including 16 pairs of twins and seven sets of triplets. Mrs. Vassilyev has given birth to a total of 69 children, including 16 pairs of twins and 7 sets of triplets. 67 of the 69 children survived infancy. The Radfords Sue and Noel are parents to 22 children, and their hectic family life is documented in reality show 22 Kids and Counting. The pair have remained adamant that they won't be having any more kids, but the amount of grandchildren they have is ever expanding, with daughters Sophie and Millie both mums of three. The Duggars Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar have 19 children - 10 sons and nine daughters. All of their children's names begin with the letter J. They also had their own reality show in the United States, and became household names because of it. The Bates family Kelly also has 19 children, with her husband Gil Bates. Of 19 deliveries, 14 of them were natural. The couple also have 28 grandchildren, with four more on the way. The Dougherty Dozen Mum Alicia frequently shares videos and pictures of her family. She and husband Josh have four biological children together, as well as adopting or fostering the rest of their brood. The Rosario family Yalancia and husband Michael are parents of 11. They had their first daughter together earlier this year, and are also parents to Jamel, 15, Michael Jr, 11, Angelo, 10, Gimani, seven, Armani, six, Sincere, three and Khaza, two. Their fourth son, also named Armani, was stillborn.
The Sun
4 days ago
- General
- The Sun
I transformed my council house garden into an extra parking space to help neighbours but people pointed out same issue
A DAD-OF-12 has revealed his freebie garden makeover after converting it into an extra parking space - all to stay on his neighbours' good side. Ben, 50, and Zoe Sullivan, 46, and their bumper brood make up one of Scotland's biggest families. 4 The pair are parents to Elizabeth, 20, Olivia, 18, Noah, 15, Eva, 13, Toby, 12, Agnes, seven, Joseph, six, Flo, three, and two sets of twins, Charlotte and Isabelle, 17, and Leah and Erin, nine. They live in a six-bedroom council house in Burghead, Moray, where they regularly document their hectic lives on their YouTube channel. After buying a Fiat 500 as a "runaround car" for their eldest daughters, the couple were worried they were taking too much on-street parking away from their neighbours They already have two people carriers for ferrying around the whole family on day trips and holidays, and only had room for one car in their driveway. And they feared that having two cars parked on the street could create an issue. Ben said: "Since the girls have now got their car, the issue with parking is raising its head. "We don't want to take the mickey. We don't want to take up too much space outside because obviously it's a cul-de-sac. "There's lots of houses and most homes these days have cars and some two cars and it's just creating a bit of a traffic jam out there. "What we don't want to do is just to overtake an entire road with cars." As a solution, they decided to sacrifice their spare front garden space and converted it into another parking spot instead. I'm fuming after nosy neighbours left note on my car asking my 'plans for parking', despite having a four-car driveway Ben said the decision "improves curb appeal and makes their council home more functional". In a recent video, he documented his one-day transformation of the front garden - and it didn't cost a penny. Alongside sons Noah and Toby, Ben removed the front garden fence, digged out the deep fence posts and filled the holes with mud and stones that were already in the garden. Their job was made easier as the council had already removed half of the fence to accommodate for sewage works. And Ben "got the green light" from officials to remove the rest of the fencing too. Showing off the finished results, the delighted dad said: "That just leaves the little runabout just parked near to our house so it just saves a lot on space. "We're not taking up too much space and we've actually got a place to park." 4 4 4 But after sharing the transformation on social media, people were quick to point out a potential issue. "You need a dropped kerb now putting in which is an expensive job", one person said. Somebody else chimed in: "I guess if the kerb isn't dropped you run the risk of being blocked in if someone parks there?" And a third added: "Some jealous eejit will report for not having a drop kerb and removing the fence/posts." But Ben insisted that: the kerb is "partially dropped already" and added: "It's fine for now." "I put an application in with the council, plus it was the council who removed half the fence for us in the first place ️ "People will always try and trip us up unfortunately there are little bullies everywhere." Social media support Other people, however, were full of praise for the savvy dad's DIY project. One said: "Wow, I bet it will make a huge difference getting the cars on the drive! Much easier for you all... easier to load up... and safer off the road. Great job all." Someone else wrote: "Great job on the driveway, hopefully will make a difference especially now with the girls car. Well done to your helpers too." "Nice you can park on the drive now. So considerate of you as you have three cars", chimed in a third. A fourth agreed: "Front is looking good, much better use of the space in the front, and leaves the street less crowded." "Great job converting it into a driveway!! Looks really good!!" gushed a fifth. And a sixth said: "That's a great idea parking the two bigger cars in the driveway and the wee Fiat on the street it would be lovely if more neighbours were thoughtful like this and considered others." The garden renovation comes after the Sullivans were forced to hit back at trolls who claim they're jobless spongers on benefits - insisting they couldn't be more wrong. Zoe was faced with hateful messages after revealing she spends £400 on the weekly food shop. Opening up about the hate, Zoe said: "There is this assumption that number one, we don't work and number two we bring in mass incomes on benefits and then spend it all on rubbish. "People seem to be so angry at large families, [they] just assume you have children and you suddenly become a sponge on society. "We pay our taxes, we pay our bills, we pay our council tax, we pay our rent, we pay all that stuff." "Obviously getting us by, there's 14 of us, it takes quite a lot of money. But we budget, we make ends meet."
