REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PENSIONERS CONVENTION MEETING WITH PAUL BURSTOW, CARE MINISTER ON DECEMBER 19TH 2011

THE NATIONAL PENSIONERS CONVENTION (NPC) WERE REPRESENTED BY DOT GIBSON, GENERAL SECRETARY, PAT HEALY & PAT PRENDERGAST, VICE PRESIDENTS.

"DIGNITY CODE"

Paul Burstow said that he had no problem whatsoever with the NPC Dignity Code but his adviser's had two queries, and he asked for clarification on the first and last points after the words "calls for" in the Code.

•  "Respect for individuals to make up their own minds, and for their personal wishes as expressed in 'living wills', for implementation when they can no longer express themselves clearly." We explained that this means exactly what it says and should not be confused with the "right to die" on which the NPC has no policy.

• "The provision of advocacy services where appropriate". We said that an individuals family should be made properly aware that they are also their relatives advocate, with the right to check for themselves their relatives treatment, medication, proposed changes in the type of care they receive and where this will be given; where there is no relative an advocacy service should be provided. (Pat P pointed out that when she tells relatives that they have this right, they often say that they do not want people to think that they are after their relatives money and so it is really important for the care setting to have a representative to ensure that this is properly explained and carried out).

Paul Burstow said that he was satisfied with those answers. He could now take action and would write to us in the new year to say how support would be given to us to take the Dignity Code forward. We said that it was our view that whether a health/care provider was a public or a private concern they should sign up to the Dignity Code and that we would be inviting health and care experts ( we have a meeting with the RCN in January and will raise it with the CQC). Pat H reported that the Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council had unanimously adopted the Dignity Code. We asked for it to be on the agenda of the next UK Advisory Forum on Ageing meeting; he agreed to do this.

"White Paper"

Paul Barstow said that the White Paper will be presented in the spring, with the following sections.

• The Government's response to the Law Commission's report on Adult Social Care, May 2011;
• Quality and workforce (standards and training);
• Provider failure (Southern Cross);
• Overseeing the market (80% in the private sector);
• Financial Services;
• Integration of services, the NHS and also housing.

At the same time there will be a separate Progress Report on Funding Reform (Dilnot).

There was a general discussion during which we asked why the Dilnot report was being dealt with separately and were told that the Government could make legislation in various ways - not necessarily through a White Paper; we also raised the problem of the division between "Medical" and "Personal" care, especially in relation to dementia and the recent Equality and Human Rights Commission on care. We suggested that Baroness Sally Greengross should be asked to speak on this report at the next meeting of the UK Advisory Forum on Ageing. (She is a member of the EHRC). Paul Barstow agreed to put this on the agenda.

"Blackpool Pensioners Parliament"

We asked him to speak and field questions at the Pensioner's Parliament on 20th June 2012; he was positive about this and said that he would do his best to sort out his commitments so that he is able to do so.

 

 

ARE WE WITNESSING THE RETURN OF OLD LABOUR VALUES BY COURTSEY OF THE COALITION GOVERNMENT

THERE WILL BE AN INTRODUCTION OF NEW RULES IN 2013 BY THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (FSA) TO PLACE RESTRICTIONS ON BORROWING MORE THAN ONE CAN AFFORD.

So if I have this right all the Thatcher removal of restrictions on lending seems to have failed. The "nanny state"  now seems to be "common sense." Is it not amazing how our post war Labour leadership got it right? Now we just need to revisit J M Keynes.

"New rules to stop a resurgence in risky mortgage lending are likely to be imposed in 2013 by the Financial Services Authority" (FSA).

The regulator's revised proposals still intend to bring in "common sense" standards that will stop home buyers borrowing more than they can afford. lenders are being told that they must assess the "affordability of homes better,"

BBC Monday December 19th 2011.

Keith - C

THE EURO CRISIS - WHY WAS THE PRIME MINISTER SO KEEN TO DEFEND THE CITY OF LONDON

THE PRIME MINISTER HAS INCREASED HIS POPULARLY IN THE COUNTRY AND THE FINANCIAL SECTOR SINCE HIS USE OF THE VETO DURING THE EURO CRISIS.

The city of London has carved out for itself privilege after privilege, to ensure that the rules governing the rest of Britain stop at the city borders. The Statute of William and Mary from 1690, for example, "confirming the privileges of the Corporation", states:

All the charters, grants,letter patents, commissions touching or concerning any of their liberties or franchises, or the liberties, privileges, franchises, immunities, lands, tenements and hereditaments, rights, titles, or estates of the mayor and commonality and citizens of the City of London, made or granted to any person or persons whatsoever...be and are hereby declared and adjudged null and void to all intents.

Some of the laws made in Westminster do apply to the corporation, but many acts of Parliament specifically exempt it, either fully or in part. Hence the City is connected to the British nation state but remains a constitutional elsewhere. In this the City resembles Jersey or the Cayman Islands, the offshore jurisdictions that are its satellites. For skittish global capital, this matters. Any challenge to the City faces the mystique of history and the extravagant skills and powers of the many servants of finance. This globe-encompassing futuristic financial services centre, whose influence reaches silently into people's homes from Baltimore via Birmingham to Borneo, is founded upon an ancient constitutional platform that is as impregnable as it is unique.

My contention is that a very large proportion of the worlds wealth is sheltered from taxation by the City. It is unique because it is legal. That is why most other "offshore" tax havens are registered with the City of London. The proposals to have "transaction taxes" and to have proper and open accountancy practises to bring the Euro area into some order would require Britain to repeal the 1690 Act and apply those practises in Britain. The City of London would then be chased by the HMRC as they would not have legal immunity. As Cameron and Osborne have their fortunes registered in the Cayman Islands, I cannot see this ever happening. All the other cabinet members are millionaires and most probably have similar arrangements.

We have 73 billionaires registered in Britain not paying tax. We have 45,000 millionaires and only 6,000 of them pay tax. The run on the Greek Banks was caused by the companies in Greece registering "offshore", they and other wealthy individuals withdrew their money and sent it "offshore". 

98 of the FTSE 100 are registered "offshore". In Spain 80% of their companies are registered "offshore". The share holders of other companies are registered "offshore". It goes on and on. All of these vested interests worth billions will not give in to Europe easily. The idea that it will be good for jobs is farcical. Britain may not be in the Euro Zone but we certainly caused the crisis. Removing minimum employment rights in Britain will not improve the well-being of you average citizen.

Keith C

SELBY DISTRICT COUNCIL HAVE COME UP WITH A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF HOW TO EXPAND THE PRIVATE SECTOR

HERE WE PRODUCE MORE EVIDENCE OF THE EXPANDING PRIVATE SECTOR.

Under the new model, the council will commission rather than deliver services, by setting up an arms-length service delivery vehicle, which will mainly use the third sector and charities to deliver. It will be supported by a core of only 14 council staff at their council, which will initially include the chief executive, but the report said that post was probably unsustainable in the long term.

Mr Harrison said that the Association for Public Services had found that every £1 of local Government spending reinvested 64p in the local economy. He said "Council tax payers  will also ask why they are paying councillors in excess of £4,000 per annum to oversee what will be an annual meeting to review contracts".

So there we have the master plan. Privatise all public sector workers and claim that the public sector has expanded. I hear you ask are there any more jobs? "NO" in fact the private sector (para-state) will have less employees than existed on worse terms and conditions. This is the way that Education and the NHS will proceed. All employees will be AGENCY STAFF. (Keith - C))

PS. The definition of para-state. Their revenue comes entirely from the taxpayer.

MIDLANDS TUC REGION PENSIONERS NETWORK CHAIR AND SECRETARY VISIT THE NEW TUC REGIONAL SECRETARY

THE VISIT TO THE MEET THE NEW REGIONAL TUC SECRETARY ROBERT JOHNSON TOOK PLACE IN NOVEMBER.

The Network Chair Mike McLoughlin and Secretary Sheena Gordon met the new TUC Regional Secretary Rob Johnson towards the end of November. This proved to be an important opportunity to meet the new secretary who has just recently taken over from his predecessor Cheryl Pidgeon, and to discuss a variety of issues with him. There was a lengthy discussion around where the Network had got to in terms of developing a viable organisation, and the difficulties that we have experienced from time to time in not being able to communicate with trade union members right across the Region. Mike indicated that when he had been invited to address the Regional TUC Executive back in April, that it had been very positive and that he had been well received, and felt that this type of invitation should be repeated when it would prove useful.

Sheena made the point that we have great difficulty in getting our materials and information through the union structures, to the individual members. Rob stated that we can have our minutes and other relevant materials put on the TUC website, if we forward them to the office. Mike pointed out that not all members had computers, and that many of those that did, rarely if ever visited web sites, he stressed that very few trade unionist visited the Retired Members Midlands blog, although it attracted visitors from Canada, USA, China, India, Germany, France etc. It was his view that we also had to make use of old traditional means of communications as well as using electronic methods. Rob went on to state that the TUC could give us practical assistance by printing and helping to distribute leaflets that we design, this material could also be put on the website.

We went on to have a discussion around the issues involved in the forthcoming November 30th strike day on pensions. Rob Indicated that in his view there was going to be a very good response right across the region on November 30th. Mike stated that a lot of work had gone in to trying to get as many pensioners as possible involved in the preparation for the day, as we we very keen to develop a strong alliance between those still in work and retired members. Our efforts had only been partially successful, we were able  to get a speaker on the platform at Nottingham and Derby, in other areas we were much less successful. It is very important that we continue to build a solid working relationship between those in work and those who are retired. It was stated that sometime in the near future we would be seeking Rob's assistance in circulating a financial appeal for the Network, as one of the things that we badly is a suitable banner.

Top Photograph L to R Robert Johnson Midlands Regional TUC Secretary and Sheena Gordon TUC Pensioners Network Secretary. bottom photograph L to R Robert Johnson and Mike McLoughlin TUC Pensioners Network Chair.

Mike & Sheena were very pleased with the meeting as it had proved to be very useful and would be repeated from time to tme as necessary.



TAX DODGING IS A MAJOR ISSUE AND A CAUSE OF CONSIDERABLE CONCERN DURING A PERIOD OF ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

INSTEAD OF MAKING SURE THAT EVERYONE IS PAYING THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAX - THIS GOVERNMENT IS TURNING A BLIND EYE IN SOME INSTANCES.

This morning we found out that the Governments tax collectors - HMRC - do not seem to have been doing their job properly. Instead of making sure that everyone is paying their fair share of tax, they have agreed to "sweetheart deals" letting big companies off paying billions of pounds. The Government will be hoping that we are all too busy doing our Christmas Shopping and working out how to pay our heating bills, to care about what their tax officers have been up to. But they are wrong.

A huge public outcry and a flood of complaints to HMRC will send a powerful message: We will not stand for the Government giving big business the green light to dodge paying billions in tax. It only takes two minutes a complaint letter to HMRC - we will collect all the letters together and deliver them in the new year: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/complain-to-HMRC

Today's news is full of the shocking details of these deals. The Daily Mail warns "while families, shopkeepers and small businesses are forced to pay their bills in full", big businesses are striking favourable deals and have a "far too cosy" a relationship with HM Revenue and Customs. As many of us prepare for winter on a tight budget, its not hard to imagine that those billions of pounds could have been spent on something better than stuffing the wallets of the most powerful companies in the country. We could have spent it on schools, on hospitals, or making sure that everyone can have a safe, warm home this Christmas time.

We know that tax dodging is a big issue. That is why last month we decided that it should be something that we should make an urgent priority. This is our chance to make sure that we get a fairer system. A people-powered flood of complaints now will surprise HMRC and force them to think again. Send the tax office your letter of complaint now-then we will collect them together to make a huge people-powered impact.  

NORTHAMPTON RESIDENTS 4 RESIDENTS 30TH NOVEMBER SPECIAL - GET ACTIVE, GET ANGRY, AND GET VISIBLE

WE SUPPORTED YOUR ACTION ON NOVEMBER 30TH, AND WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT ANY FURTHER ACTION THAT WILL BE REQUIRED.

We gave our support to the workers who were on strike on November 30th in support of pensions, because we see no reason why anyone should work longer for less, we would have thought that with over 1 million young people without work the case should be made for people to retire sooner and not later. We have friends and family who work in the public sector so we know what they earn and what their pensions are likely to be - we do not take kindly to being lectured to by gold plated hypocrites.

THIS GOVERNMENT OF GOLD PLATED HYPOCRITES

Hyprocite              Salary           Pension            Pension Pot

David Cameron    £142,500       £32,978            £550.725

Francis Maude     £134,565        £43,825                   £731,883

George Osborne  £134,565        £32,978           £550,725

Nick Clegg           £134,565        £28,404            £440,000

Eric Pickles          £134,565        £43,825            £731,883

Vince Cable         £134,565        £39,551            £660,507 

Andrew Lansley   £134,565        £39,551            £660,507 

Danny Alexander £134,565        £26,404            £440,942 

WHO ARE RESIDENTS 4 RESIDENTS

We are a group of tenants living in sheltered accomadation housing in Northampton, perhaps best known for battles over our warden service, however we have had a bit of mission creep over the past few years. Like trying to sort out suitable care plans or engaging legal advocates to take on area's that we are not competent to address.

By the very nature of our housing needs we ARE all either elderly or have a disability and probably rely on our public service more than most. Some of our most frail and vunerable members were unable to be out with us on the 30th, but are aware of the true value of the NHS and the excellent service that it provides.    

David Cameron    £142, 500           £32,000            £550,725

NOVEMBER 30TH STRIKE DAY ACTION IN DEFENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND STATE PENSIONS IN THE MIDLANDS

 Large and successful marches and Rallies took place in most of the large population centres in the Region. 

The March and Rally In Leicester attracted 5000 people and was cheered and encouraged on by the many spectators, it was without question the largest and most successful march and Rally held in Leicester for many decades. The venue of the Rally was large but could only hold a small proportion of the marchers, many of whom stayed outside the venue and networked, there was a great atmosphere. There were many hundreds of pensioners both on the march and in the rally, they came from a vat=riety of trade unions. The Midlands TUC Pensioners Network and the National Pensioners Convention were both very successful in handing out both NPC Newspapers and Network leaflets dealing with pensions issues. The Rally was first class having four main speakers, a number of speakers from the floor, with plenty of good music supplied both by a group and a solo artist - a great day on which to build future activity. The Unite Leicester Branch of the Retired Members Association was well represented on the day.

Nottingham: - there were 7000 marchers and only 900 of them were able to attend the Rally, because of the size of the venue, again the day was very successful with tremendous support from the public. One of the National Pensoioners Convention and TUC Network stalwart (David Jones) did manage to speak during the Rally. He was approached by the Midlands BBC TV afterwards and gave a good interview. again there were many retired members present on the day, as were the Nottingham Pensioners Action Group with their banner.

Derby: - We understand that there were at least two thousand people participting oin the March and Rally in Derby, which was judged to be very successful by its local organisers. The East Midlands Secretary (Brian Herbertson)of the National Pensioners Convention was one of the Speakers from the Rally platform and was well received by the strikers.

Birmingham: - we understand that this March and Rally was very successful with 15,000 paricipants, however we lack detail, although thay did have some very important speakers on the platform. There was also successful events held in Northampton, Lincoln, Burton on Trent and Coalville - all in all it was was a very good day and a highly successful one.

GEORGE OSBOURNES AUTUMN BUDGET OFFERS NOTHING BUT COLD COMFORT TO BRITAIN'S PENSIONERS

Our Chancellor of the exchequer has missed a golden opportunity to demonstrate that he cares about the Poor and less fortunate people in our society.

Britain's biggest pensioner organisation, the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) has described today's Autumn Statement as offering "cold comfort" to the country's older generation.

Dot Gibson, NPC general Secretary said: - "The biggest concerns currently facing millions of older people are the price of keeping warm, negligible returns on their savings and inadequate increases in their pensions. It was quite amazing that the Chancellor therefore managed to ignore them all. Instead he announced that Britain's poorest pensioners would get a below inflation increase in the pension credit of just 3.9%, and no extra help with rising fuel bills. Millions of pensioners now face a Christmas where the role of Mr Scrooge will be played by George Osborne".

"The Chancellor also seemed to get confused when in one breath he spoke of getting young people into work, and in the net declared that he would raise the state retirement age to 67. The reality is that we will not tackle youth employment by forcing older workers to keep on working. The gap in life expectancy between the richest and poorest cab be as great as 17 years, so any decision to raise the retirement is basically robbing today's low paid of their future retirement".

MIDLANDS TUC REGIONAL PENSIONERS NETWORK fULLY SUPPORTS THE UNIONS ACTION ON NOVEMBER 30TH 2011

THE MIDLANDS TUC REGIONAL PENSIONERS NETWORK EXECUTIVE CALLS ON ALL ITS MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE STRIKERS ON NOVEMBER 30TH.

• The Midlands TUC Pensioners Network are pleased to have this opportunity to supports the Strikers on November 30th, this will be  an historic event, and affords us the opportunity of helping to forge strong links between today's and tomorrows pensioners. It's important because the campaign for "Fair Pensions For All" links both the state and occupational pensions and makes it clear that we need better pensions in this country for everyone.
• Britain has a terrible record on pensions. Average company pensions are around £5000 a year and we have one of the lowest state pensions in Europe. One in five older people live below the official poverty line and millions more are struggling to keep up with the cost of living.
• The state pension for those who have worked all their lives is just £102.15 per week - but the poverty line is around the £!72 app per week. If you were low paid when you were working - you will be poor in retirement. Poor workers become poor pensioners.
• Since coming to power this government has already weakened our pension system, by linking future increases to the lower Consumer price index rather than the retail price index. Over a ten year period this would cut your pension by 15-20%. And not just from your Company pension - but your state pension as well.
• We are not all in this together - the average pension of company directors in the top hundred companies is £175,000 per year. Pension inequality is what the Government should be tackling - not trying to cut the pensions of those who teach our children or collect our rubbish.
• The Government wants everyone to work longer and raise the retirement age - at a time when we have the highest unemployment for decades. As pensioners we know the importance of getting young people into work - rather than making us all work until we are 70. The Government is well aware that the richer you are - the longer you will live. The age gap between those in Glasgow and those in Kensington and Chelsea can be as much as seventeen years. Raising the retirement age hurts the poorest the most.
• We should also be clear that the Government and certain sections of the media will try very hard to divide us. But the truth is that we all pay for every one's pension - either through taxes, National Insurance or the price that you pay when you are out shopping. We should also remember that the best pension scheme in the Country is the one that the MP's receive - and we pay for that as well.
• So its time we had a new approach to pensions in this Country. Raise the State pension the poverty level for everyone and then give people the opportunity to earn a decent pension when they are at work.
• The Network fully supports the National pensioners Convention slogan which sends out a very clear message to the Government: -

"We are standing up for today's and tomorrow's pensioners and that is what the action on November 30th is all about".

Sheena Gordon (Sec) Mike McLoughlin (Chair)

HANDS OFF OUR PENSIONS - WRITE TO AND LOBBY YOUR MP FOR A DECENT PENSION

FICTION: DANNY ALEXANDER'S FIGURES DO NOT ADD UP

The Governments own figures have exposed that Ministers claims about a substantially improved offer on pensions were a fiction. On November 2nd David Cameron and Danny Alexander said that the new proposals would mean that some people would receive improved pensions. But a pensions calculator on the civil service website contradicted those statements. Channel 4 News's Fact Checker studied the documents - and declared that the Government Ministers' claims were fiction. Read the full story and send the link around to your friends and colleagues: www.pcs.org.uk/fiction  

Unite for public and private sector pensions

Please ask everyone in your workplace - friends and family - to write to their Westminster MP's to support the PCS campaign for "Fair pensions for all" we want politicians to be bombarded with letters supporting the November 30th strike, and demanding decent pensions for private and public sector workers - and an increase in the state pension which is £70 per week below the Governments own poverty line. find our model letter and send it for free: www.pcs.org.uk/n30MP 

Time line to strike day

With five days to go until up to 3 million workers take action on November 30th your plans for industrial action should be well advanced. Here are some key activities for people to participate during strike week.

•  Find out what is happening on strike day in your area  and publicise events: www.pcs.org,uk/n30events
•  Tell colleagues about strike day activities and encourage them to attend.
•  make sure that every non-member has been asked to join the PCS.
•  brief local anti-cuts groups on our campaign to defend jobs, pensions and pay.

For more tips take a look at the campaign pack: www.pcs.org.uk/pack

NATIONAL PENSIONERS CONVENTION (NPC) WILL LAUNCH THEIR DIGNITY CODE FOR OLDER PEOLE IN 2012

The purpose of this Dignity Code is to uphold the rights and maintain the personal dignity of older people, within the context of ensuring the health, safety and well being of those who are increasingly less able to care for themselves or to properly conduct their affairs.

This Code recognises that certain practices and actions are unacceptable to older people, such as: -

• Being abusive or disrespectful in any way, ignoring people or assuming that they cannot do things for themselves.
• Treating older people as objects or speaking about them in their presence as if they were not there.
• Not respecting the need for privacy.
• Not informing older people of what is happening in a way that they can understand.
• Changing the older person's environment without their permission.
• Intervening or performining care without consent.
• Using unnecessary medication or restraints.
• Failing to take care of an older person's personal appearance.
• Not allowing older people to speak for themselves, either directly or through the use of a friend, relative or advocate.
• Refusing treatment on the grounds of age.

This Code therefore call for: -

• Respect for Individuals to make up their own minds, and for their personal wishes as expressed in "living wills", for implementation when they can no longer express themselves clearly.
• Respect for an individual's habits, values, particular cultural background and any needs, linguistic or otherwise. 
• The use of formal spoken terms of address, unless invited to do otherwise.
• Comfort, consideration, inclusion, participation,stimulation and a sense of purpose in all aspects of care.
• care to be adapted to the needs of the individual.
• Support for the individual to maintain their hygiene and personal appearance.
• Respect for people's homes, living space and privacy.
• Concerns to be dealt with thoroughly and the right to complain without fear of retribution.
• The provision of advocacy services where appropriate.

NPC - Walkden House, 10 Melton St. London NW1 2EJ - www.npcuk.org

WHY DOES ANDREW LANSLEY KEEP A CIVIL SERVICE REPORT ON THE NHS SECRET

The Health Minister Andrew Lansley has been refusing to publish a civil service report on the risks that he is taking

with the NHS.

For the last year he has refused to publish this report. Now the information Commissioner has ordered him to publish it. However he could still keep it hidden for another month - until after more key votes have taken place. We cannot afford to wait that long. The House of Lords is debating the NHS plans right now. If the report on risks to the NHS is released immediately, it could persuade key members of the House of Lords to stand up to the Government.

Let's raise an uproar in Parliament and force Lansley's hand. Email your MP now and tell them to demand that this secret NHS report is made public immediately: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/nhs-secret-report

Pressure from MP's could force Lansley to publish this report. If enough of us contact them now, we can get it out in the open before it's to late. MP'S will not want to find themselves back under fire because of Lansley's cover-up. So lets all email our MP's now and tell them, that they have to force Lansley to publish his secret NHS risks report.

The Information Commissioner's ruling lists Andrew Lansley's arguments for why he wants this report kept secret. Lansley argues that releasing the report "would have jeopardised the success of the policy". He has kept us, MP's and members of the House of Lords in the dark deliberately because he is worried that making those risks public could derail his plans. Please take two minutes to ask your MP to demand that the NHS risks report is made public immediately. The NHS belongs to all of us. We all pay for it, and we all reply on it to care for us and our loved ones. We do not want it put at risk - that's exactly why we have been campaigning together all these months. We have a right to see what this report says. Let us all work together to get our MP's to force Lansley to publish the secret NHS risk report.

johnny Chatterton - 38 Degrees

THE UK GOVERNMENT'S LATEST POSITION REGARDING THE ROBIN HOOD TAX

On November At The G20 Summit On Monday November 7th. 

At the G20 summit held on Monday, Countries including Germany, France, Brazil and South Africa, stood up and said that we want a Robin Hood Tax. Then George Osbourne announced the UK Government's plan to block progress, this was followed up on Wednesday by Nick Clegg getting in on the act and telling Europe to "forget the Robin Hood Tax".

We have just a few weeks in which to change our Government's tune. On the 9th of December David Cameron will attend a European summit. The Robin Hood Tax should be on the table. We need to make sure he's under underwhelming pressure from us to back the tax. Can you send your MP a letter now urging them to tell Cameron to back the Robin Hood Tax? A steady stream of MP's warning Cameron that voters are not happy could persuade him to change his tune.

So together, lets flood our MP's with messages demanding that the UK stops blocking the Robin Hood Tax. Click here to get started: https://secure.38degrees.org.uk/robin-hood-email-your-MP If the UK blocks global progress on a Robin Hood Tax, it will be another victory for the big banks and their lobbyists. But we know that people power can challenge these kinds of sinister interests. Whether its tax dodgers, lobbyists, or Rupert Murdock, when we come together in numbers we can win.

The Robin Hood tax is a brilliant idea. More and more countries across the globe agree that its time has come. It would be a tragedy if the UK banking lobbyists were able to block progress. So let's work together now to make sure that David Cameron stops backing bankers and starts backing the rest of us. Click on the web site above and email your MP, it will only take a couple of minutes.

David Babbs 38 Dergrees 

PS. The Robin Tax is pretty simple - it's a Tax on the Financial sector which has the power to raise hundreds of billions every year globally. It could give a vital boost to the NHS, our schools, and the fight against Child Poverty in the UK - as well as tackling poverty and climate change around the world. Its backed by hundreds of thousands of people. over 115 organisations and Nobel Prize winning economists. You can find out more here: http://robinhoodtax.org/

NHS: SOME GOOD NEWS REGARDING MAKING LIFE DIFFICULT FOR THE HEALTH MINISTER

Yesterday we moved a step closer to stopping one of the worst bits of Andrew Lansley's NHS Plan.

Good news from 38 Degrees, It looks like we are on track to stop the health minister being able to wasjh his hands of legal responsibility for our health service. The Guardian reports today that the Government had to make concessions in the House of Lords, "In order to stave off an embarrassing rebellion from Lib Dem peers." There will now be futher negotiations. The final vote on this isssue will be in January at the earliest. It is "unlikely that the Lib Dem rebels will back down."

Its not over yet, nowhere near. We will need to get our independent legal experts to look very carefully at whatever the Government does next, But this is a breakthrough. And a great sign of of hope that people power can influence the House of Lords. We voted together to make it a priority to stop Andrew Lansley scrapping his "duty to provide" health services. And we worked together to decide on the tactics we use to stop this happening. Slowly but surely our people powered campaign to protect the NHS is working.

38 Degree members paid together for the independent legal advice which first set out the risks of scrapping the Secretary of State's duties. Thousands of us signed the emergency petition last month. And thousands more of us emailed Lords ans Baronesses in the past two weeks. We have taken some nasty abuse from politicians for our efforts. Andrew Landsley stood up in Parliament to accuse us of producing "propaganda." A number of Conservative MP's contacted 38 Degrees members in their area to say that we were liars. One Lib Dem Lord branded us all as a "mob." But now the Government has finally been forced to admit that we have a point.

This is a small breakthrough on a hiuge issue. There is so much more to do to protect our NHS. Over the next few weeks the NHS plan will continue the "committee stage" in the House of Lords. We will need to push for other improvements like scrapping the 2hands off clause." and reining in competition. Then we will have even bigger decisions to make. As the Lords gear up for the final votes in early 2012, we will need to vote again on what we do together next, Should we push for further changes to Landsley's plan

UNISON members vote yes in pensions strike in ballot

Members of UNISON, the UK’s largest union, have today voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action to protect their pensions.

The union balloted members including nurses, teaching assistants, social workers, care assistants, paramedics, police staff, school dinner ladies, probation workers and cleaners.

Overall: Yes: 245,358

No: 70,253

Results
Local Government (Including Scotland)
Yes 171,428
No 54,500
76% in favour – Turnout 30%

NHS (including Scotland)

Yes 73,930 No 15,753
82% in favour – Turnout 25%

Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON said:
“The decisive yes vote in the ballot, reflects the deep concern that our members have over Government ministers’ proposals for their pensions. “Yesterday’s statement in Parliament was a marked improvement on earlier proposals.

“But, it is important to understand that the statement has to be translated into offers in the scheme specific talks. We still have had no offer in those negotiations, where such an offer can legitimately be made.

“We support the TUC day of action on 30 November, but will be negotiating right up to then and beyond to get a fair deal for our members.” Senior lay officials of the union are meeting throughout the afternoon to discuss the latest Government statement on pensions and to decide what action to take as a result of the strike ballot.

ROBIN HOOD TAX - WILL THE UK SIGN UP TO THIS TAX NEXT WEEK?

WHAT WILL DAVID CAMERON DO NEXT THURSDAY?

When David Cameron meets other world leaders on Thursday November 3rd, will he sign up to a Robin Hood Tax, which would raise billions for the world's poorest people and reduce reckless gambling by the banks? Or will he try to block it.

It looks like the issue could go either way. So far David Cameron has opposed a Robin Hood Tax. But more and more Governments are signing up - Cameron does not want to look isolated on the international stage.

A big petition in the UK this week could help tip the balance globally. Over 100 organisations, including 38 Degrees, Oxfam, Save the Children and the RSPB, are working together to deliver as many messages to David Cameron as possible.

Help add to the pressure in 30 seconds by adding your name to the petition:
http://secure.38degrees.org.uk/robin-hood-tax-david-cameron

The Robin Hood Tax would rein in the Banks reckless gambling with our money. And the money raised could reduce poverty, improve public services and help get climate change under control. Its backed by millions of people across the world, dozens of world leaders, and over 100 organisations in the UK.

British bankers have been leaning on David Cameron to block the tax. But together, we can make sure that the UK doesn't stop these plans going forward. If enough of us tell David Cameron we want the UK to play a positive role, he will think twice about blocking the Robin Hood Tax at next week's global meeting. 

Make sure that you are part of making that message as powerful as possible add your name to the message.

38 Degrees members first decided to support the call for the Robin Hood Tax over a year ago. We know that the banks played a massive role in causing our economic crisis. We need new measures to rein in their riskiest habits and make sure that they make a fair contribution to the economy.

Since then, around the world the pressure has grown. In more and more countries people power has helped persuade leaders to sign up to the plan. Now we have an important role to play here in the UK. We need to make sure that our Prime Minister is not the one who blocks progress at next week's global meeting.

RIGHTS IN RETIREMENT - LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT OCTOBER 26TH 2011

THE NATIONAL PENSIONERS CONVENTION SAYS THANK YOU TO ITS SUPPORTERS.

National Pensioners Convention (NPC) says thank you to all those who participated in yesterdays successful rally and lobby in support of our rights in Retirement campaign. A brief report has been posted on the NPC website. 

Printed below is the statement made by Dave Prentiss, General Secretary of UNISON, in support of our Action.

Neil Duncan Jordan, National Officer (NPC).

UNISON CHIEF CALLS FOR PENSIONER MANIFESTO.

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentiss, speaking at the National Pensioners Convention rally and lobby of Parliament today (Wednesday October 26th, 2011) called for a "pensioner manifesto based on rights, and not means tested benefits."

He pledged the union's support in the fight for decent pensions for all to ensure dignity in retirement:

"We stand against the ideology of this Government that says that markets and big business know best. We stand against the ideology of Government ministers who want to take away our pensions - the pensions that our members worked for, the pensions they saved for every week of their working lives."

"Those pensions don't give them luxury, but some BASIC security in retirement, putting away a little each week for dignity, so that they do not have to rely on benefits in old age. They are not gold-plated, but just enough to get by. Now they are told that they must work longer, pay more and get less."

"Our fight is for a decent state pension and decent pensions for all, wherever they work. Our fight is for a pensioner manifesto based on rights, not means tested benefits."

"Our fight is for the right to dignity and respect; a warm home; the right not to have to pay exorbitant food prices and energy bills; the right to a world-class NHS which you fought for and paid for with your taxes."

"UNISON stands shoulder to shoulder with the National Pensioners Convention to fight for the rights of pensioners in retirement." 

Note! The sentiments expressed above by Dave Prentiss General Secretary of UNISON, are very similar to the views which were expressed on behalf of the GMB union at the rally. 

THE LOST LESSON OF JOHN STUART MILL

MANY MP'S SUPPORTED THE MOTION IN THE COMMONS THIS WEEK ON THE ISSUE "SHOULD WE HAVE A REFERENDUM".

So Parliament has has a vote on the EU regarding "should we have a referendum." Have I missed something? 112 MP's voted against the Government, of whom 82 were Conservatives, 19 Labour, 1 Liberal  Democrat, 1 Green party, 8 Democrat Unionists, and 1 Independent Unionist from County Down, Northern Ireland.

We pride ourselves at having an enlightened democracy. The process we have adopted is to elect representatives as professional politicians, MP's. They should make it their job to be familiar with all the nuances surrounding a subject before voting. This includes "referenda." The enlightened believed that referenda would frequently throw-up some gastly decisions like public hanging. It was argued that the public would make decisions, if asked, without any knowledge. I am not about to go down to the pub and let the locals have a vote on my symptoms and prescribe my cure. Surely the MP's that voted for a referendum should not be taking a salary as an MP. If the public in their ignorance, can make decisions on such an important and complicated subject as the EU surely all other subjects should be well within their compass for making a decision. Why do we need MP's? We now have legislation which has embedded within it referenda on the EU.

Voting is but a small part of democracy. If voting solves everything lets vote ourselves out of the present crisis, double our pensions, all have a new car and have paid holidays abroad.

 Keith - Loughborough.

REPORT OF THE MIDLSNDS TUC PENSIONERS NETWORK HELD ON OCTOBER 21ST

THIS NETWORK REPORT CONCENTRATES ON JUST SOME OF THE ISSUES THAT WERE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.

Discussion on the development of the Network: - It was agreed that the Network should concentrate in future on pensions and related issues which in the main directly concern retired people. It was pointed out that receiving reports from the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) was normal practice as we are two main organisations that represent pensioners, TUC, and the NPC. The NPC which is an  umbrella organisation represents approximately one and a half million pensioners, and makes representations to Government Ministers on issues revelant to pensioners. The Network has close links with the NPC as many of its branches are affiliated to the Regional NPC.

On organisation and information: - There was considerable discussion on the Network retired members blog, which was set back in February thanks to the active assistance of Alan Weaver from the Midlands TUC. It was set up for the purpose of being developed into an informational and organisational tool. Alan Weaver has expressed the view that it has developed into a useful tool and is kept up to date on a regular basis, which is essential. The Chair of the Network indicated that he was frustrated because up to date he has had to supply almost all of the articles for the blog himself, which in his was limiting and unsatisfactory. If we are to develop the full potential of the blog, then it is essential that all the network activists submit reports of what is happening in their area's, and to submit articles on relevant issues. It was agreed that the Secretary and Vice Chair would receive training from Alan Weaver, thus ensuring that we now have three members in a position to run the blog. It was agreed that advertising the existence of the blog was essential and must be a priority.

November 30th Trade Union day of action: - This issue was discussed at length, its importance for both the people still in employment and for those who are retired was stressed. It was agreed that we should encourage all of our retired members to get involved and give whatever support they can to the day of action. It is also essential that we work hard to build bridges between present and future pensioners; every opportunity must be taken to build strong alliances, around the issue of pensions and related issues. Leading retired members activists should get in touch with their local strike day co-ordinating committees, become involved in the preparations for the day, and ensure that we have at least one speaker on the platform of the local rallies that will be taking place on November 30th. In giving our support to the day of action, we must ensure if possible that the speakers that we provide are able to represent both the TUC pensioners network and Regional NPC. It was agreed that the Chair must write to the Midlands TUC regional Secretary and submit a list of names of our speakers for the different locations, and request that they are passed on to the appropriate local co-ordinating committee.

Report submitted by Mike McLoughlin - Network Chair.

REPORT OF A RECENT DEBATE HELD AT THE AGE SCOTTISH ASSEMBLY

On September 28th the Scottish Age Assembly Held a Debate on the Issue of Ageing and the Care of Older People.

I was present at this debate, which was addressed by Nicola Sturgeon, who made a very positive speech, some of her main points are as as follows: - The Government in Scotland is determined to push the issue of older people higher up its agenda, they intend to push their ideas forward, both in health and social care. Their intention is to take this responsibility away from the NHS and the local Councils and to put it firmly in the hands of the Central Government, who will develop a plan which will ensure the same level of care is available to all older people right across Scotland. This will be a positive development and will ensure that everyone is treated fairly.

Oder people are frequently not cared for either correctly or with any dignity, this situation has to change, we need to change the present culture of care, better training must be provided, we must ensure accountability  is in force and that adequate financial support is provided. At the moment the number of people being cared for who suffer from dementia is roughly 83000 and this number could double within the next 10 years, this is a big job, a lot of help is and will be required, what we need is for a  dementia champion to be appointed within the Government. ,

It is the firm intention of this Government to provide better care for the elderly and to give them some dignity in old age. Its important that the Government appoints a person to champion this cause, to keep it under the spotlight, look for the best way in which to provide this service to older people. This Government is committed to ensuring that all older people get the best care possible, this is the commitment of this Government.

Report from Alan Sidaway - Unite National RMA Vice Chair

Support Your Union and Vote in Favour of Action on November 30th 2011.

Appeal to Members of the UNISON Leicester Health Branch.

UNISON General Secretary Dave Prentiss is working very hard on behalf of all our members, and in particular he is anxious to secure a big yes vote (Photo: General Secretary Dave Prentiss with Mina Rodgers) in the ballot now taking place for strike Action on November 30th indefence of pensions. On the local level the Retired Members of the UNISON Leicester Health Branch would like all of their working colleagues to vote yes on the ballot paper for Industrial Action on November 30th. We would also ask that all retired members from the public service unions and branches, will support the working members in whatever way that they can.

Please get involved in your union branches, and where possible on local committees which will be co-ordinating trade union strike activity on the day. Many cities and large towns will in all probability be holding marches and rally's, retired members should get involved in those activities, and be seen to give their support. It is important that we all work together to save our public services, from the changes that are forced upon us by this Government, which seriously damage the standard of living of those still in work, and will have a hugely detrimental effect on their future pension rights.

Together we stand - together we achieve.

Mina Rodgers - UNISON Retired Members Secretary - Leicester Health branch 

             

Public Toilet Campaign championed by the NPC

Posted on the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) Website on September 30th 2011.

This campaign has been launched by the NPC because it effects everybody, both the young and the elderly, especially the elderly, no matter where you live in the country. The law currently allows, but does not compel Local Authorities to provide toilets. The situation is getting worse, 40% of public toilets have been closed during the last decade. Many people lead restricted lives because they cannot rely on access to a public toilet, in the places, and at the times required. There are rarely sufficient toilets for women, resulting in lengthy queues; elderly and disabled people cannot always find accessible toilets. 

The provision of toilets for babies and children is also inadequate; many toilets close at inconvenient times and usually at normal shop closing times. Lack of toilets can lead to street fouling; a Major public health issue. "Community toilets" (toilets in private business premises) do not meet everyone's needs. Good public toilet provision will enable everyone to participate fully in civic life and will attract visitors and boost local economies. We want a law requiring Local Authorities to provide and maintain, suitable, safe, clean and appropriately located Public Toilets with realistic opening hours.

Add your support by signing the online petition at

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/15258

Retired Members Should Become Involved in the preparations for the Day of Action on November 30th 2011.

The Midlands TUC Pensioners Network and the East Midlands NPC asks that all Retired Members Should Support the Day of Strike Action on Pensions - November 30th.

Twenty Unions are now in the process of making preparations for holding a strike ballot of their members, seeking their support for the strike action in defence of pensions, scheduled to take place on November 30th, a small number of these unions have never before taken industrial action. It does illustrate the effect that the Coalition Government's cuts are having on the Public sector workers. The Midlands TUC pensioners Network and the East Midlands National Pensioners Convention are fully in support of the proposed day of Industrial action in support of pensions, and want as many retired people as possible to show their solidarity, by either visiting pickets lines, if there are any in the local area's, or by participating in march and rallies taking place in the larger towns and cities.

It is very important that we as retired trade unionists, do not just pay lip service and say that we support the day of action, and then do nothing in support of it. We pensioners are under attack from this Government, and having our living standards lowered just as surely as are the public sector workers, and its in our interests to give them every possible support. Its crucial that the unions win this battle with the Coalition Government. It is important that all our RMA branches and Pensioners groups get involved with their local trades council's, local day of action Co-ordinating Committee's, which will be set up in the various localities, to organize activity on the day, Rallies etc. We need to get ourselves involved in these Committee's and more importantly stress that we as retired members should have a speaker on the platform, where Rallies are organized.

We must show our solidarity with those who will on strike, and lift our own organisational profile, just because we are retired we must not be shy, when it comes to standing up and defending our corner; if we do not stand up and shout the odds in our own defence, nobody else will do it for us. I would remind everyone that campaigning to defend our own interests is vital, we have an opportunity here to make an impact, we made a start in Birmingham, Leicester, Derby, and Nottingham, on June 30th, we must now build on those beginnings. Lets get stuck in and get some of our people on those platforms on November 30th, and get the TUC Pensioners Network and the NPC message across to as wide an audience as possible. I want to kept up to date on all that is going to be happening in the Midlands on November 30th, please send me your comments, photographs, and articles for this blog. 

European Union (EU): People vs Banks

Our EU Governments are giving even more free taxpayer money to the banks!

.

Unbelievable, but its true they're doing it again, giving away our money for free. Absolutely, we need to bail out Greece to save Greece, save Europe, and save the Euro. But the current bailout makes us the tax payers pay back banks for 90% of their foolish investments. The Greek people will not get a cent of this investment, and we give a ton of money to rich bankers. And even worse - 30% of our money will go to speculators, who will actually make a massive profit from having gambled on a bailout.

How on earth did our Governments write a bailout plan that floods banks and speculators with our money and leaves Greece with nothing? The answer - They actually asked the banks to write the agreement. Our Finance ministers are meeting in three days time to decide on this plan -- lets send them and our Parliaments a massive call to go back to the drawing board and bail out Greece and not the banks.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/eu_people_vs_banks/?v1

At a time when money is tight everywhere and our most vital social programs are being cut. Governments are caving in to powerful banking lobbies. But they say that they are also worried that some banks can't absorb the loss of their Greek investments and will fail if they do not get a bailout. But if we get into trouble and ask a bank for help, they don't give us free money, they give us a loan, or an investment. Now the banks are in trouble and coming to us, why should we treat them any differently? Instead of giving away money, let's loan to or invest in the banks, and ask them to pay us the taxpayers back at a healthy rate of interest! 

This is what Gordon Brown did in the UK and Obama did in the US - when banks were in danger of failing, they did not bail them out with free money, they bought in with loans and investments. And as soon as a year later, the taxpayers made a profit from the deal!! This deal is corruption, pure and simple. There is no public Interest argument for giving banks and speculators a massive windfall like this, and there is every reason to try and protect public finances. Instead of giving that money away, we can invest it, in Greece, and in our own societies abilities to recover and rebuild form the financial crisis. Its time for our politicians to stop hiding behind complex agreements written by bankers - the game is up - lets tell them no to this outrageous bailout, and ask them to come back again with something sensible.

Far too often, our societies economic future, and our childrens possibilities, are decided in back rooms by corrupt interests that are looking after profit, and not people. This is one of those times. The bankers and the politicans they own think that all this is too complex for the public to understand or even to be interested in. Lets show them how wrong that are.

The above is taken from Alan Wilkes - Avaaz.org

Workers celebrating 65th birthday tomorrow have an extra reason to cheer

Anyone who turns 65 after today (Friday) will no longer lose their job simply because of their age, the TUC says ahead of the end of the UK's default retirement age (DRA) tomorrow.

Under the DRA, which the government began phasing out from April this year, employers have been able to retire people on their 65th birthday for no other reason than their age. But for anyone who turns 65 after today, or who is under 65 but hasn't been given six months notice, employers now have to justify why they want to retire a member of staff.

The TUC has long considered the DRA to be an unfair anachronism in modern workplaces as staff, and most good employers, would like a more flexible approach to retirement.

While many people do not want to work beyond 65 or are unable to because of the nature of their work, abolishing the default retirement age will help people retire at a time that suits both them and their employer, says the TUC.

The growing number of people working past 65 shows that many people are keen to stay in work and have a lot to offer employers, says the TUC. However, many are forced to continue working due to poor pay and lack of a decent pension, illustrating the urgent need for better pension provision in the private sector.

The TUC and the Charted Institute for Personal and Development (CIPD) have recently published guidance for staff and employers on managing age in the workplace, which is available at www.tuc.org.uk/equality/tuc-19586-f0.cfm. The guide offers best practice guidance on working without a retirement age.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "After years of campaigning, it's great to see the end of the default retirement age.

"As of tomorrow, anyone celebrating their 65th birthday can do so knowing they cannot get dismissed from their job simply because of their age. This should give more workers the opportunity to retire at their own pace, rather than having it imposed on them by a short-sighted employer.

"Not everyone wants to work beyond 65, and many have no choice but to work on, but many older people still have a lot to contribute - and employers can really benefit from the wealth of their experience."

CIPD Diversity Adviser Dianah Worman said: "The removal of the default retirement age has been long heralded. Its removal opens up new opportunities to employers and employees and is to be welcomed, not feared.

"Good talent management helps businesses to achieve good performance and is vital in today's highly competitive and turbulent times. Many organisations already operate successfully without a compulsory retirement age.

"Those that have not yet tackled the way they manage retirement need to catch up with leading good practice to make sure that they too have a competitive employment edge or they could risk falling seriously behind more innovative employers in the 'war for talent'. CIPD research continues to show this phenomenon prevails despite the difficult economic climate."

From The Observer Sunday 18th September 2011

Bad News For Pensioners And People who Are Recipients Of State Benefits.

The UK's main  statistics body, the Office for National Statistics, has agreed to investigate using alternate measures of inflation to apply to the calculation of benefits and pensions, after critics labelled the Government's preferred index as flawed.

Pressure from the Royal Statistical Society (RSS), the professional body representing statisticians, has forced a climbdown after months of resistance. Ministers plan to save billions following a shift from the retail prices index (RPI), which includes rent and mortgage payments, to the consumer prices index (CPI), which has averaged 0.7% lower over the last decade. Accountant KPMG has estimated that private-sector and public-sector pension savers will lose up to £250bn over the next 40 years in lost inflation-linked rises.

Benefits claimants are also expected to lose out as their payments track inflation pegged to the lower CPI.

Unions Calculate that workers in final salary pension schemes could lose 15% of their retirement income following the move to CPI. Brendan Barber, the TUC General Secretary, said: "The RSS is an establishment body that rarely likes to rock the boat, but it rightly feels strongly about this issue. It is absolutely right to say that the CPI is not a measure of any one's cost of living". 

Hewlett Packard Withdraw Offshoring Proposal Following PCS Campaign

Government Contractor Forced to Abandon Plan to Send Live Records to India.

A campaign by PCS members has forced Government Contractor Hewlett Packard to abandon Plans to offshore work to India saving 200 jobs. Hewlett Packard had proposed to offshore the work, which involves the maintenance of the records of millions of people for the Department for Work and Pensions, before the end of this year. It is believed to have been the first time that a Government Contractor had proposed sending the live records of so many people overseas.

PCS launched a vigorous campaign in defence of members jobs, and against the principle of off-shoring. Members inside Hewlett Packard supported the call for industrial action; members in Capgemini and Fujitsu in Telford and in Worthing contacted about a dozen local MP's; National Officials gave press interviews highlighting our cause and PCS commissioned research into the true cost of off-shoring.

This decision is a victory for union members and shows what can be achieved, if we stick together. Thank you for everyone who contacted their MP's, your help made a big difference.

Retired Members Support The Unions Day Of Strike Action On November 30th

Retired Members Should Actively Support The Day Of Action By The Unions In Defence Of Pensions On November 30th

The Midlands TUC Retired Pensioners Network Executive Meeting held today, noted that so far 20 unions, with members in the public sector under the auspices of the TUC have taken the decision to ballet their members for strike action, which is due to take place on November 30th. This action is being taken in support of their members occupation pension schemes, which are under attack by this Coalition Government, which claims that public servants and people who work in Local Government have gold plated pensions which are paid for by the British Tax payer, This is a crude attempt to cause a rift between those who work in the private and public sector. Many people who work in the private sector have had their Final salary Schemes either closed to new starters or have been changed into money purchase schemes, which give a much reduced return at the time of retirement. The Government is determined to make those who work in the public sector pay more (extra 3%) and receive a considerably reduced pension at retirement age, This seems to us to be grossly unfair as many of those people are low paid and with the current pay freeze and rapidly rising cost of living, many will have no option but to drop out of the their pension schemes, which will eventually render the schemes unable to function effectively, as they will have liabilities, but fewer members paying in.

The TUC on Wednesday last did pass a resolution which effectively commits the unions to support all pensions and thus recognises that that the state pension must also be defended as it is an important increment in the financial income of many pensioners, and must be protected from becoming less valuable. The Government decision to charge future increase in the state pension from PRI to CBI will cost many pensioners, thousands of pounds over their lifetime. We take the view that whether members vote to take industrial action on November 30th is a decision for them only, but when they take the decision to strike we as retired members should give support, and be seen to support them in public. This can take many forms depending on how the day is organised in different areas of the country, there may be scope for visiting picket lines. It is more than likely that in the larger cities that Rallies will be organised, and we pensioners should be conspicuous by our presence. Pensioner groups and trade union RMA groups should get involved with their local action committees and where possible get on the platform and speak in support of the strike action in support of Pensions. We must not hesitate to demonstrate that we are opposed to the policies of this Government, and will support those who are fighting to preserve a reasonable standard of living for when they retire. On November 30th do not forget that their fight is our fight, please get involved. neither should we forget that the extra money that the local Government employee's will pay towards their pensions; will not go to improve their pensions, but staight into the Treasury coffers. It simply becomes just another form of stealt tax.