I am currently leading a Home Office project to encourage retired police officers to become involved in volunteering with organisations such as The Prince’s Trust. I was wondering if you could send the attached advert to your members locally in any newsletter/e-bulletin you circulate? There is a general ad on the NARPO website but I have found a more direct approach has yielded more interest – it is a really great opportunity for your members. If anyone is interested they can contact me directly for more information.
Are you a retired police officer, or about to retire? Are you interested in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people in your local community? If so, The Prince’s Trust has a range of volunteering opportunities available to you.
The Prince’s Trust work with 14 to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law. They give practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. The Prince’s Trust help 100 young people every day and more than three in four of them move into work, education or training.
Whether you have a few hours a month or are available full-time, there is a rewarding and challenging volunteering opportunity for you. If you can give:
four hours every month you can mentor a young person and help them to progress in life
one or two days a week you could help coordinate other volunteers to enable them to support young people
20 days over a 12-week period you could support 15 young people as they progress through a personal development programme
Opportunities are available throughout Wales and England - from Bangor to Barry and Cornwall to Cumbria.
For more details please contact Zoe Byrne on zoe.byrne@princes-trust.org.uk or call 0207 543 1288.
For more information about the work of The Prince’s Trust please visit the website princes-trust.org.uk.
Thank you in advance for your assistance,
Zoe
Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Byrne
National Police Liaison Officer
The Prince's Trust
18 Park Square East
London
NW1 4LH
T: 02075431288
M:07817683222
E: Zoe.Byrne@princes-trust.org.uk
Celebrating 20 years of Prince’s Trust Team: Changing young lives, strengthening communities www.princes-trust.org.uk/20
Monday, 29 November 2010
Health & Safety proposed TV documentary - Wanna Be a Star?
Nutopia Television is developing a potential Channel 4 programme about the Emergency Services.
We plan to explore the impact of health and safety legislation on the work of the police and emergency services; to study how both working practice and attitudes to risk taking may have changed over the past few decades.
We want to find out whether, and how, the evolution of health and safety has helped or hindered the work of police, fire and ambulance crews. I am therefore searching for a very broad range of police experiences from different decades to help our early research.
If you would like to contribute please contact: Mora McLaganmora@nutopia.com Tel.07966 145 376
We plan to explore the impact of health and safety legislation on the work of the police and emergency services; to study how both working practice and attitudes to risk taking may have changed over the past few decades.
We want to find out whether, and how, the evolution of health and safety has helped or hindered the work of police, fire and ambulance crews. I am therefore searching for a very broad range of police experiences from different decades to help our early research.
If you would like to contribute please contact: Mora McLaganmora@nutopia.com Tel.07966 145 376
Friday, 26 November 2010
IMPORTANT: Please Check your Visa/ Mastercard Receipt before Authorising payment at Retail Outlets.
IMPORTANT : CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS BEFORE LEAVING THE CHECK-OUT !!
Anecdotal item from the Internet. Please note, there is no verification that this this story is true (in fact I think it an unlikely tale and wonder if it isn't a send up in itself ?) Nevertheless a cautionary tale for your consideration. This could happen to YOU!
"I bought grocieries valued at over £150 from a supermarket. I glanced at my receipt as the cashier was handing me the bags. I saw a cash-back of £40. I told her I didn't request a cash back and asked her to delete it. She said I'd have to take the £40 because she couldn't delete it and she was supported by her supervisor. Taking the £40 would be a cash advance against my Credit card and I wasn't paying interest on a cash advance!
I again refused to accept the advance and the supervisor instructed the the cashier to delete the whole order and re-scan everything!
The second time I looked at the electronic pad before I signed - a cash-back of £20 popped up. At that point I told the cashier, who immediately deleted it. The total came out right. (The cashier agreed that the Electronic Pad must be defective.) Can you imagine how many people went through before me?"
It was further alleged that a colleague went to a n unnamed supermarket the same week. She had her items rung up by the cashier, who hurried her along but did not offer a receipt. Only after a specific request did the cashier give it to her. The receipt showed that she asked for £20 cash back. SHE DID NOT ASK FOR CASH BACK!
This is a new scam that is alleged to be going on. It is alleged that the cashier keys in that you asked for cash back and then hands it to her friend, who is the next person in the queue.
Please, please, please check your receipts right away when using credit or debit cards!
THIS SCAM CAN BE DONE ANYWHERE, AT ANY RETAIL OR WHOLESALE LOCATION!!!
SO, BEFORE LEAVING THE CHECK-OUT........CHECK YOUR RECEIPT VERY, VERY CAREFULLY !!!!!
Anecdotal item from the Internet. Please note, there is no verification that this this story is true (in fact I think it an unlikely tale and wonder if it isn't a send up in itself ?) Nevertheless a cautionary tale for your consideration. This could happen to YOU!
"I bought grocieries valued at over £150 from a supermarket. I glanced at my receipt as the cashier was handing me the bags. I saw a cash-back of £40. I told her I didn't request a cash back and asked her to delete it. She said I'd have to take the £40 because she couldn't delete it and she was supported by her supervisor. Taking the £40 would be a cash advance against my Credit card and I wasn't paying interest on a cash advance!
I again refused to accept the advance and the supervisor instructed the the cashier to delete the whole order and re-scan everything!
The second time I looked at the electronic pad before I signed - a cash-back of £20 popped up. At that point I told the cashier, who immediately deleted it. The total came out right. (The cashier agreed that the Electronic Pad must be defective.) Can you imagine how many people went through before me?"
It was further alleged that a colleague went to a n unnamed supermarket the same week. She had her items rung up by the cashier, who hurried her along but did not offer a receipt. Only after a specific request did the cashier give it to her. The receipt showed that she asked for £20 cash back. SHE DID NOT ASK FOR CASH BACK!
This is a new scam that is alleged to be going on. It is alleged that the cashier keys in that you asked for cash back and then hands it to her friend, who is the next person in the queue.
Please, please, please check your receipts right away when using credit or debit cards!
THIS SCAM CAN BE DONE ANYWHERE, AT ANY RETAIL OR WHOLESALE LOCATION!!!
SO, BEFORE LEAVING THE CHECK-OUT........CHECK YOUR RECEIPT VERY, VERY CAREFULLY !!!!!
Keeping You Abreast of NARPO Developments
WRITE TO YOUR MP TO URGE THEM TO SUPPORT AN EARLY DAY MOTION ABOUT THE CHANGE TO CPI
EDM 1032 has now been laid and is couched in terms designed to secure maximum cross-party support.
You will see that it does not go as far as supporting the retention of RPI but asks for a proper evaluation before any changes are made. It will not preclude us from continuing our campaign for retention of RPI.
Indeed, it will provide us with another avenue for arguing our case. Therefore, we urge all members to contact their MPs to ask them to add their signatures to EDM 1032.Please see the NARPO website www.narpo.org and please, please, print off a copy of the letter concerning "Early Day Motion 1032" which is about the proposed change in Police Pensions from RPI to CPI, and send it properly completed to your MP. I have checked that "outwith" is a proper word so you only need to complete your details and the MP's details prior to sending the letter to him.
I can't stress enough how important it is for you to send the letter because the effect of the change from RPI to CPI will cost you a lot of money over the years. It doesn't just affect police pensions but other pensions and benefits that you or your family may be getting, so prepare letters for them to sign as well.
It is our one chance to do something that may protect our pensions and those of others so PLEASE ACT NOW.
With best wishes
Barry E Evans MBE
INFLATION FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCED
The latest inflation figures have just been released and the CPI stands at 3.1% whilst the RPI stands at 4.6% for September. As you will know the September inflation figure determines the increase to police pensions in April the following year.
This Government have in their budget indicated that public sector pensions will rise by the CPI and not the RPI from April next year and whilst NARPO is actively campaigning against this move, together with other pensioner groups, the indication at present is that police pensions will rise by the CPI in April next year.
To see the figures and background information use the link below to the Office of National Statistics.ONS Website
NARPO INITIAL RESPONSE TO THE HUTTON COMMISSION
Following the release of the terms of reference for the Hutton Commission NARPO have taken the opportunity to supply an initial response to the Commission. To view the response use the link below.
NARPO REsPONSE
THE BUDGET AND PENSION INCREASES
Following the Emergency Budget delivered by the Chancellor it would appear that this Governernment are seeking to change the up-rating of Police Pensions from the Retail Price Index to the Consumer Price Index from April 2011. Use the links below for further information. ( Due to transcript error, plesse use your internet direct to raise the following topics - if you wish to follow this through).
BUDGET AND PENSION INCREASES
DWP STATEMENT ON INDEXATION CHANGES
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RPI AND CPI
POLICE PENSION AND INDEX LINKING
Police Pensions are currently Index Linked from age 55yrs and are increased in line with the Retail Price Index. Pensions are uprated each April and the level of increase is determined by RPI in September of the preceding year.
For details of the increases applied see below:
Index Linking
CAMPAIGN FOR FAIRNESS IN STATE PENSION OVERSEAS
INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM of BRITISH PENSIONERS
Many of you may know pensioners from the UK, who emigrate have their State Pension entitlement frozen in most countries outside the EU.
The International Consortium of British Pensioners is fighting for fairness for all British pensioners, who choose to live abroad, seeking that their pensions be index linked. Currently they are interested in the attitudes of British pensioners still living in the UK. The first link below gives more details on this topic. The second is a survey, which you are invited to complete. This will assist the Consortium to gather further evidence in this campaign.
We would be grateful if as many of you who fit the criteria could complete the survey. Click on the links below for the survey and further inbformation.
SURVEY
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE
REDUCTION OF POLICE PENSION UPON RECEIPT OF STATE PENSION
We are often asked why the Police Pension reduces when a member starts receiving their State Pension.
Please use the link below to view the explanation.
MODIFICATION OF POLICE PENSIONS
COMMUTATION FACTORS
On 17th March 2009, the High Court announced its decision on the question of the Judicial Review taken by the Police Federation in respect of the commencement date of the new commutation factors in favour of the Police Federation.
The Home Secretary had 14 days in which to appeal this decision. No appeal was made and the new factors were introduced and backdated effective as from 1st December 2006.
To view the full High Court decision use the link below:
Full High Court Decision
PUBLIC SECTOR PENSIONS OVERPAYMENT
Recent questions in the House of Commons and attendant publicity has highlighted an issue of overpayment of pensions to retired public sector employees including those in the police scheme.
This is a complicated issue.
In essence, the problem has to do with the Guaranteed Minimum Pension, its calculation, index linking and impact on the individual's Police Pension index linking.
Guaranteed Minimum Pensions were provided by public service pension schemes between 1978 and 1997. The problem will not affect any pensioner unless he or she is over State Pension age with service in this period and for whom the force have no record of a GMP.
It is estimated that between 1220 and 1830 (1% - 1.5%) police pensioners in England and Wales may be affected by this miscalculation. No overpayments are to be recovered but an adjustment will be made to the pensions of those affected in April 2009.
For those who require more details of the problem and its likely impact we have added a link to the relevant Home Office advice to forces: Home Office Circular 31/2008
To view the National Audit Office Report on errors in the Guaranteed Minimum Pension please use this link NAO report
Overseas Pension and Guaranteed Minimum Income
There has been considerable discussion recently about the question of Guaranteed Minimum Pension and its relationship with the Police Pension. as part of the fall out from the 'overpayment' of pensions recently reported in NARPO News we have been in discussion with colleagues in the Public Service Pensioners' Council. We have been made aware that some public sector pensioners, who retired to countries where the UK state pension is not index linked, have not been receiving the Guaranteed Minimum Pension increases to which they are entitled.
We must make it clear that this situation is only applicable to those in excess of state pension age living in those mostly former Commonwealth countries where the UK state pension is frozen and who have service between April 1978 and April 1997.
If you think this may apply to you use the model letter below:
Formatted Letter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDM 1032 has now been laid and is couched in terms designed to secure maximum cross-party support.
You will see that it does not go as far as supporting the retention of RPI but asks for a proper evaluation before any changes are made. It will not preclude us from continuing our campaign for retention of RPI.
Indeed, it will provide us with another avenue for arguing our case. Therefore, we urge all members to contact their MPs to ask them to add their signatures to EDM 1032.Please see the NARPO website www.narpo.org and please, please, print off a copy of the letter concerning "Early Day Motion 1032" which is about the proposed change in Police Pensions from RPI to CPI, and send it properly completed to your MP. I have checked that "outwith" is a proper word so you only need to complete your details and the MP's details prior to sending the letter to him.
I can't stress enough how important it is for you to send the letter because the effect of the change from RPI to CPI will cost you a lot of money over the years. It doesn't just affect police pensions but other pensions and benefits that you or your family may be getting, so prepare letters for them to sign as well.
It is our one chance to do something that may protect our pensions and those of others so PLEASE ACT NOW.
With best wishes
Barry E Evans MBE
INFLATION FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER ANNOUNCED
The latest inflation figures have just been released and the CPI stands at 3.1% whilst the RPI stands at 4.6% for September. As you will know the September inflation figure determines the increase to police pensions in April the following year.
This Government have in their budget indicated that public sector pensions will rise by the CPI and not the RPI from April next year and whilst NARPO is actively campaigning against this move, together with other pensioner groups, the indication at present is that police pensions will rise by the CPI in April next year.
To see the figures and background information use the link below to the Office of National Statistics.ONS Website
NARPO INITIAL RESPONSE TO THE HUTTON COMMISSION
Following the release of the terms of reference for the Hutton Commission NARPO have taken the opportunity to supply an initial response to the Commission. To view the response use the link below.
NARPO REsPONSE
THE BUDGET AND PENSION INCREASES
Following the Emergency Budget delivered by the Chancellor it would appear that this Governernment are seeking to change the up-rating of Police Pensions from the Retail Price Index to the Consumer Price Index from April 2011. Use the links below for further information. ( Due to transcript error, plesse use your internet direct to raise the following topics - if you wish to follow this through).
BUDGET AND PENSION INCREASES
DWP STATEMENT ON INDEXATION CHANGES
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RPI AND CPI
POLICE PENSION AND INDEX LINKING
Police Pensions are currently Index Linked from age 55yrs and are increased in line with the Retail Price Index. Pensions are uprated each April and the level of increase is determined by RPI in September of the preceding year.
For details of the increases applied see below:
Index Linking
CAMPAIGN FOR FAIRNESS IN STATE PENSION OVERSEAS
INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM of BRITISH PENSIONERS
Many of you may know pensioners from the UK, who emigrate have their State Pension entitlement frozen in most countries outside the EU.
The International Consortium of British Pensioners is fighting for fairness for all British pensioners, who choose to live abroad, seeking that their pensions be index linked. Currently they are interested in the attitudes of British pensioners still living in the UK. The first link below gives more details on this topic. The second is a survey, which you are invited to complete. This will assist the Consortium to gather further evidence in this campaign.
We would be grateful if as many of you who fit the criteria could complete the survey. Click on the links below for the survey and further inbformation.
SURVEY
CAMPAIGN WEBSITE
REDUCTION OF POLICE PENSION UPON RECEIPT OF STATE PENSION
We are often asked why the Police Pension reduces when a member starts receiving their State Pension.
Please use the link below to view the explanation.
MODIFICATION OF POLICE PENSIONS
COMMUTATION FACTORS
On 17th March 2009, the High Court announced its decision on the question of the Judicial Review taken by the Police Federation in respect of the commencement date of the new commutation factors in favour of the Police Federation.
The Home Secretary had 14 days in which to appeal this decision. No appeal was made and the new factors were introduced and backdated effective as from 1st December 2006.
To view the full High Court decision use the link below:
Full High Court Decision
PUBLIC SECTOR PENSIONS OVERPAYMENT
Recent questions in the House of Commons and attendant publicity has highlighted an issue of overpayment of pensions to retired public sector employees including those in the police scheme.
This is a complicated issue.
In essence, the problem has to do with the Guaranteed Minimum Pension, its calculation, index linking and impact on the individual's Police Pension index linking.
Guaranteed Minimum Pensions were provided by public service pension schemes between 1978 and 1997. The problem will not affect any pensioner unless he or she is over State Pension age with service in this period and for whom the force have no record of a GMP.
It is estimated that between 1220 and 1830 (1% - 1.5%) police pensioners in England and Wales may be affected by this miscalculation. No overpayments are to be recovered but an adjustment will be made to the pensions of those affected in April 2009.
For those who require more details of the problem and its likely impact we have added a link to the relevant Home Office advice to forces: Home Office Circular 31/2008
To view the National Audit Office Report on errors in the Guaranteed Minimum Pension please use this link NAO report
Overseas Pension and Guaranteed Minimum Income
There has been considerable discussion recently about the question of Guaranteed Minimum Pension and its relationship with the Police Pension. as part of the fall out from the 'overpayment' of pensions recently reported in NARPO News we have been in discussion with colleagues in the Public Service Pensioners' Council. We have been made aware that some public sector pensioners, who retired to countries where the UK state pension is not index linked, have not been receiving the Guaranteed Minimum Pension increases to which they are entitled.
We must make it clear that this situation is only applicable to those in excess of state pension age living in those mostly former Commonwealth countries where the UK state pension is frozen and who have service between April 1978 and April 1997.
If you think this may apply to you use the model letter below:
Formatted Letter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, 19 November 2010
Copper Plate – Nov 2010
Please click on the image to be able to download a copy of the November 2010 edition of CopperPlate
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Death of a retired Police Officer - PC 1138 William Sudder
It is with regret that we announce the death of ex PC 1138 William Sudder. Mr Sudder died on the 3rd November aged 80 years leaving a widow Elsie.
Mr Sudder retired from Sacriston in 1977 following 27 years service. He had previously served at Durham and HQ CID.
Mr Sudder retired from Sacriston in 1977 following 27 years service. He had previously served at Durham and HQ CID.
Friday, 5 November 2010
Next Meeting of Durham NARPO – Monday 8th November
Well the fireworks should all be gone by now and so it’s ‘safe’ to go out again !!
So, why not come along to the next meeting of Durham NARPO, which is to be held at Bishop Auckland Hospital Club at 1930hrs on Monday 8th November.
If you are unsure of the location click here to get directions : http://www.durhamnarpo.com/p/where-we-meet.html
Retirement 'Do' - PC 584 Stu Armstrong (Dog Section - Darlington)
PC 584 Stu Armstrong (Dog Section - Darlington), is retiring soon and will be having a retirement do at Darlington Rugby Club on Thursday 27th January 2011, 1930hrs..... All welcome.