Reminder - next NW ARMS meeting

Details of the next meeting of PCS North West ARMS:

• Wed 31 May.
• Midday.
• Robert Tressell room, PCS, 3rd floor, Jack Jones House, Islington, Liverpool, L3 8EG.

Our guest speaker will be Paula Woods (PCS NW Regional Secretary)

ALL MEMBERS ARE WELCOME.

Next NW ARMS Regional meeting

The NW committee holds meetings around the region to increase accessibility for all members. All meetings are open to any members who wish to attend.

The next meeting is in Preston:

• Wednesday 11 January 2017.
• 11:30 am to 2:30 pm.
• The Disability Equality North West office, 103-104 Church Street, Preston, PR1 3BS.

All members are welcome to attend, especially those from the Lancashire area, as we will be seeking to form a Lancashire ARMs Group in the near future.

Meeting on State Pension Age, Blackpool

There is a review of State Pension Age from 2028 going on. The retirement age could move into your 70s. The Reviewer is John Cridland. He has agreed to hear views from people in Blackpool. 

We have organised a meeting on Tuesday evening at the Ruskin Hotel in Albert Road on Tuesday 18 October at 7.30pm. If you want to find out more, ask questions, and make your views known, be there.

• The Blackpool Gazette is very interested. I was asked to submit an extended quotation on the issue. There is a pre-article going into the Gazette.
• Yes - John Cridland was the Director General of the CBI. He is also my brother. We are very pleased that he has accepted our invitation to come to Blackpool and hear what we have to say.

I will be chairing the meeting - see you there.

Ken Cridland
Chair of Blackpool Against Cuts

Next NW Committee in Manchester

As you may be aware, the next scheduled meeting of the NW Regional ARMS Committee (to which all ARMs members in the North West are cordially invited) will be held as follows:

• Date: Thursday 22nd September 2016
• Venue: Methodist Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ
• Time: 12:30 am – 2:30 pm

Please note the change from our usual venue. In accordance with the decision taken at the 2016 AGM, we are rotating meetings around the North West area and have arranged this meeting to follow on immediately after the newly formed Manchester ARMs Group meeting on the same day and venue. We will be discussing issues which will be of interest to ARMs members, so why not come along and see what PCS is doing for you?

NW Regional ARMS Committee Special General meeting

To: North West Regional ARMs Committee members and all ARMs members in the North West.

As you may be aware, following on from the 2016 ARMs Forum held in June, arrangements have now been put in place to hold elections for the ARMs National Committee.

The first step in this process (which is set out in detail on the PCS National ARMs web-page ( ARMS latest news - PCS ) will be for the NW Regional ARMS Committee to hold a Special General Meeting (to which all ARMs members in the North West are cordially invited) to consider putting forward nominations for the National Committee. Accordingly, the Special General Meeting will be held as follows:

• Date: Wednesday 24th August 2016
• Venue: PCS Regional Office, 3rd Floor, Jack Jones House, 1, Islington, Liverpool, L3 8EG
• Time: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm

This is the first opportunity in over two years that members will be entitled to participate in the election process for the ARMs National Committee, so it is hoped that as many members as possible will be able to attend the meeting, As it is a special meeting, the question of nominations will be the only item on the agenda, so that the meeting will not be expected to last more than an hour, even though the meeting room has been booked for longer. Nominations are invited for the following National posts: Chairperson; Vice Chairperson/Editor; Secretary; Assistant Secretary/Organiser; Treasurer and Committee member (6 posts).

In order to facilitate debate at the meeting, any NW Regional ARMs member who wishes to submit nominations for the ARMs National Committee should send the details (via hard-copy or e-mail) to the NW ARMs Regional Secretary so as to reach him no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday 17th August 2016.

Yours sincerely,

Phil Green
Secretary
PCS North West Regional ARMs Committee

E-mail: p.c.green@ukgateway.net
33 Cambridge Avenue
Churchtown
Southport PR9 9SA

ARMS at the NWRPA

Jan Short of the NPC and
Angela Raynor MP hold up our banner

Steve Ion and Ray Beeton of NW ARMS attended a recent meeting of North West Regional Pensioners Association. Speakers included Angela Rayner MP (Shadow Works and Pensions Minister) and Jan Short (Vice President of the National Pensioners Convention).

Angela Rayner's speech puts her very much on our side as pensioners, whilst Jan Short appeals for evidence of wrong doings in the care industry, whether it be care in the community or care homes. This evidence is necessary to make our case to the powers to be!

NW Regional ARMS Committee meeting - 9 June

A message for all ARMs members in the North West:

As you may be aware, the next scheduled meeting of the NW Regional ARMS Committee (to which all ARMs members in the North West are cordially invited) will be held as follows:

• Date: Thursday 9 June 2016
• Time: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
• Place: PCS Regional Office, 3rd Floor, Jack Jones House, 1, Islington, Liverpool, L3 8EG

The main purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the motions submitted to the National ARMs forum taking place on the 21 June and to mandate our delegate accordingly. We will also be discussing other issues which will be of interest to members, so why not come along and see what PCS is doing for you?

The Manchester May Day Festival 2016

With guest speaker Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary

Click on the flyer to enlarge it

New Manchester ARMS Group

The NW Committee is helping with the setting up of a new Manchester Group. The inaugural meeting will be on the 17th June, with guest speaker Chris Baugh, PCS Assistant General Secretary.

Details of times and venue will be published as a post here, and in the schedule of meetings page (link on the right).

Jacquie Hadfield is currently Secretary of the new Greater Manchester ARMS Group.

Ad Hoc Meeting - 8 January

Notice of an hoc meeting to discuss ARMs Action Point list to be held in the NW Regional Office.

• Date: Friday 8th January 
• Time: 11.00 a.m.
• Place: PCS NW Regional Centre, 3rd floor, Jack Jones House, Islington, Liverpool, L3 8EG. Tel: 0151 298 3900.

Click on 'comment' link below to see agenda.

Report on the National ARMS Committee

Held 3 December 2015, PCS Midlands Regional Office

by Steve Ion (based on Draft Minutes)

1. FINANCE/BUDGET

It was agreed that additional funds be allocated to the following regions: Wales -£400.00, Eastern - £300.00, South West - £100.00. It was specified that these funds would be taken into account in any 2016 allocation, and that the regions should be made aware of this point. It was noted that following these allocations all regions would now be able to plan and hold their AGMS.

AP1: To write to appropriate regions, and to arrange allocation of funds

It was agreed that 2016 diaries to be issued as soon as possible, the regions to be notified about the diaries (including PCS regional secretaries), and that any surplus be donated to the PCS National hardship fund.

AP2: To write to all ARMs and PCS regions.

Recommendation that 2016 funds should include a ‘ring-fenced’ allocation for campaign funds, recommendation agreed.

2. SECRETARY’S/NEC REPORT

Update on national campaign and PCS staff changes noted.

Lay Tutors briefing discussed, it was agreed that the national Branch secretary briefing be issued to ARMs regions with covering memo.

AP3: To issue BB with memo.

An application for new reps training was discussed and it was agreed that training inappropriate for ARMs reps to attend. It was further discussed the opportunities for mentoring and training to be pursued via the PCS National Education official.

AP4: To contact Karen Foster.

It was reported that an approach had been received by a Cruise travel company offering discount to ARMs members, this had been raised with nationally, and it was agreed that arrangements could proceed.

AP5: To contact Travel Company to open up discussions on reaching an agreement.

3. STRATEGIC REVIEW

It was noted that the ARMs paper on SMR had been discussed with NECLO, and now submitted to the NEC for their consideration.

AP6: New Appointed ARMs Official to gain report on the NECs position on the ARMs submission.

4. CONSTITUTION

IT was noted that the change to the ARMs Constitution agreed by a two thirds majority at the 2015 ARMs Annual Forum that nominations for ARMs National Committee posts can only be made by ARMs Regions at Annual or Special General Meetings of ARMs members and must be supported by at least 50% of those members in attendance.

5. NATIONAL COMMITTEE ELECTIONS

It was agreed that the proposed new ARMs National Committee structure contained in the ARMs response to the PCS Strategic Review means that there is the need to agree postponement of our National Committee election until after our 2016 Annual Forum is held and relevant changes to the ARMs Constitution agreed.

AP7: Newly Appointed Arms Official to write to AGS and NEC to seek agreement for the constitutional point and also the postponement of the elections.

6. PCS ANNUAL CONFERENCE ARRANGEMENTS 2016

It was agreed that ARMS National Committee seek to have three members invited to ADC 2016, these would staff stall, observe debates and appropriate fringe and offer written reports back to the National committee. Additionally a survey to be issued on ARMs issues to all delegates.

AP8: Newly Appointed ARMs Official to write to GS office for increased invites, and also to Conference arrangements committee for ARMs stall.

7. ORGANISATION AND MEMBERSHIP

Membership figures were presented, the breakdown of the figures were discussed, it was agreed that further breakdown of the figures was needed.

Steve Ions paper was discussed, it was agreed that a meeting with the National Organiser (or someone appointed by him).

AP9: Newly Appointed ARMs Official to write to National Organiser.

It was agreed that a circular be requested to be issued by HMRC as per the DWP circular issued last year on VES / VER leavers.

AP10: Newly Appointed ARMs Official to write to HMRC Group secretary.

8. NPC

Bookings for delegates needed. Delegates to be agreed at the March 2016 National committee meeting.

AP11: To arrange booking for hotels and delegates.

9. COMMUNICATIONS

It was agreed that the ARMs website needed updating, and that the dates of all ARMs regional AGMs needed to be gained.

AP12: To gain the dates of all regional AGMs.

AP13: To review ARMs web pages and content.

It was agreed that an E edition of UP In ARMs would be ready for issue early in the New Year.

AP14: To draft Up In ARMs.

Date of Next Meeting 3 March 2016. 

Campaign Report - ARMS Executive Committee Meeting 17 November 2015

1. October UN Older People’s Day

This year, a number of NPC regions and local groups took part in the UN Older People’s Day to highlight the need for a better state pension for both existing and future pensioners. Reports show that where activities took place, they were successful, but there was a sense that slightly fewer groups were involved than last year. These events, along with 1 February Dignity Action Day, annual Autumn Lobby and the June Pensioners’ Parliament need to be seen as part of a calendar of campaigning taking place throughout the year, which regions and groups adopt and start to support.

2. NPC Lobby of Parliament 4 November 2015

This event was well attended, with around 130 people taking part in Committee Room 14. There was an excellent line-up of speakers, including the new shadow pension minister. We will of course schedule in a similar event for next year.

3. 1st February 2016 Dignity Action Day – “Better Care Now”

A detailed briefing has been issued to NPC regions outlining the plans to make next year’s event bigger and more eye-catching with some PR stunts. Using the theme “Better Care Now” we hope to link with care workers and their unions to highlight the demand that dignified care comes from have staff that also have dignity. In due course, a national leaflet will be produced for groups to use on the day. More details to follow.

4. Meeting with the BBC

Kelvin Hopkins MP, along with the general secretary and president met with BBC’s director of strategy, James Purnell. It was agreed to write to the BBC head of policy as well as to the secretary of state for culture and his opposite number. This has been done and we are awaiting replies. A copy of the letter sent to the BBC can of course be circulated to the EC for information.

ADDENDUM – The BBC has played into the government hands by agreeing to take on payment from the Department of Work and Pensions of licence fees for the over 75s, a cost of £600,000 plus - 20% of the BBC budget

BRIAN HERBERTSON

5. Comprehensive Spending Review

The Chancellor will give is Comprehensive Spending Review statement on 25 November. It is widely anticipated that in it he will outline the scale of the cuts in public funding. In particular, he is also expected to announce the figure for the new state pension next April, and pressure is growing to see whether or not any money “saved” by delaying the care cap will be redirected into the social care system. The NPC will issue a public response and briefing and circulate it to the EC as usual.

6. Excess Winter Deaths/Black Balloon Protest 

On the day of the CSR, the Office for National Statistics will also release the provisional excess winter death figures for winter 2014/15. Given that the previous figures were almost an all-time low, it is highly likely the number will be higher this time. To mark this announcement, the London region has ordered a number of black balloons and at least half a dozen NPC regions will be releasing them at 12 noon on the day at different locations across the country.

7. Current issues 

TPA comments
At this year’s Conservative Party conference, the research director of the Taxpayers’ Alliance made a statement at a fringe meeting calling on the government to immediately cut universal pensioner benefits. His claimed this could be done without any political cost because some of those pensioners affected would have died by the time the election was due in 2020, and moreover even if they were still alive, many of them would not remember it was the Conservative party that had taken their benefits away. The NPC called for him to apologise – which he did – but whilst he said his remarks had been “crass and ill-judged” he still felt the benefits should be cut. His comments of course echo the ongoing attempt to divide the generations.

New State Pension

The Work and Pensions Select Committee is currently calling for evidence on the new state pension. The NPC will be making a submission. In addition, a revised edition of our pamphlet, For What It’s Worth will also be available shortly, containing additional information about the impact of the new state pension on tomorrow’s pensioners.

Triple Lock now “too expensive”
Following the publication of September inflation and earnings figures, we now know that the basic state pension (for those with a full contribution record) will rise by 2.9% (average earnings) because under the triple lock arrangement this is higher than the 2.5% guarantee or the -0.1% CPI figure. This will raise the full basic state pension by £3.35 a week and £2 for many women who rely on their husband’s contributions for their pension. It also means that the second state pension and any occupational pensions that is not linked to RPI, will be frozen for the year. Despite this, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has claimed the triple lock is now too expensive and should be scrapped. This will now clearly be an area on which to keep an eye – especially as both the Conservatives and Labour were committed to the triple lock in their election manifestos.

NPC and social media
As an acknowledgment of the fact that the NPC must increasingly connect with younger generations, we are seeking to develop our presence on both Twitter and Facebook. However, we need more and more people to follow us and like our pages. It would be useful if affiliates could therefore publicise our details across their members as well as other groups with which they may have links. The details are:

facebook.com/NPCUK

twitter.com/NPCUK

8. Diary dates
1 February 2016 – Dignity Action Day
14-16 June 2016 NPC Pensioners’ Parliament