Updated 29th July, 2010
Publication re Policing in Ireland
One of the members of Northern Ireland Retired Police Officers Association has written a book on the above subject Click Here to review it
Previous relevant information 28/6/10
Indexation of Public Service Pensions or Put another way - The Government promise only lasts 2 months!!
From April 2011, the indexation of public service pensions will be switched from the retail prices index (RPI) to the Consumer Prices Index ((CPI).
Under normal circumstances, the increase in CPI is lower that that for the RPI. For example the RPI is currently 5.1%, compared to 3.4% for the CPI. I think we would have to view this change as unacceptable. The Coalition Government had stated that accrued rights would be protected. The Public Service Pensioners' Council (PSPC) expected that this would include continued indexation, via the 1971 Pensions (Increase) Act to RPI throughout retirement-we even had a letter from Phillip Hammond MP stating the Conservative Party'has no plans to change the current index-linking of pensions in payment'.
An assurance (below) which has only lasted two months does not exactly put the new Government in a good light!
David Brown, RPOAS National Sec.
Previous relevant information 16/6/10
With regard to yesterdays (15/6/10) unprecedented media attack on Public Service Pensions ahead of the Governments Emergency Budget next week: As pensioners in receipt of your pension you should take heart from the recent written assurance from the Conservative MP Phillip Hammond that the Conservatives have no plans to change the indexation arrangements on pensions in payment and that accrued rights would be protected
SCOTTISH POLICE BOWLING (RETIRED MEMBERS) ASSOCIATION
DATES AND VENUES OF OUTDOOR FIXTURES
Sundays - Please arrive by 1.30 games usually 2pm - 6pm -followed by a meal.
8 August 2010 Thornton Bowling Club (Thornton Bowling Club)
5 September 2010 Airthrey Spa Bowling Club (Airthrey Spa Bowling Club)
Followed by Annual General Meeting
Members Please contact Tom Daly at tom.daly54@hotmail.co.uk at least a week before a fixture if you are able to play. Greys and Whites to be worn.
SCOTTISH RETIRED POLICE ANGLING ASSOCIATION
The SRPAA's annual gathering took place at the Lake of Menteith on Thursday 10 June 2010 with 36 anglers in attendance from throughout Scotland, a number which could well have been over 40 had there not been a conflicting Strathclyde event. The weather proved kind, although challenging. The catch weigh was limited to maximum of five per rod. The day's sport ended with 82 fish weighing in at just over 163 lbs with 9 anglers returning the limit. The biggest return of the day was Roddy McIntyre, Lothian and Borders with five fish for 11lb 9oz closely followed by David Mateer, Northern Constabulary, with four fish for 11lbs 4oz. David had the biggest fish of the day, a superb specimen of a rainbow trout of 5lbs 10oz. Following the weigh in the day ended with a well enjoyed meal and presentation of prizes at the Lion & Unicorn, Thornhill, and thoroughly deserved hearty vote of thanks to the SRPAA Secretary Ian Harper, Central Scotland, for what was his usual faultless arrangements.
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Assembled, Ready and Eager
Winner - Roddy McIntyre (left) with Ian Harper
Heaviest Fish and runner-up - David Mateer (left) with Ian Harper
Assistance required
I'm writing a book, my fifth, on Scottish rock'n'roll history. This one's called Are Ye Dancin'? and is based loosely round the career of Eddie Tobin, a leading light in the industry since the late 1960s. We're trying to illustrate a little of how night life was central to the social world of people across Scotland from the 50s until recent times, and I think it would be great to hear from a few retired police officers about how interactions changed with the public through the years – both positive and negative.
Would your society be able to assist with contacting officers who'd like to share some stories?
More information at www.martinkielty.com/
Many thanks in advance!
Martin Kielty
martin@noisewave.co.ukWord of caution for Retired Officers back working with the Police as Police Staff
I served 30 years as Constable with Strathclyde Police and took service retiral in January 2006. Notification of pension entitlement was sent to me from Strathclyde Pensions by way of sealed blue 'pay' slip which is updated every now and then (which included a Tax code).
I started back with Strathclyde Police as a Police Staff member in April 2006 on monthly salary and in receipt of a monthly sealed wage line (which also included the SAME Tax code as my pension notification). Recently I had reason to 'phone HM Tax office to query my tax coding. I received the 'bombshell' that I have apparently been receiving my Personal Tax Allowance on both my PENSION and my monthly SALARY, (for the last four years) of which I was none the wiser and there is every likelyhood that I owe the Tax anything from £5000 upwards for the last four years that this has gone unnoticed.
According to 'Finance', they think this has occurred because I signed on with the DSS for a couple of months prior to me re starting with StrathPol and on re starting, the DSS sent my P45 to 'Finance' but never declared I was in receipt of a Police Pension.
I cannot believe that I am the only Retired Officer back working with Strathclyde Police, (or any other Force for that matter) to whom this has happened and would urge all such Retired Officers in similar circumstances to double check their Tax codes in the hope they do not receive the most unwelcome news that I have.
Bob Manuel.
ACM 2010
On the 13th & 14th April the association held its 63rd Annual Council Meeting, hosted by the Renfrew /Dunbarton Branch, at the Glynhill Hotel, Renfrew.
Events commenced on the 13th with a presentation on the structure and timescales for introduction of an Association Lottery with a view to having Conference consider the proposal the following day. There was a lively debate on the issue and consequently when Conference was asked to consider the proposal they gave unanimous support to the Executive to proceed.
Ian Caldwell, Business Development Officer, from the Scottish Police Credit Union Ltd, joined us and exhibited over the two day event. Ian made a presentation to Conference on the 13th highlighting the various products available to retired police officers and their families which included Savings and Insurance products as well as the loans facility.
Gill Bird, from PMAS also joined us again for another year and exhibited over the two day event.
Events on day one were concluded with a reception hosted by Renfrew Council. Deputy Provost Ian Nicolson addressed the delegates and guests and welcomed them to Renfrew.
Our guest speaker for the evening was Frank Mulholland QC, Solicitor General for Scotland who entertained the company with humorous and anecdotal tales. We were grateful to him for taking the time out from a very busy schedule to attend our event.
On the 14th the Conference was formerly opened by Fiona Taylor, Assistant Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police. She advised delegates that regardless of what happens on May 6th all of our Public Services are going to enter a period of financial uncertainty. For example, within Strathclyde Police, in the current financial year they have a financial shortfall in their budget of around £16 million rising to around £30 million next year, with the expectation that figure will continue to rise in future years. It is expected that 10% will go from budgets and this is likely to be replicated within forces throughout Scotland.
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Efforts to make savings will, as far as the Chief Constable of Strathclyde is concerned, not be at the expense of taking Police Officers off the streets.
Acc Taylor assured the audience that the Police Service in Scotland would maintain its commitment to deal with anti-social behavior and to reduce violent crimes within our communities.
President Bill Berry presented the ACC Taylor with the association plaque and thanked her for her informative address to the delegates.
The meeting then continued its agenda business with the election of its Office Bearers.
Our current President Bill Berry concluded his 3 year term in office at the close of business on the 14th.
Conference were then advised that the Executive had appointed the following Office Bearers;
President, Lindsay Lowson
Vice President, William Coughtry
Secretary, David Brown
Treasurer; Arthur Donaldson MBE
Web Manager; David McLuckie.
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The committee were then advised of the following nominations to the Executive Committee;
Argyll John Glass
Ayrshire William Coughtrie
Central Lance Rattray
Dumfries Gordon Hunter
Fife David Brown
Glasgow Arthur Donaldson MBE
Highlands / Islands Lindsay Lowson
Lanarkshire Peter Chalmers
Lothian & Borders David McLuckie
North East William Berry MBE
Renfrew/Dunbarton Alan Barlow
Tayside Andrew McKay QPM
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Tom Foy, advised Conference of his intention not to stand for re-appointment as Honorary President. Bill Berry on behalf of the Executive and Conference thanked Tom for his active service with the association and presented Tom with an inscribed Pen & Pencil set in recognition of his commitment over the years.
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Reports were then received from the treasurer and representatives on the Police Dependants Trust and Public Service Pensioners’ Council. The only motion for debate related to a proposed change to the Constitution and it received the support of Conference.
Conference were also advised that the Executive had given its support to fundraising for the Help for Heroes Charity and arrangements will be made to obtain a supply of Lapel Badges for distribution and sale within our Branch areas.
The 64rd Annual Conference will be hosted by the Central Branch on the 12/13 April 2011.
A WARNING ABOUT E-MAILS SUPPOSED TO BE FROM THE TAX OFFICE
A member received an email to the effect that he was going to get a lot of money from the Tax office. He checked it out and got a reply confirming that:
HM Revenue & Customs DO NOT send e-mails that:-
notify customers of eligibility to a repayment
or, to request personal information or payment.
They advised that their specialist team will look into the circumstances and take the necessary action but can not always inform the originator of the outcome of the investigations.
So, 'Semper Vigilo'
Fully Retired or Semi-retired?
You are eligible to join the University of the Third Age
The University of the Third Age is a unique and exciting self help educational movement for people no longer in full time work. It offers the opportunity to pursue learning for sheer enjoyment and for its own sake.
Retired people in many parts of Scotland get together to pursue and share their own interests; these could be learning a language, walking, science, computing, painting, architecture, art gallery visits or anything the member wishes. There are no qualifications offered and none asked for.
Currently there is an active U3A in Edinburgh and various other places and new groups in Orkney and Oban.
Have a look at our websites:www.u3ascotland.org.uk or the main site at www.u3a.org.uk
The Scottish site will tell you if there is a U3A near you.
Discounted fly fishing opportunity - see members benefits page
Scam Regarding Phone Bills
BT has published the following notice on its website warning customers about the scam: Please be aware of the following:
Fraudsters, pretending to be from various phone companies, have been calling people on the pretence that there is an outstanding bill and threatening to disconnect their line immediately if they do not pay the bill straight away.
The fraudsters have been pretending to "cut off" the customer. Worried about having their line cut off, some people have been persuaded into giving the fraudsters their bank account details.
The police are investigating and BT Security is looking into incidents where the fraudsters have claimed to be from BT.
Whilst BT does have debt handling procedures which may involve calling customers, BT never carries out disconnections during the call by way of proof.
We advise customers never to give out any banking details over the phone unless they are absolutely certain who they are dealing with.
If there is any doubt at all, a BT employee will be able to give the customer their employee ID number and an 0800 number to call, where the customer can check that they are who they say they are. The customer can also check their identity by calling 0800 800 150.
Beware of similar phone numbers. Fraudsters may for example offer a number which has an extra zero - 0800 0800 xxx has been used by fraudsters - it is not the same as 0800 800 xxx.
UK communications regulator OfCom has also posted a warning to consumers about the scam: Fraudsters are currently phoning consumers claiming to be from BT or Ofcom. They claim that the consumer’s telephone line needs digital upgrade work. This, they say, will cost £6 and if it isn’t paid within 10 days the consumer’s phone line will be cut off.
In some cases, the fraudster will claim that the line needs testing and they will temporarily disconnect it. When the consumer tries to make an outgoing call they are unable to do so. This is simply because the fraudster is still on the line meaning no outbound calls can be made.
This is a scam. Ofcom and BT have alerted the relevant authorities for investigation.
Glasgow Police Museum
Glasgow Police Museum re-opened at:
(First Floor)
30 Bell Street
Merchant City
Glasgow G1 1LG
(0141 552 1818)
Hours: (April - Oct) Mon - Sat 10am - 4.30pm ; Sundays 12 noon - 4.30pm
(Nov - March) Tuesdays 10am - 4.30pm ; and Sundays 12 noon - 4.30pm ONLY.
Futher information click here
TRAVEL INSURANCE - New Rates
Northern Ireland RPOA have recently introduced a new Travel Insurance plan provided by AXA PPP Healthcare and are now in a position to offer this to all retired officers in Scotland.
Basically they are offering annual worldwide insurance with no age restriction and medical history disregarded (provided you can state that you are fit to fly), 183 days max per year with a 65 days max per trip.
Insurance runs from 1st November each year.
Cost: £80 single, £125 per couple, £135 per family and £125 for single parent.
Further info and applications to NIRPOA (Sam, Janet or Karen on 028 9039 3568)
Latest information
For the Latest information from the PMAS specially for the Retired Police Officers Association Scotland
Membership at COSTCO
Retired Police Officers Association Scotland Members can apply for membership of the wholesale chain Costco. You will require to take your Association membership card and a utility billinto any of their three stores (Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow). Memebership of Costco is £25 + VAT per annum. Could you also let them know youheard about it from our website !!!
For Further information click here
Police Treatment Centres - New Application Form
Could you all please note that the Police Treatment Centres have informed us that they will not be processing any of the old style applications forms in future.
The new form can be found at their web site: www.thepolicetreatmentcentres.org
The Scottish Helpline for Older People (S.H.O.P.)
The Scottish Helpline for Older People (S.H.O.P.)
offers an independent, confidential telephone based information service to people aged 50 and over living in Scotland, and to those associated with them such as their carers and families. Our aim is to provide people with the information they require to enable them to make their own decisions about their own lives - it's about maintaining independence, enabling freedom of choice and empowerment. We understand that it is often difficult to find the information you require from the vast array available, and we can present the information to you in a format that suits your needs eg we can provide translation services, we have facilities to help us deal with enquiries from people who have hearing difficulties, and from those who have sight problems.
Our services are available to everyone who lives in Scotland - there are no geographical boundaries to our services. We are particularly keen to reach people who are in the minority groups, and would welcome more callers from these communities.
We deal with all types of enquiries, for example what benefits can be claimed, what is the current situation on free personal care, how can I get help for my parents who are not as agile as they once were, what should I do if I think an older person is being abused, etc. Whilst we do not profess to knowing all of the answers, if we are unable to provide the answer we cap generally put you in touch with someone who can.
A large part of our success is due to joint working arrangements with member organisations of the Consortium that supports the Helpline. These include W.R.V.S., Alzheimers Scotland, The Pension service, The Scottish Pensioners Forum, and Citizens Advice Scotland, to name a few. The Helpline is. funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Age Concern Scotland.
Our overall aim is to ensure that every person over the age of 50 in Scotland has access to the same high quality information, in a format that is appropriate to the needs of the enquirer. We have real people answering our telephones, not a plethora of options to choose and buttons to select and endless recorded music and messages. Occasionally if we are very busy or outwith opening hours your call will switch over to our answering service where you may leave your contact details and we will call you back as soon as possible. The Helpline is manned by both paid and volunteer trained information workers who have : wide range of experience, Some of our volunteers are over 70 years old and are acutely aware of the issues faced by older people today.
Why not try us?
The Helpline is open from 10am until 4pm Monday to Friday.
0845 125 9732
MONEY-SAVING WEB SITES
We have been informed that these all work but we haven't checked them out.
moneysavingexpert.com/travel/?utm_source=jantip&utm_medium=email
moneysavingexpert.com
www.saveonmakeup.co.uk
www.play.com
www.cdwow.com
www.strawberrynet.com
www.grabitnow.com
www.clearance-comet.co.uk
www.needundies.com
www.madaboutbargains.co.uk
www.Bornforsports.com
www.Sciencemuseumstore.com
www.freestuffjunction.co.uk
www.landsend.co.uk
www.directcosmetics.com
www.mysupermarket.co.uk
www.giveortake.com
www.entitledto.co.uk
www.rpoints.com
www.quidco.com
www.readitswapit.co.uk
www.envirofone.com
www.offeroftheday.com
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
http://www.beauty21.co.uk/
SCOTTISH POLICE COLLEGE MUSEUM
The Scottish Police College has embarked on a project to establish a museum reflecting the history of the Scottish Police Service. At the present time we have a number of small displays of uniforms, badges and equipment used by the Scottish Police Forces since the 1940’s.
To be able to accurately reflect the change in policing over the decades we would like to build a stock of any item used by the City, Burgh, County and latterly Regional forces in Scotland. This includes any police related photographs.
We are appealing to all retired officers, who may have retained such items of memorabilia which are possibly taking up valuable room or loft space, to consider lending or donating items for display in the museum.
You all played your part in making the service what it is today, you all have stories to tell which depict the trials and tribulations of the service. Don’t store them away or leave them for your annual gatherings, share them now for those people joining the service to tell them what was achieved through your hard work and indeed hard times.
The gathering of items for display is only the start of the process; we would like to explain what the donated items are and what they were used for. If they have stories attached then let us hear them.
Eventually we would consider, with the permission of the person providing the story (changing names to protect the innocent!!), publishing these stories and tales with the proceeds going to police related charities.
Some of the items gathered so far are:
- Station Log Book from Larkhall Police Office (1899-1902)
- Batons
- Oil Lamps
- Handcuffs
- Insignia
- Photographs
- Uniforms
Chief Inspector George Barnsley
Head of Quality & Standards Division
Scottish Police College
Tulliallan Castle
Kincardine
Fife
FK10 4 BE
Tel: 01259 732013
Email: george.barnsley@tulliallan.pnn.police.uk
Exclusive members
offers from BUPA
CLICK HERE
Accommodation Leatherhead, Surrey
The Police Federation of England & Wales have open new offices in Leatherhead, Surrey. Included in the office suite are Hotel Rooms. It is only a £30 taxi fare from Gatwick Airport! Check it out at www.federationhouse.co.uk/
MacMillan Cancer Relief
If you are having problems with the cost of travelling to and parking at hospital, MacMillan Cancer Relief may be able to help you. They know that travelling to and from hospital can be expensive, especially if you are undergoing treatment on a daily basis, over a period of weeks. The side-efects of cancer treatments, such as tiredness and nausea, also mean that public transport isn't always an option. The costs quickly add up, but there is help available.
Under the The Hospital Travel Costs Scheme you may be eligible to claim. For further details phone MacMillan free on 0800 500 800 or visit their website at http://www.macmillan.org.uk/abetterdeal