http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1535

xylophone

What rather surprises me is that state pensioners are not more vociferous on this matter - the ASP will only ever increase by CPI even when it is exceeded by earnings or 2.5% or indeed RPI!

And do I not recall Steve Webb's sounding off against the (Labour) government's failure to uprate ASP in 2009 by the 2.5% awarded on the Basic Pension:

Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesman Steve Webb said: "Once again things are not what they seem.
Most people don't think of their pension being in bits and when the chancellor says it will rise by 2.5% they expect it all to go up by 2.5%. Britain's pensioners will lose money because the government is shaving off corners where it hopes people won't notice. It's all about getting the maximum good publicity for the minimum spend."

Hypocritical? I couldn't possibly comment.

fwor

BobQ wrote: »

If they cannot be bothered to sign a simple petition in larger numbers it just goes to show that they believe they deserve to get less in retirement.

Your analysis seems to miss the fact that public sector workers are facing not just the RPI to CPI swindle, but also a pay cut of 4% this year and probably the same next year, an increase in their contributions every year, and having to work longer before they can retire, plus the prospect of many redundancies yet to come.

In that context, they may be putting their priorities in other areas than this for now.

Alternatively, they may simply be unaware that the petition exists - which is one of the reasons why this thread was started.

ExBT_Bob

Almost 94K.

Keep going all those interested in justice on Pension Indexation - State Pensions, Public Sector Pensions and numerous private sector pensions now linked to the lower CPI thanks to this government's policy of implementation before negotiation.

ExBT_Bob

As my moneysaving hero 'Ripoff' states so eloquently in another thread: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2881124

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" Nearly 99k people have signed the e-petition, just a final push to get over 100k. Thanks [URL="mhtml:{6EF71D81-FCE8-447B-947D-380BDD9A9C3B}mid://00000037/!x-usc:http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions"]http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions[/URL]

Hopefully we will hit the 100k by the new year and even higher than that with any luck. The higher the number the more Gvmt has to take notice, there are many votes behind these signatures.

I tend to echo Veridens last post, the Gvmt PR machine has been working overtime.
Divide and conquer comes to mind, drive a wedge between Public and Private and that should do the trick, but it is up to us not to let them do that. We, both Public and Private are being hit very hard by this robbery, so don't let the Gvmt PR machine win. WE, Public and Private should be fighting for a better pension for all, NOT fighting each other and certainly NOT driving pensions to the lowest level as the Gvmt are trying to do. Private pensions need to be made better, not drive public pensions to the same level.

Lets ALL stand together, worker, pensioner, Public and Private and so NO, enough is enough. This Government is not going to steal, Rob and cheat us anymore, we are not going to let you get away with this daylight robbery and NO you are not going to drive a wedge between us. As I have said many times before, this is a fight between RIGHT and WRONG and this theft, this disgraceful robbery is quite simply WRONG and WE ALL, Private and Public need to make this fact to Government in no uncertain terms. Don't let them steal from you!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

(Notice I didn't say prosperous one, no chance with CPI?)

Regards Ripoff"

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Increasing now at around 200/hr. Great news :T

Interested_Taxpayer

Great News :T

• PCS Comment

100,000 say reverse pensions switch

15 December 2011
A petition started by a PCS member from Scotland has topped 100,000 signatures which means MPs have to consider debating the topic.
The petition - on a government website - criticises the change of the measure used to upgrade pensions in the private and public sectors from the Retail Price Index (RPI) to the usually-lower Consumer Price Index (CPI).
This will cost people thousands of pounds over a lifetime – cutting 20% from the value of a pension over 20 years of retirement.
The petition was drawn up by Jim Singer, aged 59, who works for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Aberdeen. He is a PCS member but not a union rep.
Jane Aitchison, president of PCS in the DWP, said: “Jim has shown that one person can make a difference by inspiring 100,000 people to sign a petition.
“Well done Jim. We are proud to have you as a member of our DWP group.”
Jim says he is “elated and proud” that the petition has passed 100,000 signatures.
MPs in the PCS parliamentary group will now push for a debate on the issue of the change from RPI to CPI.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1535

Meeper

You're missing the point, once again.

Nothing will happen. The important part of your quote is "MPs have to consider debating the topic". Nothing is guaranteed, and regardless this change has already been debated ad nauseum in both chambers and the decisions taken.

I applaud your enterprise, but I fear that you are on a hiding to nothing.

Good luck.

Haybarn

Is it as simple as that? As a financial adviser you have to conform to certain standards when selling or giving advice.
The Government may be able to impose whatever inflation rate they think fit, but what about the value of the pension lost. Many people entered into contracts on the clear understanding that their pensions were linked to the RPI when they purchased added years, accepted redundancy, or commuted lump sums into their schemes. What about the change of value to a scheme after divorce settlements, those that settled when their pension was based on RPI had a higher value to those that settle now (based on CPI) and have lost half of their pension value based on RPI when now they only receive CPI? There are many legal questions that still remain to be asked despite the recent ruling and all debates will flush out the further problems caused by this ripoff.

Aberdeenangarse

Haybarn wrote: »

Is it as simple as that? As a financial adviser you have to conform to certain standards when selling or giving advice.
The Government may be able to impose whatever inflation rate they think fit, but what about the value of the pension lost. Many people entered into contracts on the clear understanding that their pensions were linked to the RPI when they purchased added years, accepted redundancy, or commuted lump sums into their schemes. What about the change of value to a scheme after divorce settlements, those that settled when their pension was based on RPI had a higher value to those that settle now (based on CPI) and have lost half of their pension value based on RPI when now they only receive CPI? There are many legal questions that still remain to be asked despite the recent ruling and all debates will flush out the further problems caused by this ripoff.

No it won't!

ExBT_Bob

The E-petition calling for a debate on the switch from RPI to CPI (http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1535) has received over 109,000 signatures.

John McDonnell MP for Hayes and Harlington, put the case for a debate to the House of Common Back Bench Business Committee and has secured a debate on Thursday 1st March.
:j

Interested_Taxpayer

John McDonnell is a Labour MP. He is on a number of Union Parliamentary Groups representing PCS, RMT, FBU, Justice Unions and the NUJ in Parliament.
I am however somewhat surprised that the debate is to be held so soon. I thought the case would be considered and put once the outcome of the Judicial Review appeal which concluded yesterday is known. It is of course possible that the outcome will be announced before 1st March.