Just to clear up one myth: It's not true that British English always uses the plural in cases like this. It depends on whether you are talking about the group as a whole or separate individuals within that group.
"My family lives in Baltonsborough." The family as a single unit, all the members living under one roof.
"My family live in towns all over south-west England." The family as a group of individuals, each individual living a separate life in a different town.