REPORT ON THE NATIONAL PENSIONERS PARLIAMENT
8th – 10th June 2010
 

The Parliament opened on Tuesday afternoon with questions from selected members being put to a panel made up of MP’s and Pensioners Representatives. It was however evident that the new Government had not sent a representative. Rodney Bickerstaff chairing the meeting said that prior to the election; the Prime Minister promised that they wanted to consult with the Electorate on matters that were important but it would appear that the Government does not consider the Pensioners of this Country to be very important.

Tuesday 8th June – Session 1, Question Time

Items raised during this session included Cuts to the Welfare State, Cross Boarder Bus Passes, Part Privatisation of the Post Office, and the Protection of the Elderly from Abuse.

Dot Gibson, Secretary of the NPC said, “The Pensioners did not get the Country into this state so why should we be expected to pay for the debt. It’s been billions for the Bankers but peanuts for pensioners.” Ruth Marks, the Independent Commissioner for Pensioners in Wales said “We must stand united and defend those services that affect the Pensioners.” On the question of Post Office Privatisation, the NPC has stated that it is fully behind the Campaign against this, and we must oppose any further closures of Post Office Counters as pensioners rely on these services. On the question of Protection of the Elderly from Abuse, it was pointed out that whilst there are recognised organisations such as the RSPCA and NSPCC there are none for the protection of the elderly.

Wednesday 9th June- Session 2, The Ageing Society

On Wednesday I attended a meeting which dealt with Alzheimer’s Disease and the Protection of the Elderly from Abuse.

There are 240,00 people in Care Homes and a considerable number of these are suffering from Dementia, however in many cases there is a very poor relationship between the Care Homes and the Families. All too often people are given drugs that are used to keep the individual subdued and these drugs often result in the patient not eating and getting very little exercise. Whilst Alzheimer’s cannot be cured, it can be controlled without excessive use of drugs. If any Members are worried about Dementia or need advice then the Alzheimer’s Society is available for advice and help. Please call me for full details.

The Chief Executive for action on the Protection of the Elderly from Abuse addressed the meeting saying “That our needs do not change when we reach retirement age, but as far as society is concerned some feel you should be treated differently once you retire. What is not generally known is that Abuse of the Elderly does not only happen in Care Homes it also takes place in the their own home which can often be from a member of the family. Every one knows about Child Abuse and Cruelty to Animals but all too often Abuse of the Elderly goes unreported.”

“Abuse is not just physical; it can be mental abuse and general lack of care even though many pensioners have to pay for the care both in Residential Homes and for Home Help. We need to have more un-announced inspections of Residential Care Homes, and better checks and training for staff. We have been campaigning for 30 years for the abolition of charges for care because the only way to ensure care is financed correctly for the elderly is through General Taxation.”

The Care Quality Commission Chair, Dame Jo Williams, told the meeting “That the policy of the commission is:- whatever the care circumstances are, the service should be of top quality, the Elderly require respect whilst in care, and the Health Service and the Social Care Service should be joined together.”

She reported that all Care Homes and Carer Groups must be registered by October 2010 and that the Commission will act quickly when things go wrong. When asked how many enforcers the Commission has, we were informed that they have a staff of 12,000 working for the Commission.

Session 3, The Future of the Pensions

This session considered the current state of UK pensions, what needs to be done and what retirement will mean for future generations of older people. Neil Duncan-Jordon, from the NPC, addressed the meeting and informed delegates that the NPC has now set up a Working Party for Pensions and would be setting up regular meetings with Steve Webb, the new Government Minister for Pensions. The last Government had plans to reduce the role of the State Pension by introducing Means Testing and a greater reliance on private pensions. The problem with Means Testing is that it sets a limit, and if you are just above this you can be worse off than those who are just below. The NPC is firmly against all Means Testing.

The Government has said it will restore the Pension’s Link to Earnings in 2011, but even if earnings rose by 4% this would still only give an increase of £1.45 a week. We require the pension to be brought up to at least the Governments Poverty Level to secure the increase required. If it stays the same as now, it would mean that 40% of pensioners would remain below the Poverty Line until at least 2050. We feel that after 30 years of State Pension decline, there should be a substantial increase first and then restore the link.

Ministers will constantly tell you that there is no money available to increase the State Pension, but it has been pointed out that there is a massive surplus in the National Insurance Fund and the Government borrow from this fund every year even though some Ministers have denied that the fund exist. With this fund when it was set up, it was designed to pay out what was paid in each year with no more than 16% kept for emergencies.

Thursday 10th June – Session 4, Is the Media Ageist

This session asked the question, is the Media Ageist? The meeting looked at the way in which there is a lack of reporting in the media on issues that concern the elderly. The NPC have been trying for years to have representation on the BBC’s Question Time, but have been told that it is not well known enough, and that our representative would not be able to cope with the pressure from the bright lights. It has been pointed out that many of the panel that have appeared are well over the retirement age. It was announced that a further meeting has been set up with the Producer of the Program, and should we be refused again, we will form a demonstration outside BBC Television House.

Pensioners must make their voices heard and to do that we must make sure that when there is a demonstration, then maximum effort is made to get people onto the streets. A demonstration of 1,000 people would attract some attention, but if we could get 100,000 onto the streets then it would be noticed and newsworthy.

If you have any questions relating to this report, please contact me via email or telephone.

Rod Downing

NPC March & Rally 10th April 2010

At least three retired members of the SE Region took part in the NPC Rally Defending the Welfare State on Saturday 10th April. Members met up with CWU members from the Eastern Region and planed to march with the CWU Flag carried by a Members Granddaughter, later the Eastern No.5 Branch arrived with their Branch Banner, and we formed a group behind this banner and marched to Trafalgar Square to hear speakers from the Trade unions supporting the Rally.

The aim of the Rally was to inform the incoming Government that the welfare state must be protected to ensure that everyone from Children to Pensioners can enjoy a decent standard of living.

Rod Downing

Retired Members Secretary

Rod Downing, Retired Members Secretary (holding the banner on the left)

Retired Members Conference
4th February 2010
 

The Retired Members Conference was held at CWU Headquarters on Thursday 4th February 2010.

Billy Hayes the General Secretary welcomed delegates to the Conference and in his opening address said he welcomed the NPC Pensioners Manifesto and that the policy would get the full support of the Union. He also touched on the Government’s freeze on spending on pensions in the coming year and that they should abandon the Trident Project to save the money.

Billy also said that we must keep lobbying on the issue of the increase in the retirement age.

Composite Motion No.2

The Motion was moved by Scotland Region and seconded by Scotland No.1. The motion said that Conference deplores the Government's proposal to change the UK State Pension into a means tested benefit and instructed the RAMC (Retired Members Advisory Committee) to work with the NEC to oppose any attempt to means test the National Old Age Pension. The Government’s current proposal will not only affect today’s pensioners but also the pensions of everyone who retires in the future.

In moving it was explained that the information had come from a leaked discussion document from within the Government. We must defend the current system of our State Pension, which everyone has paid in for and has an entitlement to receive without being means tested.

Rising in support Ernie Coggins from the RMAC said that the Union will oppose all forms of Means Testing and as far as he was aware means testing was against the Labour Party policy.

The Motion was carried unanimously and it was agreed that it should go before the Annual Conference in May.

Composite Motion No.4

This composite from the North Midlands & Midland Region called for the CWU’s commitment to secure improvements to the life of retired members by means of the state pension and to restore and align annual increases in average earnings. The motion also asked the CWU to oppose any attempts to decrease the value of the state pensions or increase the age at which it is paid.

Nobby Clark replied in support that the RMAC supported the motion and would work with the NEC on this policy but there was no guarantee that this would be included in the Labour Manifesto.

This Motion was carried.

Motions 6 & 7

Motion 6 dealt with Care for the Elderly by having equal access to free home care and that pensioners should still receive Carers Allowance regardless of receipt of the State Pension. Motion 7 called for the RMAC to campaign vigorously to resist attempts to introduce means testing and payments for services that they have already paid for during their working lives. The cost of these services should be paid for through taxes and National Insurance payments.

Both of these Motions were carried.

Motion No. 9

The Retired Members Advisory Committee submitted this motion.

The Motion asked for Conference to agree that the present system of monitoring the care and wellbeing of elderly people is not working and that a new independent body for the protection and care of older people (SPCOP) needs to be set up.

The motion went on to say that the SPCOP must be independent of National/Local Government and should have the right to enter Hospitals and Nursing & Care Homes unannounced. They should have the same right of access as the police, RSPCA and the Child Protection Agency.

In moving Ernie Coggins said that we have all read the horror stories of old people being mistreated in care homes and even in some hospitals. Some people do not get the care that they are entitled to and it is a disgrace that this is allowed to happen.

The Motion was carried unanimously and this was the second motion agreed to go before the Annual Conference.

Motion No.10

In 2007 the House of Lords Ruling ceased the rights of people suffering from pleural plaques to claim compensation. The motion asked the RMAC & the NEC to join the campaign with other Unions to have this decision overturned by the Justice Minister.

This was carried.

Composite Motion 12, by Plymouth and the South West Region

This Conference praised the Government for the introduction and continuing support for the Bus Pass for the over 60s and instructs the RMAC to liaise with the NEC to fight any move to abolish or lessen the improvements that this act has brought about.

This Motion was Carried.

Motion 13

This motion by the RMAC praised the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) for the vital role it has played in campaigning for improved rights for the elderly in society. The NPC relies on donations and subscriptions to carry out this work so it asked Conference to agree that the NEC in conjunction with the RMAC encourage every Branch and Region to affiliate at both National and Local Level.

This Motion was carried.

Please note that this Branch is affiliated to the NPC at both National and Local Level and recently the SE Region has agreed to also affiliate.

Motion 14

Birmingham asked Conference to pursue a policy that anyone retiring on a state Pension should receive a free television licence.

This was carried

Motion 17

This was a similar motion to the one that was placed before Conference last year. The motion asked that there be a change to the National Rule 11.5.3 and called for an additional sum of 1p per week on Union subscriptions and this 1p be forwarded to the NPC. The National Officer Tony Kearns opposed this on the grounds that it was not needed and was impractical. Conference agreed with the National Officers.

This Motion was NOT Carried

Dot Gibson, Secretary of the National Pensioners Convention addressed the Conference.

On Pensions, she told the conference both the Unions and the NPC must campaign for better State Pensions and also said that private pensions are now under threat with many young people not being offered any pension from companies at all. The Rally on the 10th April 2010 is not just about the state pension; it is also about defending the Welfare State. We need to send a message of how people are feeling in this country to whichever Government is in power.

Many old people are suffering in hospitals etc. it is not the fault of the Nurses because they are often over stretched and not fully trained on the care of elderly people. Too much money is being spent on administration and not on nursing and health care.

There are plans by the Government to change the way in which the Care in the Community is paid for and last year the Government issued a Green Paper on Care in the community. Seminars were held across the country where organisations from the community were asked for their views. The NPC, CWU and the TUC have all said that the way in which Care System is financed should be through Tax. The Government have rejected this in favour of an Insurance Scheme. It is therefore important that everyone supports the Rally on the 10th April 2010.

If you require any further details relating to the Conference please contact me via my E Mail. roddowning447@tiscali.co.uk .

Yours Sincerely

Rod Downing
Retired Members Secretary

N.P.C Half Day Conference on Women’s Pension’s
 

On the 9th of November I attended a half-day Conference on women’s pensions at the TUC. Jeanie Drake Acting Chair, Personal Accounts Authority addressed the conference and outlined the problems facing women’s pensions and what the personal accounts scheme would mean for women. The State pension was based on National Insurance contributions, which has a complex 2-tie system, which is relevant to earnings and then has a means testing top up. Many women do not claim this, as they do not want to go through the means testing process.

The case for pension reform

The Pensions Commission has found there will be double the number of pensioners by 2050. Over 7 million people do not save for retirement and that there is a major fall in pension contributions by private sector employees. The state systems left major gaps in provision for people with caring responsibilities. The proposed reforms will give a more generous flat rate pension without means testing, and increase in state pension age to 68. There would be an increase of 8% increase across earnings which would be 3% paid by employees and 5% by the employer, this would be paid into a private pension scheme. This would ensure that every one had a works pension on retirement. A new employer duty would automatically enrol employees into the new pension scheme. However an employee may opt out of the scheme if they so wish. From 2010 the qualifying period for basic state pension would be 30 years there would also be S2P credits for those who care for children up to the age of 12, also for carers for 20 hours a week or more.

The Personal Accounts key features are.

A simple low charge trust based pension scheme would complement the existing provision and it would be run by a non profit trustee corporation and would be open to any employer that wants to use it.

Jay Ginn a Professor from the institute of Gerontology addressed the conference and gave her views on Can Women rely on Private Pensions.

She said that the pension fund is not secure as it would rely on the stock market and what was not mentioned in the report was that Private Insurance firms were lining up to run the scheme.

The government said it was worthwhile paying into a private pension, Jay said however it may not be suitable for the lower paid. The payments have to come from wages and that many small businesses only pay low wages and once you start paying into the scheme you cannot opt out, you are locked in for life.

She went on to explain that 85% of pensions savings go to the city and not invested in industry. If it were invested in industry this in turn would help create new jobs.

Jay also explained that the number of people paying into private pensions have declined over that past 8 years.

There is also the Gender Gap in Pay. Women in full time employment receive on average 82% of FT Men’s pay, and that 60% of those women in full time employment are childless. Mother’s account for only 29% of those in FT. 25% of Women aged between 45-64 are carers of other relatives. The personal accounts make no allowance for time spent caring; they will exclude many women on low pay. It’s not suitable for all so how can women know it it’s worth saving in a PA.

The result is Women lose out

There is no compensation for Caring periods, Part time pay = lower pensions, Older women’s average private pensions are only 53% of men’s. The E.U Laeken agreement signed by Britain says: - Ensure that older people are not placed at risk of poverty and can enjoy a decent standard of living and can participate actively in public , social and cultural life.
Other EU countries provide more generous State Pensions and the UK ranked 26th of the other 30 OECD countries.

In closing the Conference, Dot Gibson the NPC General Secretary closed the conference by saying, why are the government stating that people are not saving for their retirement when as soon as you start work you pay into the State pension fund. What is not generally known is that the legislation for the new personal pension scheme has already been passed. We must ask what the TUC policy is on this issue.

Rod Downing

Putting the Record Straight on Free Transport.

On the 5th November 2009, I attended a one-day conference held by the NPC on the above subject. The purpose of the conference was to set the record straight on some of the misunderstanding of the rules that govern Free Travel for the over 60s, and dispose some of the myths. The NPC accepts that insofar as England is concerned we have a local bus pass that can be used nationally. But not in Scotland or Wales. There have been a number of scare stories in the press recently, including anti-Freedom Pass letters, and some press reporting that pensioners should travel on their own buses to keep them apart from fare paying passengers. There were also reports of bus passes being means tested. This was caused by the publication of a report by Oxera Consulting LTD. The Local Government Association commissioned this report. Although the LDA did not accept the report, it was of great use to the media. The NPC put out corrective press releases; they only achieved moderate success nationally. We can point out that there is a consultative document produced by the government about positive improvements to the existing scheme, as well as positive amendments to Transport Act regarding the relationship that councils have with the bus companies, the NPC is monitoring all these developments, attending meetings and having an input.

Financing the Bus Pass

In 2000 the money was allocated to local government to fund the introduction of half price fares and in 2002 additional monies was made available to give men ages 60-64 the same concession as women over 60. In 2006 an additional £350m was made available for the free travel pass, and a further £212m has been added recently. Many local authorities have put in additional funds to provide extra concessions on top of the statutory requirements. However some authorities are still claiming that the funding they receive is not adequate, and claim that services are being cut or council tax will have to rise to fund the pensioners passes. This is both misleading and unfair. It must be pointed out that none of the £1bn government funds supplied to the local authorities is ring fenced, so it is impossible to know how the monies are spent.

The CBT Act is supposed to ensure that bus companies are no better or worse off financially as a result of concessionary fares. The different ways that they calculate fares, issue tickets and alter services without the local authorities having any say on this matter, has resulted in some bus companies making considerable profits. This is something the central government must address. The government is in negotiations with councils and stakeholders with a view of simplifying arrangements on at least county level. Since the introduction of the Act, concerns have been raised that some local authorities are trying to use the new legislation to remove existing concessions from their own residents that were more generous than those previously held. The act says you may travel after 0930 and anything different from that is the local responsibility. Because of that the NPC have not pushed for additions in all areas as this may well result in those that receive additional travel to the 0930, having that privilege being withdrawn. In the current recession, it has been reported that some groups such as Taxpayers Alliance and think tanks like Reform, are lining up to suggest that older people should no longer get hand outs. What we need to do is to enlighten people that the freedom pass enables older people to lead independent lives and participate in the communities where they live. There is a vast amount of charity and voluntary work carried out by organisations that have a large proportion of retired people taking part. Work carried out by volunteers save the economy an estimated £50bln a year. The bus pass also reduces the car usage and is therefore of environmental value. There are signs the devolved Government’s and the Department for Transport are looking for ways of getting cross boarder facilities other than adjoining counties, which apply at present.

Senior Citizen Rail Cards

The N.P.C are asking the Government to support the adoption of the bus pass as the entitlement to a Senior Rail Card’s concession, as we believe the bus pass is only proof of age. The N.P.C has already had initial discussions with the Association of Train Operating Companies on this matter.

Reporting Back

If you find that your local authorities are planning cuts to the service they currently give, then please send me any correspondence you may have or reports in the local press. I will then ensure that these items are reported to the NPC transport Committee.

Richard Bruce
Head of Concessionary Travel
Department of Travel.

Richard reported to the conference that there are no proposals to means test the bus pass and reports of this in the press has contained a number of inaccuracies and myths. It can be a political football, which can be used in disagreements between central and local governments of different political shades.

He went on to explain the formula used to determine how much additional revenue each local authority would need to need to meet the demand of a full national bus pass. The formula takes into account such items as, how many buses and services, retail and tourist facilities, and the eligible number of eligible pensioners.

Out of 263 authorities, only 30 received less in grants than it cost them to run the scheme. The rest got more or the correct amount. He went on to say that the government are looking at taking back some of the excess from those authorities who had excess funds and redistributing it to those that are not receiving sufficient funds. As an example of this, it was pointed out that London received £55m this year but only spent £5m. There then followed a general discussion on items raised during the conference. Members agreed that the NPC should continue to pursue the idea that the bus pass could be used as a senior Rail Card. As it was felt that the current charge by rail companies was for administration purposes. It was also accepted that the bus pass would eventually be issued on reaching the common retirement age for men and women. The NPC have issued a full and comprehensive report on this conference, copies of this report are available from me on request.

Rod Downing
Retired Members Secretary.

The South East Region Retired Members Committee

The SERRMC is a section of the Regional Committee set up to cater for the retired members of the Union in the South East Region.

Gordon Dowell SERMAC Chair is also the chair of the South East Region section of the National Pensioners Convention (SENPeC). SENPEC is affiliated to the National Pensioners Convention, and is in turn is linked to local action groups in Kent Surrey and Sussex. The aims and objectives of the group are to promote and defend the welfare and interest of all pensioners in the region with out exception. The region also aims to provide co-ordination for the various Pensions –oriented action groups across the South East.

Regional Retired Members Secretary, is the Committee’s delegate SENPeC and also to the TUC Pensioners Network Committee. The responsibility of the secretary is to collate reports from these meetings and report back to the Committee, in addition he monitors the work carried out by the National Pensioners Convention and reports back.

Each Branch within the Region is entitled to send a delegate to the quarterly meetings held by the committee. These meetings are held in Guildford, and receive reports that relate to the Retired Members. We would ask that all Branches through Branch Secretaries, Area & Unit Reps encourage continuation of membership of those members who are retiring into the Class C Membership, and encourage interested members to become retired activist.

The Retired Members section of the Union holds its own Annual Conference to make policy on items relating to Pensioners. One of the motions this year called for the creation of a National Carer’s Service, enabling those needing such care to be attended at he point of need at no cost to the individual. The motion also proposed that the cost should be raised by taxation of individuals who earn more than £100.000 per annum. Speaking on behalf of the NEC in support of the motion, Tony Kearns said, the government has found the funds to bail out the Banks and the Car Industries, but when it comes to our pensioners they are the one who lose out. The Motion was carried unanimously by conference.

The second Motion to Annual Conference called for requisite space in all future Voice publications, to contain advertising in regard to the merits and benefits for recruitment of incoming retirees. The Motion was moved by Ernie Coggins and seconded by Nobby Clarke. Despite opposition from the N.E.C the motion was carried unanimously by the whole conference delegation.

Rod Downing

SE Region Retired Members Secretary.

Report on the Retired Members Conference Thursday
5th March 2009

In his opening remarks Tony Kearns thanked the delegates for their support on the rallies held for an increase of the state pension, and Privatisation of the Royal Mail.

Lord Tony Clarke addressed the Conference He said that the next few months would be crucial to our members and their families. Post Com created by the government in 2000 had done nothing but work against Royal Mail. On the question of the Privatisation Bill, he informed the conference that he would do everything within his power to see that the bill falls. When questioned about the pension fund deficit, he said that it was the Governments responsibility as they allowed the Post Office to take a pension holiday.

Motions to The Conference
There were a total of ten Motions placed before the conference, of these ten only two can be submitted to go before the General Conference of the union in June to become Policy of the union.

Motion 1

The Retired Members Advisory Committee (RMAC) submitted a motion which called for RMAC and the NEC to work with other interested parties to seek to amend the criteria by which the carers allowance is paid. This to include registered Carers not being penalised due to them, or there partners being in receipt of the state pension.
This was carried.

Motion 2

This was a similar motion to No.1 in that it called for National Carers service to be created. This service would enable those needing such care to be attended at the point of need at no cost to the individual. This could be paid for by direct taxation of those individuals earning £100,000 or more per annum with an increase of 2% on this category.

In moving the motion the mover said that as social care is means tested and is down to the local authority, the time is right for a National Carers service.
The motions was carried.

Motion 3

This conference calls upon the RMAC and the officer with the responsibility for Retired Members, to ensure that a Retired Members Weekend Summer School is organised for 2009 and the following three years.

Details of these schools to be published in a letter to branches at least two months before closing date for applications.
This was carried

Motion 4

Motion No.4 sought to amend National Rule 11.5.1 by inserting after fund in line 2 and 1p per member for the National Pensioners Convention. This was aimed at giving more funds to the NPC.

The Motion was not carried on the grounds that it would cost the Union to much and members could not opt out if the so wish.
Not Carried.

Motion 5

This motion by Northern Ireland Region condemned the proposed part privatisation of the Post Office, the proposal which may or would have a wide raging effect on the Pension Fund, to the detriment of current, deferred and future pensioners of the scheme.

It called upon the conference to whole heartily support our union, and instructs the RMAC to assist in any way they can to stop the proposed action of Lord Mandelson.
This was carried.

Motion 6

The Midland Region called upon the RMAC to request the NEC to initiate a campaign to press the government to expand the services within the Post Office Card Account to encompass full banking facilities.
This was carried.

Motion 7

South West Region placed this motion which expressed concern over the closure of public conveniences across the country, and instructs the CWU National Executive to exert pressure on the government and local authorities to reverse the present policy of closures. This was carried.

Motion 8

This motion by Eastern Region, asked the conference to pursue a policy via the RMAC to the main Annual Conference of this union, that a minimum of three editions of The Link should be published each year.

The RMAC reminded Conference that it was important that all Regions submit articles for inclusion in each edition of the Link.
The Motion was carried.

Composite Motion No.9

This motion was submitted by the Eastern, London, & Northern Ireland. Conference agrees to pursue the policy via the RMAC to main Annual Conference of the union, that an advert shall be printed in each edition of The Voice laying out the terms of a Retired Membership of this union.

These averts are to commence as from the first edition of The Voice after June 2009, after the Main Conference of the union. Supporting the Motion on behalf of the RMAC, Nobby Clark said he welcomed the motion and urged delegates to carry the motion. He reported that a similar motion was submitted to go before last years Annual Conference, but unfortunately it was not heard. He told the conference that whatever happened at Annual Conference he would continue to pursue this matter with the Editor of the Voice.
The Motion was carried.

Motion 10 fell as a result of motion 9 being carried.

The motions to go to Annual Conference.

The two motions that were agreed to go onto Annual Conference were as follows: -

Motion No.2 by North West Region

Motion No.9. The composite by Eastern, London & Northern Ireland Regions.

Should you have any questions regarding this report, please contact me at the Branch Office.

Rod Downing
Retired Members Secretary.

Report on the Retired Members Conference Held on the 6th March 2008 at CWU Headquarters
 

General Secretary’s Opening address. In his opening address Billy Hayes welcomed delegates & observers to the Conference stating that as always it was very well attended. Billy said there was great concern over the closure of a possible 2,500 Sub Post offices and that the Union are calling for a judicial review of the situation. He said that the Liberalisation of the Postal service has not improved the service and that there needs to be a review of Postcomm.

Peter Raynor Vice President NPC Address to Conference

Peter gave an address to conference on the issue of the New National Bus Pass. Monies paid to the local authorities is not ring fenced, therefore concessions will vary from place to place. The new Bus pass give you free travel on busses from 09.30hrs –23.00.hrs. Some authorities may extend this to outside these times and other usage (i.e. Trams Etc). Your Buss pass will not be valid in Scotland or Wales. & N Ireland. If you require full details on this issue and many others, you can find them on the NPC website www.npcuk.org . If you do not have access to a computer then please contact the Branch Office for Information.

These Motions in this report have been condensed in to my own interpretation of wording. Should you require a copy of the full version please contact me via the Branch Office.

Rod Downing
Class C Membership Secretary

SOUTH EAST NO 5 BRANCH - CLASS C SECRETARY

FRED PULLAN 18/10/1929 - 31/12/2007

It is with great sadness that we have to report that after taking ill suddenly over Christmas, Fred passed away in hospital on the morning of 31st December 2007. Fred was a stalwart of the Union, a Branch Honorary Member and held a number of Representative Posts in the UCW/CWU during his period with Royal Mail which included:-

Branch Secretary - Guildford Amalgamated Branch 1974 to 1992
Assistant District Organiser – South East No 3 DC 1976 to 1995
Class C Secretary - South East No 5 Branch 1995 to 2007

Fred will be sadly missed by all of the Branch Officials as a work colleague but most of all as a good friend.

Retired Members

As a retired member of the CWU the following are just some of the benefits available to you:

• The services of the Unions Legal & Medical Department.
• Access to the TUC Union Law Scheme.
• A Union Death Benefit to next of kin.
• The ability to seek nomination to attend Local Constituency Labour Party or Trade Council meetings.
• Periodic Discounts at the Unions Hotel in Bournemouth.
• Quarterly newsletter from the Branch.
• A free Branch CWU diary.
  

To visit Age Concerns Web Site click here, you will find advice, campaigns, research and education on issues affecting older people.

Report on the Retired Members Conference 
8th March 2007

 
In his opening address to the conference, Billy Hayes referred to the forth-coming election for the Labour Party Leadership. He said that we have lost a large number of voters over the past three years, and there is much work to be done to regain those voters.
 
He also referred to the closures of Sub Post Offices, and the effect this will have on local communities. He said there are still many pensioners who collect their pensions at the Post Office, with the loss of services offered by the Post Office, we must think of ways to bring in other services, one being explored was to install Internet terminals into sub offices. Many Post Offices are a part of the community and a must not be lost.
 
Motions:

1. This motion deplored the fact that National Insurance Contributions are not payable
    above the upper earnings limit of £630 a week. It went on to say that the NEC
    should use its influence in the Labour Party and the TUC to ensure that the
    Government is no longer permitted to borrow from the current NI fund surplus to
    finance any initiatives that are unconnected with the fund. This treasury practice
    has constantly undermined the case for using the NI surplus to improve the state
    pension.

This Motion was carried.

2. This motion instructed the NEC to gain an amendment to the Government
    proposals on the State Pensions Saving Scheme. That payments by individuals and
    companies shall be paid into the National Insurance Fund, and not individual/ Bank
    Insurance companies to invest in the vagary of the stoke market. In moving the
    speaker said that any surplus could be used to increase the state pension. 

This was carried.

3. Motion 3 by the Scotland region, The CWU will campaign through our relevant
    affiliated organisations to achieve the following policy.
    All households in receipt of State Retirement Pension should receive an equivalent
    discount in council tax as to that received by single occupant households.

This Motion was carried.

4. The Retired Members Advisory Committee is to request the NEC to campaign with
    other interested groups, for the removal of the post code lottery in the treatment
    of cancer.

This was carried.

5. Council Tax. This motion said that the geographical location for determining the
    ability to pay is not in the best interest of our retired members. Therefore the NEC
    is instructed to resist any proposals by government bodies to introduce Zonal
    Banding.

This was carried.

6. Motion six dealt with Water rate charges in Northern Ireland. And asked the N.E.C
    to support the campaign against the change in the way water rates are paid in NI.

Carried. 

7. This motion expressed concerns the government funding for hospices is as low as
    26%, which means that hospices are subsidizing work th4y do on behalf of the NHS
    from other income. And asked the Executive to campaign through the TUC and
    Labour Party to get the government to increase the funding.

This was carried.

8. A motion by the SE Region on the need to have an independent Pensioners Auditor
    in Parliament, was NOT Carried. The opposition was that it was not clear as to how
    they would be either appointed or elected (if so by whom).

9. This motion by the Scotland region said that it was disappointed that the policy
    agreed last year, for the RMC to have a monthly column in the voice had not been
    progressed.
    After some discussion it was pointed out that it was more beneficial to carry Motion
    10, which called for four issues of the link each year.
    The Motion was not carried.

10. Motion 10 calling for four issues of the link to be published, was carried.

11. Motion 11 asked that there would be an amendment to Rule 3.2.2. Add at end that
      there will be an Associate membership to the CWU retired membership. This to
      include CWU members who did not join within the 26 week rule.

      Associate members will pay a subscription agreed by the NEC but will not receive
      the death benefit paid to retired members.

      This was carried.

It was agreed that Motions 1&7 would go forward to the annual conference.

GUEST SPEAKERS

The two guest speakers to the conference were Bob Laxton MP and Joe Harris General Secretary National Pensioners Convention.
 
In his address to Conference Bob Laxton spoke of the need to maintain Sub offices, but stressed these had to be viable.  He also said the Post Office Card account would be replaced by a new system by 2010, but the post office would have to bid against other organizations to run the scheme.
 
He also gave the conference various figures on how the government had made the Pensioners much better off than under the previous government. In a question and answer session, where a member accused him of not living in the real world, he admitted that his figures referred to those pensioners who did not have Company Pensions.
 
Joe Harris in his address said that the Government keep saying that it cannot afford to increase the state pension. However, the National Insurance fund is £30 Billion in credit, which could be used to increase the Pensions, but the government uses this money to invest in guilt’s to finance other things. The government claim that if they do not do this they would have to put up taxes.
 
  
Rod  Downing