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Monday, 05 December 2005 15:46 |
What the Minister said: On Friday 2nd December 2005, Phil Woolas, Local Government Minister, announced the Government's plans for the future of the LGPS. In a statement to the House of Commons he said:
- Draft amending regulations covering England and Wales will 'shortly be circulated for consultation' and laid in the New Year 'once they are finalised'
- They will cover the Rule of 85 and the new tax regime for occupational pensions established by the Finance Act 2004
- The Rule of 85 will be removed under age discrimination legislation by 1st October 2006.
- Appropriate safeguards....for those LGPS members closest to retirement will be put in place 'subject to the outcome of the proposed consultation exercise'
- A series of discussions on the future of the scheme with stakeholders will then begin.
UNISON's Response The Local Government, Higher Education and Police SGE's will meet on 6th December, with members of relvant sector committees, to discuss the next steps and the union's response to the announcement.
- The trade Union Side will meet on 5th December to discuss its response.
- We will need to place maximum pressure on MP's and Councillors over the next two weeks, especially leading members of the LGA, to get decent protection arrangements included in the draft regulations to be laid in the New Year.
- However, in the meantime we will explore other means of challenging them, including use of the law if possible.
- We want equal treatment for LGPS members, which means protection of all benefits and current retirement age for existing LGPS members.
- We will use the 12-week consultation period to launch a major campaign, using the press, media and all other means.
- In the meantime there will be no discussions on the future of the scheme with the employers and the ODPM.
What You Can Do
- Contact your MP and Councillors immediately and tell them that you are appalled at the Minister's announcement.
- Tell them that LGPS members expect the same treatment as uniformed police, the armed forces, teachers, NHS staff and civil servants.
- Tell your workmates what is happening and recruit non-members.
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