Hi All, 

In support of our continuing campaign we have now put a draft letter on our website for members to use to write to their MP. I would be grateful if you could circulate as widely as possible.

See website at: http://www.narpo.org.uk/  for full details. 

Hi All,

I thought I would just clear up a couple of points in relation to Fridays determination by the Pension Ombudsman – based on the hundreds of emails I have had this morning!!

·         Those retiring before 1st December 2001 will not be receiving any payments as the Ombudsman has decided that the factors introduced in 1998 were sufficient.

This will be of interest to those who retired between 1998 and 2006

https://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/determinations/2015/po-1327/firefighters-pension-scheme/

Regards

Steve

News of officers winning an appeal against A19.

For the information of all those members directly affected by this ruling.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-26054294

Paul ParkerSecretary

MINUTES OF QUARTERLY MEETING HELD ON SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER 2013                       

AT THE CHESTNUTS CLUB, NUNEATON.

1. WELCOME BY CHAIRMAN: The Chairman welcomed members to the meeting. He reminded people to check the Warwickshire website for information on health checks, forthcoming events, employment opportunities and links to other NARPO branches.

About 6,000 persons die from an abdominal aortic aneurism each year with the overwhelming majority being male and over 65.   Until recently tests were only available privately - at a cost.  However in an attempt to reduce mortality by at least 50% the N.H.S. initiated a national screening programme in 2009 to screen for these aneurysms. There are now over 40 screening programmes covering England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and  Wales.  

 All males in their 65th year are invited for screening. Only men are screened in this programme, as men are 6 times more likely to have this type of aneurysm, than women.  According to the N.H.S. website, (http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk/) as many as 1 person in 25 in the at risk group has some weakening of the aortic wall, this is about 4% of men in the age group 65-74.  

Those who were over 65 when the scheme started in their area, and those gentlemen over 65 years now will not be invited for screening, but can refer themselves for inclusion in the Screening Programme. The Coventry and Warwickshire Screening Programme visits over 50 GP's surgeries across Warwickshire, and screens Coventry residents at the City of Coventry Health Centre. The scan itself utilises ultrasound to scan the aorta, this is quick and pain-free, and usually lasts less than 10 minutes.

Gentlemen who wish to be invited for a scan may do so by contacting Emma Wright at the Screening Programme office at St. Cross Hospital, Rugby, on 01788-663428. Please have your 10-digit NHS number to hand when calling, (this number may be obtained from your GP's surgery, and may be found on a repeat prescription form)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  BRANCH CIRCULAR 15/13

To:       All Branch Secretaries

            NEC Members                                                                                           

11th June 2013

Following the recent news item on the BBC concerning some retired Officers having to pay large Tax Bills (following retirement and then being employed by the Police Force in a Civilian Roll )

We have had a couple of enquiries about who might be affected and for more information . We would like to draw members attention to the main NARPO website. Click on "PENSIONS" go to item "Taxation of Pensions Entitlement Following Re-employment", towards the end of the article is a Q & A section which may help you understand the rules. The HMRC change occurred on the 6th April 2010. 

Paul Parker. Secretary.