Expat Community > England

TxToUk
Joined 2008
Posts: 6

Considering move to Henley-on-Thames...feedback welcomed

16 years ago

Hello All,
My company has offered a temporary (2 yrs) move to Henley-on-Thames, where our UK office is located. The offer consists of:
* Housing allowance (2500 GBP pcm)
* Utilities allowance (210 GBP pcm)
* Car allowance (300 GBP pcm)
* 2 trips home/year for family
* One time lump of $10k USD (net after tax)
* Tax equalisation and preparation assistance

I would continue to be paid in USD w/a proposed COLA that equates to a 43% increase (net) over my current net pay. My initial thoughts are that this is too low based on initial research and the current exchange rate of > 2.

We will be keeping our home in Houston and will likely not rent it out, instead trying to have a family member stay in it. We will continue to pay mortgage, bills, etc.

We have 2 young children ages 6 and 3.

Questions for all:
* Our 6 yr old just completed kindergarten. I understand that the UK school system is much different than the US. Will she be very far behind in the UK, and likewise when we return? I can't seem to find any American schools near Henley.
* Living in Houston we enjoy a very low cost of living. Given the huge jump in COL with a move to a ritzy suburb of London I am concerned that the COLA is not enough. Since London is twice as expensive I am assuming that Henley will be even more so (no large supermarkets, dept stores, etc.) Any insights or feedback here would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

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