There was significant consistency in the feedback from the groups suggesting that regardless of where they lived most older people were having similar experiences. There was overwhelming evidence that very few older people who received services,  who were eligible for services or who were receiving FPNC actually knew much about the policy.  Where older people had been given information about FPNC it had not been easy to understand.

Financial benefits for some
With regard to any financial benefit there was evidence of this for care home residents who were responsible for all or a substantial part of their care homes fees and who had been assessed by and accepted by the local authority as requiring FPNC. Older people who depended entirely on state funding to pay their care home had not benefited at all as their costs had been covered anyway. Some state funded care home residents reported less choice of care home provider, and at times no choice.

It was interesting to note that homes' residents who had the ability to pay were often able to purchase a higher level of personal care e.g. more regular bathing, while state funded residents were much less happy about the level of personal care provided, particularly around bathing and foot care.

There was widespread reporting of the introduction of FPNC coinciding with an increase in local authority charges for domestic and other non-personal care services and a reduction in local authority responsibility for non-personal care services like shopping, laundry and cleaning. There was evidence that since the introduction of FPNC more older people living in their own homes have had to take responsibility for arranging and paying their own non-personal care support. There was a strong view that the cost of paying for non-personal care services is contributing to pensioner poverty.

Concerns about quality of care
Where FPNC was being provided to older people living in their own homes this was in the main through comprehensive, seven day a week care packages, designed to meet individual needs. Some focus group members did however raise concerns about the quality of care provided, the high turnover of staff and the increasing use of private sector providers. Post hospital discharge services came in for most praise.

Age Concern Scotland has commented on the outcome of the focus groups and has stated that much of the discussion and attention on FPNC has been around finance and there has been an absence of much about quality, yet for older people access to personal care, equity in provision and quality of the service provided are of paramount importance.  We also believe there is an obvious need for establishing more rigorous standards for personal care and for more robust monitoring of these standards.

The full focus group report is available on the Audit Scotland wbesite www.audit-scotland.gov.uk.

CREATING A SCOTLAND FIT FOR OLDER PEOPLE

Shona Robison MSP, Minister for Public Health, explains what the Government is doing for older people now and into the future……

As lead Minister with responsibility for older people's services I care very deeply about the issues that concern you, Scotland is changing and older people are forming an increasing proportion of our population. They will play an increasing role in our prosperity and future, and their skills and life experiences are an asset that we should all benefit from.

Last spring we published All Our Futures: planning for a Scotland with an Ageing Population which set out what we can do to enable and support your contribution to our society and our economy.

Our citizens are living longer and healthier lives than ever before. The number of people of pensionable age is projected to rise by around 31% from 0.98 million in 2006 to 1.29 million in 2031. And I believe our country can only benefit from the skills and life experience this increasing proportion of society can bring.

Planning for healthcare needs
As people get older, they have a higher need for healthcare, associated with chronic disease and long term conditions, and that is something we have to plan for. By the time they reach 65 nearly two thirds of people have developed a long term condition. Research also shows that people living with a long term condition are likely to be more disadvantaged across a range of social indicators including employment, income, home ownership and educational background.

This Government is therefore committed to tackling health inequalities between our richest and poorest communities in Scotland. There is no doubt that poverty, unemployment and deprivation can have a dramatic impact on health, wellbeing and mental health. There is even inequality in mortality between social classes.

As we all get older it is in everyone's interest to help shape Scottish society in a way that fully supports and involves older people, encouraging them to lead healthier lifestyles but ensuring that when they need care, they get the best care possible.

Screening for MRSA
Recent statistics published by the Scottish Government show that waiting times for hospital treatment are at an all time record low, with fewer patients than ever on waiting lists. This is good news for everyone in Scotland, including older people. Of course many older people worry about going into hospital, particularly that they might contract an infection during their stay.

To address these concerns over healthcare associated infections (HAI) the Scottish Government is making a multi-million pound investment over the next three years to tackle the problem more effectively. We will also shortly be announcing the start of a pilot screening programme for MRSA.

We are committed to taking a more targeted approach to HAI to ensure that the NHS drives down infection rates. The Scottish Government and the NHS treat this issue very seriously. I believe that our commitment to this important area will have a dramatic impact across NHS Scotland.

Tackling Stereotypes
Other significant initiatives include an anti-ageism campaign to challenge negative stereotypes of getting older; and hosting a national forum, which I will chair, aimed at implementing the recommendations from All Our Futures. We are also encouraging young and old people to work together in the community by setting up the Scottish Centre for Intergenerational Practice to stimulate opportunities and offer support to bring the generations together.

The Scottish Budget further demonstrated our commitment to meet challenges faced by older people by including a freeze on council tax, updating of free personal and nursing care and support for people affected with dementia.

Prescription charges phased out
At the end of last year we also announced that prescription charges would be phased out, with full abolition by 2011. From April 2008 the prescription charge will be £5 per item, In addition, a 51% reduction in the cost of prescription pre-payment certificates (PPC) will immediately help those people who need regular medication and those living with long term conditions.

Our messages for a Healthier Scotland transcend the generations. We want people to work with us to eat more healthily, take exercise, reduce alcohol consumption and stop smoking. The help and information is there to take the steps to protect your health. These are things that will improve your quality of life - whatever your age. This Government is committed to your interests, and to ensuring you can play a full part in life in Scotland today.

More information will be circulated as it becomes available but if you need advice please contact the Scottish Helpline for Older People 0845 125 9732.

Age Concern Scotland,
Causewayside House,
160 Causewayside,
Edinburgh, EH91PR
Phone 0845 833 0200, fax 0845 833 0759
www.ageconcernscotland.org.uk
Charity no. SC01010

INCOME TAX - 10p STARTING RATE

For the information of the wider membership I attach a copy of a reply to my submission to the Prime Minister regarding the above subject.

The Rt. Hon. Jane Kennedy is Financial Secretary to the Treasury. I submit this simply to highlight a statement which always stuck with me, which was made to the Annual Conference of the Scottish Police Federation by our then Parliamentary Adviser, Liberal M.P. Russell Johnstone, some time around the early 1970s. His words were to the effect "Politicians, you must keep at them, they will only respond to pressure". His words are as true today as they were then.

In the final analysis after writing to all the Scottish M.P.s at Westminister I got replies from just over half of them, most of which were positive to our point of view.

Reply Click Here

Can You Help The BBC?

Currently we are in pre-production with a one hour documentary for BBC4 entitled 'Call the Cops'. The programme will focus on the history of British Television's police procedural, we're aiming to explore the accuracy of TV drama portrayal of the police and how quickly police procedures and developments are adopted.

We will look at how the police procedural has developed from the cosy world of Dixon of Dock Green to the present day gritty realism of Between The Lines and the scientific gadgetry involved in series such as Silent Witness and Waking the Dead. We will feature archive footage of the great variety of police dramas and will include interviews with key actors, producers/directors, writers, and individuals with first hand knowledge and connections to the police.

I have managed to secure interviews with Jackie Malton, Brian Paddick and experts in forensic psychology such as Dr Ian Stephen, to name but a few.

It would be wonderful if you could point me in the right direction to someone who is a good character and wouldn't mind speaking to me about how realistic police dramas are.

If you can help contact:-
Hayley Brunton
Assistant Producer
Call The Cops
BBC Scotland
0141 422 7121

Extract of Business from the ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
held at the CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL, GLASGOW
WEDNESDAY 16 APRIL 2008

The Annual Council Meeting was opened by President Bill Berry MBE, who extended a warm welcome to the Delegates and Observers from the 12 Branches. He was pleased that representatives from NARPO, President David Anderton QPM and Chief Executive Michael Thornton, along with David Turkington, Chair of NIRPOA, had again joined us as our guests. Additionally, Les Gray and Raymond Pratt, Chair and Secretary respectively of the Strathclyde Joint Branch Board, were able to join us and President Bill gave a special welcome to them.

President Bill called for a minute’s silence in respect of members no longer with us.

Address by Acting Deputy Chief Constable John Malcolm

DCC John Malcolm was invited to address the Meeting and officially declare it open for business.

DCC Malcolm reminded the audience that Strathclyde had appointed a new Chief Constable in November of last year. Mr Stephen House QPM has taken the reins and begun a series of changes with particular emphasis on increasing the number of police officers on the beat. He is using this to address the concerns of the public with regard to public disorder, gang culture and domestic abuse.

He also intends to carry out a review of the superintendent rank numbers with any money saved being used towards his primary initiative of increasing street patrols.

DCC Malcolm also brought to attention the recent events at Glasgow Airport that left Scotland’s public in no doubt that international terrorism is on our own doorstep and not exclusive to south of the border. In turn this has become a major factor in everyday policing within the Strathclyde area impinging upon the way services are delivered. The Chief Constable now wants to review the entire Force and the way it delivers its services.

Mr Malcolm thanked his audience for their attention and apologised on behalf of the Chief Constable who had been unable to accept our invitation to open the meeting due to another engagement. He wished us well with our business and declared the meeting open. On behalf of the Association President Bill thanked DCC Malcolm for his address and he was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

Annual Report

A copy of the Annual Report was distributed to Delegates prior to the Meeting.

The Secretary wished to highlight only two items in the report, the first being membership. It was pleasing to note the overall increase in Branch membership and he praised the respective Branch Secretaries for their continued good efforts in attracting new members and any initiatives used to accomplish this.

The second was the way in which our website has been designed and developed to offer increasing news and information to our members. Without it the Association could not spread its wings and he praised Davy McLuckie for the time and great deal of effort he commits to this task. This was echoed by the Delegates.

Executive Committee

The new Committee is shown hereunder. It shows only one change from last year and it concerns the Lanarkshire Branch with Peter Chalmers taking over from Ian Hosie.

Argyll                             John Glass
Ayrshire                         William Coughtrie
Central                          Tom Rintoul
Dumfries  & Galloway    Gordon Hunter
Fife                                Brian Steer
Glasgow                        Arthur Donaldson MBE
Highlands                      Lindsay Lowson
Lanarkshire                   Peter Chalmers
Lothian & Borders         David McLuckie
North East                     William Berry MBE
Renfrew/Dunbarton       Alan Barlow
Tayside                         Andrew McKay QPM

Election of Office Bearers
Bill Berry, MBE, re-elected to the position of President.
Andy McKay QPM was re-elected Vice President.
The Delegates were unanimous in their decision to invite both our Honorary President Tom Foy and Honorary Vice President Alex Grant to continue in their positions and this was graciously accepted by both post holders.

Delegates Reports

Police Dependants Trust.

Tom Rintoul, Central Branch is our representative on the Police Dependants Trust and since joining the Trust he has been appointed as a Trustee. This involves attending where possible, 6 meetings of the Management Committee and two meetings of the Board of Trustees along with such other meetings as may be called during the course of the year. The meetings are generally held in London although the last meeting was held in Belfast. The Trust has its own offices at Mount Mews, Twickenham, where the meetings are generally held. Mr David French is the Chief Executive of the Trust and he has a staff of three, all paid employees.

The Management Committee has 13 members, 8 of whom are Trustees, 4 being from Scotland. The Chairman of the Management Committee is Pat Stayt, a serving Metropolitan Police Superintendent, who is also the Chairman of the Superintendents Association for England and Wales.

The Staff of the Board of Trustees is the same as for the Trust but the Chairman of the Trustees is Norrie Flowers of the Scottish Police Federation. There are a total of 10 Trustees, 6 representing England and Wales and 4 representing Scotland.

Each meeting deals with approximately 100/150 cases which can vary from simple registration of a person to go onto the system to full claims from officers and/or their relatives for assistance.

One thing which has come to light over the past year is the fact that there are many officers who have been injured on duty and who have not registered with the Trust.

There is no need to make a claim initially and it may be that a claim would not be made for several years after the injury is received but by that time the officer may be retired and there is no record of the injury on what Police Files remain, if any.

President Bill thanked Tom for his report.

National Police Fund

The Association’s representative on the above is our President Bill Berry,MBE North East Branch. During 2007/2008 a total of £68,000 was paid out in Grants. Several Grants were refused. £35,000 of Family income is still the cut off sum when no Grant will be given. There were 18 Applications from Scottish Forces and the assets of the Fund are almost £3m.

The amalgamation of the PDT and the NPF has not been straightforward with the new date set at July 2008 The NPF will be incorporated into the PDT and the NPF will give up its Royal Charter which will then be transferred to the PDT. This will form the new Charity, which will be covered by Liability Insurance, which was not in place in the past.

The Northern Ireland Police Authority will become members of the new Charity and although the makeup of the new Committee has still to be decided, our Association will be represented.

President Bill was accorded a vote of thanks for his report.

P.S.P.C.

Andy McKay QPM, Tayside, is our Representative on the Council and he addressed the Meeting.

Delegates will remember that last year Andy informed them of the Turner Report and the submission made by the PSPC to it. That, sadly, was almost 18 months ago and from the very positive input by the Council, there has been very little progress.

One of the many points of importance was the increase in pensions being moved away from the RPI and linked to earnings. This was accepted but not to be implemented until 2012. However attached to this was their phrase, ‘subject to affordability’, and Andy suggests that this should be viewed with some suspicion.

What has occurred in the meantime is the implementation of the Governments proposal do away with the 10% income tax band. On behalf of the Association, Andy wrote to every Scottish MP based on the proposal from the PSPC. Replies varied in their content and some were non existent. However Andy was heartened by some of those who did reply and the outcome that has seen severe pressure being brought upon the Government and the Chancellor, to make an about turn. We await their decision on this matter.

President Bill thanked Andy for his presentation and he was accorded a vote of thanks from the Delegates.

RPOA(S) Website

Davy McLuckie Lothian & Borders, gave his report.

The website continues to do well and its operation has presented him with very few problems.

The growth in numbers for those who visit our site has increased year upon year, although we may be reaching our peak. 2006 recorded 21,500 hits, 2007 27,200 hits and for the current year we are looking at a similar figure with perhaps a slight increase.

The addition of an Obituary page has been very well used by the Branches, although perhaps we wish it wasn’t so popular as it records another loss to our ranks.

The Employment Section is another big winner for our members with over 400 jobs being advertised. Strathclyde remains the biggest contributor but another four Forces regularly submit job applications. Only Northern, Tayside and Grampian do not contribute and perhaps the respective Branches might be able to assist by approaching the HR Departments within their Force area.

Davy would also like to see an increase from the Branches in the amount submitted however trivial, as there is always someone interested in the content. This could include old photographs where the individuals remain unidentified, or just to jog a memory or two.

Davy was given a hearty vote of thanks for his report and the work he puts into maintaining our site.

Venue and Date of 62nd Annual Council Meeting 2009

The next Annual Council Meeting will be hosted by the Tayside Branch. It will take place in the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry on Wednesday 15 April, 2009.

Vote of Thanks and Closure of Meeting.

Before closing the Meeting Vice President Andy McKay thanked the Delegates for their contribution to the business and to President Bill for his Chairing of the proceedings. He also thanked the Hotel Staff for the facilities that were extended to us. He also extended a special thanks to Ken Malcolm, Chair of the Glasgow, Branch, Arthur Donaldson and their Branch Committee for the excellent arrangements and welcome afforded the Delegates.

President Bill also thanked our Guests and Observers.

BORN IN 1948?

Should anyone be interested in speaking to him about their experience, he would very much like to hear from them. His details are below:

Arifa Farooq, The Investigations Unit, Zone 4.26, BBC Scotland, 40 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1DA, phone 0141 422 7560 or e mail arifa.farooq@bbc.co.uk

Second Stage Training Jan/Mar 1963

Scottish Police College Second Stage Training Course held January/March 1993.  The Sergeant Instructor is thought to be Mr Bain from the then  Ayrshire Constabulary.  Iy is thought that he retired in the rank of Chief Inspector at Ayr. 
At either end of the back row is Andy McKay (left) with Arthur Donalsdon on the extreme right. If you are in the photograph or know those who were contact either Arthur Donaldson treasurer@rpoas.org.uk or Davy McLuckie webadmin@rpoas.org.uk

Detective Training Course Glasgow 1968

Associations Annual Conference 2008

Some of the Delegates Enjoying Dinner

President Bill Berry and Guests

Delegates at Conference

Delegates

The 61st Annual Conference was organised by the Glasgow Branch and held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow. It was a very successful meeting and as a result we now have a new constitution which is reproduced in our 'About' page.

Helping A Fallen Officer's Family

On August 10, 2007 at 0120 hours, Sgt. Chris Reyka, while on patrol was brutally murdered in a hail of bullets. He was ambushed as he exited his patrol car to check a suspicious vehicle. Chris leaves behind a lovely wife, four children, one of whom is a United States Marine (Chris was a Marine and now his eldest son is hoping to enter the police academy, following in his father’s footsteps), a grieving church, a devastated community, and scout troop. Chris and I were supervisors on the same shift and I was one of the first officers to arrive on the scene. In order to assist his family, I am donating 50 % of the author’s royalties from my book, Past the Uniform, to The Sergeant Christopher Reyka Education Fund established by the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Broward County, Florida.

The book would make a great gift for anyone wishing to enter the field of law enforcement as well as the general public. Veteran officers with years of experience would enjoy this book as they relate to the numerous adventures.

This book is available for purchase through PublishAmerica at www.publishamerica.com, Amazon Books at www.amazon.com, and Books a Million www.booksamillion.com and many other on line sites.

I have spoken with Chris’ wife Kim and received her approval for this project.

Sincerely,
Marty Katz

TRAVEL INSURANCE

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 95 days max per trip.

Insurance runs from 1st November each year.

Cost: £90.72 single, £136.50 per couple and £145 per family.

Further info and applications to NIRPOA (Sam, Janet or Karen on 028 9039 3568)

Financial Advice

This is an opportunity for your members to receive free financial advice with no obligation.

Campbell Financial Management have a long and proven track record advising police officers on how to plan a financially secure retirement.

If any of your members are interested in attending a seminar, or are looking for more information, please contact the SPRA offices on 0141-532-4186 / 7 / 8 (tie-line 713).

Police Pay Dispute

Many of you may be angry at the failure of the Home Secretary to ratify fully the decision of the Police Arbitration Tribunal in the matter of a pay award for our colleagues currently serving. I am sure we all understand the anger serving officers must feel after being let down in this way. NARPO has shown its support for the service but many of you may wish to express your own views to your local M.P.

The key points that we have made in Press Statements on this subject are that the pay award was arrived at through a pay negotiation body which arose out of police unrest over poor pay in the late 1970’s which many of us will remember.

This mechanism has stood the test of time and has avoided police unrest but delivered affordable pay awards that reflect the pay rises other workers have received during the previous year.

The award is binding on the parties to arbitration but is below both the original claim and inflation.

The Home Secretary has further reduced the award by implementing it from 1st December not the usual annual date of any increase in pay and the date agreed by the arbitration panel of 1st September.

If you choose to write to your M.P. on this matter you should express these views in your own words. It may help you to deliver any message electronically by visiting www.writetothem.com. This site gives general advice on writing to M.P.s. It allows easy access to all M.P. who are identified by use of your post code, any message being delivered by email directly from the site

Public Service Pensioners Council

lt has come to out attention that some public service pensioners who have retired to countries where UK state pensions are not indexed, may not be receiving the Guaranteed Minimum Pension increases to which they are entitled. It appears that pensioners who retire in the UK and subsequently go abroad may be particularly at risk of not having their GMP increases paid.

Accordingly, please find enclosed a model letter that can aid members who may find themselves in this situation. Click here for letter

Veterans Badge

This year, the government wanted to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands conflict and decided that this year would be Veterans year. To mark the occasion they decided to issue, free of charge, a badge to all those who have served in HM Forces from the start of WW2 to 1994.

To claim the badge the freephone number is 0800 169 2277. Claimants should have to hand:- 1. National Insurance number. 2.Forces service number.

Disablement Income Group (DIG) Scotland.

DIG is a charity that assists those with disabilities and health problems, also Carers, to claim benefits to which they are entitled. Its aim is to improve the standard of living and quality of life for disabled people and Carers living in the community, by ensuring they claim and receive all relevant Welfare Benefits. Their advice is FREE and is for all ages and medical conditions.

If you need this advice please call 0131 555 2811 for immediate help.

VETERANS AGENCY

The Veterans Agency is the single point of contact within the Ministry of Defence for providing information and advice on issues of concern to veterans and their families. It is a free service - funded by the MOD. A free Helpline if available to deal with enquiries from ex-service personnel and their dependants. There is also a website which contains information and links to other useful websites.

The term Veteran is used to mean all those who have served in the UK Armed Forces and including their widow(er)s and dependants. If you have served in the UK Armed Forces regardless of whether it was in war, or during peace time, or if you were a volunteer, reservist or national serviceman, you can be considered to be a veteran.

The Agency provides support and advice to war pensioners and widow(er)s via the War Pensioners' Welfare Service. Welfare staff are located throughout the UK and can undertake home visits when required. Contact can be made through the Agency Free Helpline.

The War Pensioners' Welfare Service (WPWS) exists to provide advice, guidance and practical help to War Disablement Pensioners, War Widows and War Widowers. Help and support can be in the form of help in claiming pensions; financial assistance and employment difficulties; disability needs; residential and nursing care. Loneliness is often the most difficult problem that can face someone if they have difficulty getting out and about. Visits can be arranged from a group of local volunteers who have knowledge of local services you might be interested in. The WRWS works to try and help with any problems your isolation or disability may cause.

The Veterans Agency is there to provide advice and information and if they cannot answer your question they will refer you to someone who can.

• Free Helpline: 0800 169 2277
• Free Minicom: 0800 169 3458
• Tel (overseas): 44 1253 866043
• Mon to Thurs 0815 to 1715: Fri to 1630.

Address -
Veterans Agency
Norcross
Blackpool
FY5 3WP

E-mail help@veteransagency.gsi.gov.uk
Website www.veteransagency.mod.uk

Looking for a former Colleague?

We get many requests from visitors to our site who are searching for former colleagues, whose contact has been lost. It is often possible to be of assistance but we cannot, and do not, compromise any individual's privacy.
A source that we can direct you to is the website of Police Oracle at www.policeoracle.com This is an informative website and has a dedicated link to www.policereunited.co.uk which can assist people with the type of enquiry concerned. It now contains many hundreds of names as well as a message board and is well worth a try, given that within a few minutes you might find the answer to your enquiry.

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