SUMMER NEWSLETTER – 2010

Summer Social Evening

Wednesday 30th June – from 8.00 pm

At Sandal Rugby Club

Thank you to all who were able to join us at the Spring Luncheon and to those who stayed for the Annual General Meeting. The luncheon was its usual success, enjoyed by all and we were gratified that so many stayed to hear your Committee’s Report on its activities during 2008 and to ask questions of them.  We were also delighted to welcome Brian Taylor who volunteered to serve on the Committee.
Our Chairman again raised the ongoing concern with the problem of dwindling membership.  Although this is a small and gradual process we must find ways to reverse the trend.  New members are the lifeblood of the organisation for it is they who can provide continuity and who are fitter and in a better position to support those who are older and affected by the problems that often accompany advancing years. 
Remember, the Force no longer has any interest in us other than seeking ways to reduce our pension entitlements; we are a financial drain.  All welfare support has dried up other than the tremendous help and suppot that we still receive from the Federation. If you or anyone you know of needs assistance or advice, contact us and we will do whatever we can to help.
In recent months I have noticed a small increase in numbers of applications to join our Branch. Whilst unable to establish the actual reason, it has been suggested that one factor may be the new Annual Travel Insurance Scheme which has been introduced by the national office and which offers extremely good value cover, especially as we grow older. (Full details were included in the last edition of NARPO News).
Whatever the reasons, we should all look to ways to encourage retired and retiring officers to join NARPO.  This is more important than ever when the Government is faced with huge debts and deficits and is looking to challenge public service pay and pension packages.  If, indeed, our own pensions come under scrutiny we may very well need to be in a strong position both financially and politically to preserve the status quo. 
More and more it is important that we, as an organisation, look after one another.  So, if you know anyone who is eligible but is not yet a member talk to them and encourage them to join.  The cost is minimal and the benefits worthwhile.

Financially, looking to the immediate future, the outlook for us is a fairly optimistic. Whilst the impending emergency budget will no doubt affect everyone, we have been given some hope that pensioners and the elderly will be given preferential treatment by this Government.  At the same time, the Retail Prices Index (the Index on which our Police Pensions increases are determined) is currently running at 5.3%.  Whilst I have no doubt that this level will be not be maintained until October, nevertheless I think that we can now look forward to a reasonable increase for next year and which, if the promise to raise the starting rates for income tax is implemented, would effectively make such increase tax free.  Let us hope so.

PENSION – INJURY AWARD REVIEWS

As I reported in my last newsletter some important legal developments have taken place.  The cases to which I referred are now subject to Appeals and are awaiting resolution.

Unsurprisingly, but very disappointingly, West Yorkshire Police implemented the original Home Office Advice to carry out Reviews to reduce pension entitlements with determination and relish.  Strangely, they have ignored the subsequent and latest Advice to suspend further Reviews until the outcome of the Appeal has been announced. 

www.NARPOWESTYORKSHIRE.CO.UK

Our local website continues to go from strength to strength keeping you up to date with former colleagues and friends.  In particular, the “Where are they now?” feature allows people to renew contacts with those who they have lost touch with. So, ‘I wonder whatever happened to ???”. You could find out, now.

RONALD GREGORY
Most will be aware of the passing of former Chief Constable, Ronald Gregory who died on 9th April, aged 88.  We will all have our own personal memories and impressions of the man but I sure most will remember him with some regard as the last of a certain breed of “Chiefs”.

SUMMER SOCIAL – 30th JUNE

Please remember - the Summer Social Evening will be on Wednesday 30th June  There’s no need to book and nothing to pay (except for drinks). So come to Sandal Rugby Club (just round the corner from ASDA) and have a relaxed and informal meeting with old friends and former colleagues. 

Hot roast beef sandwiches will be served by the ever popular Charlesworths’ of Horbury and there will be also be all the usual events including the quarterly prize draw, prize quiz and raffle. 

Please help us to help you by supporting the event which we provide free of charge for your benefit.  Mark your diary and calendar now and look forward to spending an enjoyable evening with friends.