British pensioners living in Spain could see their annual income rise by nearly £500 (a little more than €580) beginning next April, after the latest UK earnings figures pointed to another State Pension increase. However, how much retirees could actually gain depends on one final figure still to come, as well as the Spanish tax rules that apply to their pension income.

The ‘Triple Lock’: UK State Pension increases depending on three key statistics

Under the UK government’s “Triple Lock” policy, the State Pension increases each April by whichever figure is highest among: the average wage growth from May to July, September CPI inflation, or 2.5 per cent. With total average earnings increasing by around 3.9 per cent, the full new State Pension is projected to increase by up to £489 (approximately €570) per year, raising annual payments to approximately £13,000, or nearly €15,200.

Thousands of British pensioners in Spain could benefit from increase

For the roughly 100,000 British pensioners living in Spain, this projected boost offers much-needed relief from the rising cost of living. Unlike other UK retirees in non-EU countries, including Canada, Australia, or South Africa, where the pension remains static, British pensioners in Spain retain their rights to an annual uprating. This was secured under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, which ensured that British expats across the EU could benefit from every Triple Lock policy adjustment.

However, the final increase is not yet set in stone. If September’s UK inflation rate outpaces wage growth, the final pension boost could be even higher.

Spanish taxes and foreign exchange rates: the two major catches

How much of the €570 increase pensioners will get to keep depends on two variables: the Spanish tax policy, and foreign exchange rates. For starters, the UK State Pension is non-taxable at source in Britain but must be declared in Spain by tax residents, since the Spanish tax agency, or Agencia Tributaria, treats UK State Pension payouts as earned income.

This means that, depending on the total personal income of the pensioner, as well as the autonomous community where they reside, income tax could range anywhere from 19 per cent to more than 45 per cent. The rise in the pension may push expatriates past local tax allowance thresholds, obligating them to pay more taxes on their annual Declaración de la Renta.

Additionally, because payments are issued in pounds sterling but spent in euros, exchange rate shifts will directly affect how much extra money lands in pensioners’ Spanish bank accounts.

The basics of securing the pension increase: expats advised to talk to a specialist

In order to secure the pension, UK expatriates should inspect their National Insurance record to confirm they have the 35 years required for the maximum State Pension. British pensioners are also advised to review their pensions with a cross-border financial specialist, in order to maximise their net retirement incomes in Spain.

All in all, while the upcoming Triple Lock boost is projected to bring a welcome financial relief to many British retirees in Spain, the true value of that extra income will depend on local tax obligations and the rate of exchange. Taking the time to research and talk to a specialist could help pensioners keep as much of that money in their pockets as possible.

Residents forced from their homes by the Benahavis wildfire can now return after firefighters brought the major blaze under control following a difficult 24 hours.

More than 300 hectares of woodland and scrub have been affected by the fire, which started near the Ermita del Rosario on Sunday afternoon and spread rapidly through steep terrain and strong easterly winds.

Around 50 people from Montemayor Alto were evacuated as the flames threatened areas where homes and forest meet. Residents of Montemayor and Benahavis Hills, together with the occupants of a property known as La Coja, were among those later given permission to return.

Andalucian emergency authorities said the fire was declared stabilised at around 7.30pm on Monday, allowing the operation to be scaled back to pre-emergency level.

More than 300 hectares affected by fire

Antonio Sanz, the Junta de Andalucia’s vice-president and regional minister for emergencies, said the progress represented an important stage in dealing with the blaze. Firefighters had spent the night working to stop the head of the fire from advancing, with heavy machinery used to protect Benahavis and nearby residential areas.

Monday’s operation involved around 200 personnel and a large fleet of aircraft and ground vehicles. The aerial response grew considerably during the day, with up to 16 aircraft involved at one stage.

Despite the improved situation, firefighters have not simply left the area. INFOCA crews are staying behind to check the perimeter, tackle hot spots and prevent the flames from starting again.

Three people injured in Benahavis fire

Three people were injured during the emergency. A 78-year-old man suffered burns to between 30 and 35 per cent of his body after trying to tackle the flames. He was taken to hospital in Malaga before being transferred to the burns unit at Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio in Seville.

A forest firefighter suffered a broken wrist in a fall, while another person received medical attention after inhaling smoke.

No homes were reported to have been destroyed, although emergency authorities reported some damage to outdoor features, including fences, terraces and access points.

A-7175 road reopened

The A-7175 road was also affected by the wildfire after being closed during the emergency. It was reopened overnight, helping residents who had been outside the municipality to get back home.

Fire behaviour was made more difficult by the combination of wind, steep slopes and the area’s numerous ravines and valleys. According to the technical analysis carried out by INFOCA, the flames spread quickly along ridges and slopes exposed to the wind.

Although the immediate danger to Benahavis residents has eased, INFOCA personnel will continue working at the scene until the fire is fully extinguished.

Police investigations now point to an initial blaze which broke out on the main road to Benahavis Village from what appears to be a stopped car moments before the alarm was officially raised.

#benahavis así ha empezado el incendio en Benahavís. Hemos avisado al 112 en ese momento pic.twitter.com/eBknt6AWRK

— mariareke 🐾✨ (@mariareke) September 13, 2026

Algarrobo is about to step back to 1811. From Friday 18 to Sunday, September 20, the Axarquia village stages the 12th La Quema de Algarrobo, a provincial tourist-interest fiesta that recalls how Napoleonic troops failed to torch the place during the Peninsular War.

Town hall and the Asociacion Historico Cultural Quema de Algarrobo run the weekend, with backing from Malaga’s Diputacion. Neighbours, or locals that call themselves themselves “tiznaos”, fill the streets as guerrillas and French soldiers. Craft stalls, workshops, a tapas trail heavy on mangoes and village tortas, and live music sit around the battles.

Friday night: capture, speech and a staged burial

Action starts at 9pm on Friday with the capture of Marcos Loco. A theatrical burial of Marcos Loco and mayor Francisco Ramos follows along with many more battle reenactments, and partying to the small hours.

Saturday: street fights, a river ambush and a rock gig

Saturday carries are the biggest events. Sonnet recitals, skirmishes in the old streets and the opening of a French headquarters run through the day. Late afternoon brings an ambush by the river, with more than 60 riders. That set-piece leads into the central play, La Quema de Algarrobo — el jinete heroico — at 10pm.

Hugely famous Spanish rock band Seguridad Social closes Saturday from 11.30pm in the municipal marquee, and bound to bring a night full of dancing and revelry.

Sunday: 300 reenactors and a last play

Sunday’s Encuentros Historicos parade draws more than 300 people from about a dozen Andalucian reenactment groups. Theatre wraps at 5pm with La noche de El Melgares.

Anyone heading in should expect packed streets, horses, gunfire effects and evening crowds. Parking in the village centre will be tight; arriving early or using Algarrobo Costa and walking up is the usual workaround.

Official programme details can be found at Axarquia tourism via axarquiacostadelsol.es.