Press Releases
Queen's Speech indicates no urgency on care reform 
9 May 2012
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Press Release expressing disappointment that the Queen's Speech only included a draft social care bill, rather than urgent immediate reform.
Endorsing open letter to Prime Minister on care reform
8 May 2012
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Ros explains why Saga endorses calls for urgent reform of social care in an open letter to David Cameron, pleading with him to tackle care reform with the urgency it demands.
Defined Ambition pensions - a good aspiration!
May 2012
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Ros comments on Steve Webb's suggestions of introducing a new type of risk-sharing for employer pensions, a half-way house between DB and DC, but where the employer takes back some of the risks that have been passed to workers.
National Accounts figures for pension spending
27 April 2012
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Ros comments on the ONS first national accounts estimates of future pension spending, showing £7trillion of liabilities for past pension promises, with far more still to accrue, and a high share going to public sector pension payments.
Budget analysis - the good and the bad
21 March 2012
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Ros analyses the impact of measures in the Budget for pensions, pensioners and pension funds
Budget contains stealth tax for middle income pensioners but £140pw pension good
21 March 2012
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Press Release analyzing the Chancellor's Budget and explaining the good parts and not so good parts
Report into Domiciliary care highlights inadequacies
16 March 2012
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Press Release supporting the findings of the Report on Domiciliary Care and calling for improved standards of dignity and decency in UK care provision
Work and Pensions Select Committee Report must be taken seriously
15 March 2012
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Ros highlights the recommendations of the Work and Pensions Commons Select Committee and calls for lifting restrictions on NEST, as well as state pension reform
EU rules set to make UK pensioners poorer
15 March 2012
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Press Release criticizing EU rules on SolvencyII and gender-neutral insurance rules, which will make UK pensioners poorer via lower annuity rates, as well as undermining defined benefit pension schemes
Tesco scheme changes pave way for others to follow
15 March 2012
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Ros' view is that the latest changes to Tesco's pension scheme, increasing pension age to 67 and uprating by cpi instead of rpi leaves the way open for other employers to follow this lead. However, the Tesco scheme remains a very good scheme for Tesco workers.
100 year gilts not attractive, but longevity gilts could be great
15 March 2012
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The Government's suggestion of issuing 100 year gilts would not be attractive to pension funds, but would be great for taxpayers. However issuing longevity gilts would be far better
Latest unemployment figures bad news for older women
13 March 2012
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Ros explains that the latest unemployment figures show that older women have seen the largest rises in job losses, reaching a record high
It's time to consider savers again
5 March 2012
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Press release marking the third anniversary of the Bank of England's record low 0.5% interest rates, calling for the suffering of savers to be addressed, perhaps with higher Cash ISA allowances to help older people receive more interest tax free
Care and Support Alliance lobby is important
1 March 2012
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Ros supports the need for urgent care reform and urges the Government to take notice of the Care and Support Alliance lobby
Economic Effects of QE
9 February 2012
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Press Release discussing the economic impacts of QE and the evidence as to how effective it might be.
Minister in denial over care crisis
8 February 2012
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Press release following the Health Select Committee report on Social Care, commenting that the Minister for Social Care seems to be in denial about the underfunding in our care system and fails to appreciate some of the potential reforms.
Buying gilts is not a recipe for growth
8 February 2012
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Press Release warning that buying gilts in QE could actually damage growth, rather than boosting it.
Are pensions past their sell-by date?
26 January 2012
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Press release questioning whether pensions need to be re-branded and more flexible to ensure better retirement savings.
Pensions needs more flexibility
25 January 2012
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Press Release explaining why the inflexibility of pensions is leaving many savers with nothing - using ISAs may be better than only pensions.
We must ringfence the extra money for care
25 January 2012
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Press Release explaining why the Government should ring-fence the extra money it says it has allocated to social care, to ensure it is actually spent on care.
Latest inflation figures nothing to celebrate
17 January 2012
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Press Release explaining why the latest inflation figures, while lower than before, are still dreadful and over 50s are suffering most.
Proper care reform can't wait
16 January 2012
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Press Release ahead of cross-party care talks in Parliament calling for urgent reform that goes beyond party politics.
Investing in infrastructure - a natural fit for pension funds
15 January 2012
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Ros explains why we need pension assets to invest in infrastructure to help boost their returns and the economy. Government should even consider underwriting some inflation linked returns for such projects.
Another confirmation of our care crisis
15 December 2011
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Press Release commenting on latest reports showing inadequacies of dementia care in our hospitals - this crisis is real and must be tackled urgently.
Autumn Statement has nothing for savers
29 November 2011
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Ros comments on the Autumn Statement which contained no help for savers, but some sensible suggestions on using pension funds to invest in infrastructure.
Pensions Minister says pensions have an image problem!
21 November 2011
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Ros interviewed Pensions Minister Steve Webb and he explained why he believes pensions have an 'image problem' and that he is determined to make a real difference for future pensions. He also acknowledges QE has hurt pensioners.
QE2 is a massive mistake
6 November 2011
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Press Release highlighting why the Bank of England's decision to launch a second round of 'Quantitative Easing' is dangerously misguided and will undermine economic activity, rather than create sustainable growth. By buying gilts, QE means new pensioners will be permanently poorer as annuity costs and inflation soar.
A very generous offer!
3 November 2011
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Press Release explaining that the Government's latest and much improved offer to the public sector unions is very generous and, if they understood it, surely the workers would accept it.
Pensioner inflation even higher than national average
20 October 2011
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Press Release highlighting that pensioners face an inflation rate even higher than the national average, with rpi increasing by over 6%.
Launching QE2 will be a Titanic disaster
6 October 2011
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Ros warns of the dangers of the Bank of England's desire for more Quantitative Easing and that it will end in disaster.
No more DRA - hurray!
3 October 2011
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Press Release welcoming the news the Default Retirement Age has officially ended and workers can no longer be sacked for being 65.
LibDem conference plea for changes to state pension age changes
20 September 2011
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Press Release responding to appearances by Steve Webb, Pensions Minister, at Fringe Events at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference where he said changes to State Pension Age 'must be fair'. Ros explains better and fairer ways for the current Pensions Bill.
Pensioner inflation nearing 20% in four years!
13 September 2011
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Press Release highlighting that Saga has calculated inflation for the over 50s and, since the start of the credit crisis, inflation for older people is nearly 20%, so nearly a fifth of their purchasing power has been wiped out in just 4 years.
Raising state pension age to 67?
12 September 2011
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Ros comments on remarks by Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which suggest that Government is considering bringing forward the increase in state pension to 67 by 2026. This could allow a slower timetable for increasing to 66, giving fairer notice.
Oh no, NS&I tax free inflation-linked bonds withdrawn!
7 September 2011
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Ros comments on the disappointment that National Savings has withdrawn its inflation-linked savings certificates (and its fixed savings certificates) which were the best way for savers to protect themselves, tax free, against inflation.
A victory - cheques are saved!
23 August 2011
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Press release welcoming the decision by the UK Payments council to reverse its plans to abolish cheques.
Living to 100
4 August 2011
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Release welcoming the news that millions of people are going to live to be 100 and that gives us the opportunity of many more years of healthy life and part-time work to supplement our pension savings.
WRIC - Press Release on Lord McFall's report
1 August 2011
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Press Release on Lord Mc Fall's report on pension reform does not really go far enough. Pensions need rebranding, it's not just high charges that are the problem.
Women's hopes dashed again
8 July 2011
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Ros highlights the disappointment that Government failed to bring forward any amendments to its timetable for proposed state pension age rises, despite promising to make changes.
Long grass beckons - Disappointing Government response to Dilnot report
7 July 2011
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Ros comments on the Government's response to Dilnot's recommendations, which seem to suggest no urgent action and no White Paper - just a 'progress report' next Spring.
People not saving for care
3 July 2011
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Press Release about Saga Survey results highlighting the inadequacy of savings for long-term care needs - nearly 90% of people think it is important to save for both pensions and care needs in later life, but while half have pension savings, only 16% are saving anything for care - reform is needed.
Care has always been the 'poor relation' - Government must act now
29 June 2011
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Ros warns that Dilnot's recommendations for a cap on care costs need to be taken seriously and Government must improve funding for care before the crisis becomes a catastrophe.
Bank must take long hard look at effect of low rates on growth
28 June 2011
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Ros comments on the need for the Bank of England to take the inflation threat to our economy more seriously and examine the risks to growth.
State Pension reform - it must be option 2 - flat rate state pension
27 June 2011
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Ros calls for Government to implement Option 2 of its consultation proposals to reform state pensions - a flat-rate simple state pension paying £140 a week to all those with a full contribution record.
Care is too important to be allowed to limp off the political agenda
27 June 2011
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Press Release calling for the Government to take care reform seriously, with a cross-party agreement on future improvements to care funding.
We must grasp reform recommendations quickly
27 June 2011
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Press Release calling for Government to take Dilnot's recommendations seriously and act quickly to reform long-term care funding.
Could Government face legal challenge to its pension age plans?
19 June 2011
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Press Release ahead of Pensions Bill Second Reading calling on the Government to amend its timetable for state pension age increases and warning of possible legal challenges by women affected.
G&H may be accepted into the FAS
10 June 2011
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Press Release welcoming DWP consultation that aims to allow the G&H pension scheme to be accepted into the Financial Assistance Scheme, thus better protection scheme members who were rejected by the PPF.
Britain's Care Crisis is a catastrophe in the making
1 June 2011
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Press Release calling for proper protection of care home residents in the wake of upheavals and Southern Cross and better funding for long-term care.
Press Release welcoming return of inflation linked bonds
12 May 2011
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Press Release welcoming the reintroduction of National Savings & Investments' 5-year inflation linked bonds, at last offering savers a safe way of protecting at least some of their savings against inflation.
Low interest rate policy damaging consumer confidence
5 May 2011
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Press Release explaining that policy of ultra-low interest rates in the face of high inflation is damaging UK Consumer confidence and therefore negatively impacts economic growth.
Budget Highlights
23 March 2011
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Press Release explaining the highlights of the latest Budget measures, with little comfort for savers and pensioners as they seem to be very low down the Chancellor's priority list.
Respite for savers? - Will NS&I inflation certificates return?
23 March 2011
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Ros welcomes indications in the Budget that National Savings and Investments will be allowed to reintroduce its very popular inflation-linked savings certificates - which were withdrawn from sale just as inflation started soaring.
Budget proposes pension reforms
23 March 2011
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Press Release discussing the Chancellor's Budget proposals to end contracting out and simplify the pension system.
Half a million women let down by the Lords
March 2011
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Press Release highlighting the passionate debate but lamenting the narrow defeat of amendments in the House of Lords that would have alleviated the plight of 500,000 women facing increases in state pension age of more than one year.
Furore over clothing inflation revisions - pension impact overstated?
18 February 2011
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Ros critiques analysis that suggests the underreporting of clothing and footwear inflation means billions have been wiped off pensions. She warns that cpi and rpi revisions happen frequently, so a small change in one item should not be taken in isolation.
Inflation hits 4% - how much evidence does Bank of England need?
15 February 2011
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Press Release commenting on 4% inflation figures, twice Bank of England's targets and very damaging for pensioners.
Bank of England still asleep
10 February 2011
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Ros expresses disappointment that Bank of England failed to increase interest rates from the emergency 0.5% level, despite rising inflation.
Welcome to John McFall's pension inquiry - let's overhaul savings
1 February 2011
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Ros welcomes the new independent inquiry into Pension and Savings reform. Pensions need an image makeover.
What is Government doing to women's state pension age?
28 January 2011
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Ros explains the Government's proposals for increasing women's state pension age and why they are so unfair.
End of DRA is great news
13 January 2011
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Press Release welcoming the end of the Default Retirement Age.
Pensioners in danger from inflation
10 January 2011
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Press release warning that pensioner incomes have fallen for third year running, interest rates need to rise and inflation is a major threat.
Pensions need an image makeover
4th January 2011
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Ros comments on latest ACA survey results confirming disillusionment with pensions and says pensions need an image makeover so people actually want to contribute.
Millions will live to over 100 - don't waste those years
29 December 2010
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Press release welcoming news that millions will live to 100 but suggesting that means we need to rethink our lives and work longer.
Where is the £140 a week pension Green Paper
17 December 2010
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Ros expresses concern that the promised Green Paper on radical state pension reform has not been released, we need the £140 a week pension.
Unlocking the pensions moneybox
14 December 2010
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Ros comments on Treasury consultation on early access to pensions. She believes allowing people to access their pensions would encourage more to contribute.
Age 75 Annuity proposals - the good, the bad and the ugly
11 December 2010
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Ros outlines her views on the Government's proposals to abolish the requirement to annuitise pension savings by age 75.
The nightmare is back - Stripped of our pensions again
2 December 2010
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Ros explains that flaws in the 2004 Pensions legislation have left some pension scheme members without any protection at all, even though they have paid PPF levies and believed they were protected. This surely cannot be happening again and legislation must be urgently changed.
Government hiding the truth about increasing pension ages for women
25 November 2010
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Press Release exposing the fact that the Government's own state pension age calculator has not been updated to reflect the latest proposed changes to women's state pension age, thus potentially misleading millions of women.
What's happened to pensions lately?
24 November 2010
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Ros summarises some of the highlights of the recent proposals for pension reform.
Over 50s have lost confidence in pensions
15 November 2010
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Ros highlights Saga Survey evidence showing that one in five over 50s has debts or a mortgage and comments that one third are not saving in a pension.
£140 a week pension for all new retirees
24 October 2010
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Ros comments on leaked proposals for all new pensioners to be paid at least �140 a week state pension, thereby ending mass means testing of pensioners.
Bank of England wrong to target savers
26 September 2010
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Press Release criticizing Bank of England Deputy Governor, Charlie Bean, who suggested that monetary policy was deliberately trying to get savers to spend their money, ignoring dangers for pensions and long-term economic stability in an ageing population.
Abolishing age 75 Annuity Requirement unfair
12 September 2010
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Press Release explaining that the Government's current proposals for abolishing the age 75 annuity requirement amount to a transfer of wealth to the very wealthiest pension savers from those lower down the income scale.
Government must not cut state pension by £10 a week - Winter Fuel Allowance should become taxable and permanent
19 August 2010
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Press Release condemning reports that the Government is considering scrapping Winter Fuel Allowances. This would be like cutting state pensions by £10 a week. They should instead be incorporated into the state pension and become taxable.
NEST and auto-enrolment dangerous in current system
16 August 2010
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Press Release highlighting Ros' views on auto-enrolment, explaining the dangers and recommending NEST be put on hold until the problems are addressed.
Increasing State Pension Age
4 August 2010
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Press Release explaining Ros' response to the DWP Review of state pension age, saying longer working lives are inevitable, but calling for measures to reform the labour market
End contracting out to improve pension fairness
2 August 2010
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Press Release highlighting Ros' recommendations for public sector pension reform in her response to the Hutton Review. She makes the case for ending contracting out.
Public sector pensions in a time warp
7 July 2010
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Press Release following report by the Independent Public Sector Pensions Commission, explaining why we need to consider public sector pension reforms urgently. View the press release online here.
Emergency Budget comment
22 June 2010
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Press Release following Coalition Government's emergency budget, outlining the implications for savings and pensions policy.
Queen's Speech - sensible policies so far
27 May 2010
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Press Release welcoming the policy proposals outlined in the Queen's Speech and calling for more radical reforms.
Steve Webb for Pensions Minister - brilliant
14 May 2010
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Press Release welcoming the appointment of Steve Webb as the new Pensions Minister.
Top Ten Pension Policy Issues for New Government
12 May 2010
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Ros outlines her thoughts on the ten most important areas that need urgent attention from the new Government's Pensions Ministers.
Budget is about politics not economics
24 March 2010
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Press Release pointing out the inadequacies of the Budget, with spending still rising despite the debt and deficit mounting.
FAS does not pay 90% of lost pensions - Government spin
21 January 2010
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Ros highlights flaws in the Government's Press Release claiming that FAS victims will get 'at least' 90% of their pensions - they do not even get 90%, never mind 'at least' that!
Harriet Harman is right - longer working lives are inevitable
11 January 2010
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Press Release offering support to Harriet Harman for her comments about the benefits of longer working lives, but pointing out that policy needs to be changed to support this.
Empty NESTs and cracked eggs
8 January 2010
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Press Release commenting on the Government's new name for personal accounts - NESTs - but explaining that many people's NESTs will be empty and their nest-eggs cracked.
British Airways in deep trouble - pension scheme cannot close, what will the Regulator do?
17 December 2009
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Press Release highlighting the challenges facing the Pensions Regulator, trustees and management in connection with BA's pension scheme. Most BA staff are covered by employment terms that do not permit any pay cut (or pension reductions) so the pension scheme cannot be closed. This poses major challenge for the Pensions Regulator - will it use its powers?
Public sector pension costs - hiding the truth
9 December 2009
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Ros comments on the Chancellors Pre Budget Report and highlights that the public is being misled about future costs of public sector pensions. She also wants personal accounts abandoned and policy moves to promote longer working lives.
Personal accounts should be abandoned, not delayed
9 September 2009
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Press Release commenting on recently announced delay to implementation of personal accounts, calling for a radical rethink because personal accounts are more likely to make pension provision worse, rather than better.
Taxpayers rescue bank pensions 100%
21 August 2009
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Press Release asking how it can be right that bankers' pensions are 100% underwritten by taxpayers, while Government has always said taxpayers could not 'afford' to restore pension victims pensions in full, despite Parliamentary Ombudsman, High Court and Court of Appeal verdicts.
Turner wishes he had been more radical - so do I!
3 July 2009
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Lord Turner gave an interview to the BBC explaining that he wished he had been more radical and called for a resident's pension and a faster rise in the state pension age. These are measures which Ros has been calling for since 2002 and radical reform is long overdue.
Incentives and conflicts of interest in RBS remuneration
16 June 2009
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Ros expresses her concerns about damaging conflicts of interest at the heart of Government policy for dealing with the banks. Incentivising RBS management to get share price up cannot be good for social objectives of wider lending.
Press Release for MetLife Retirement Planning Reform Report
20 May 2009
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Press Release announcing the publication of Ros' independent report examining the issues facing ordinary people trying to plan their retirement. Ros explains the huge risks and uncertainties they face and how the credit crisis has worsened the pension outcomes for millions of pensioners.
Quantitative Easing – more misery to come
7 May 2009
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Press Release explaining why the Bank of England's latest announcement about extending Quantitative Easing further is misguided and dangerous. Such short term thinking is not in our interests and the sums involved as more than the entire annual revenue from council tax and national insurance!
UK budget pension measures
22 April 2009
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Ros gives an overview of the measures announced in the Spring 2009 UK Budget, as they relate to pensions.
Employers pulling out of pensions – with Government blessing
8 April 2009
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Press Release expressing concern that a major UK pensions advisory company is halving its contributions to its money purchase pension scheme and leading the way for other employers to follow. This risks pensioner poverty and worsens our pensions crisis.
Why buying gilts for QE is so wrong
11 March 2009
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Press Release explaining that the Bank of England's decision to print money to buy gilts will not work, the money will either leak abroad or not get to where it is so urgently needed – and pension funds and annuity rates will be severely damaged too.
Dangers of Quantitative Easing
5 March 2009
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Press Release highlighting the dangers of 'printing money' in an environment where inflation is still above the Bank of England's target.
Sir Fred's pension should be around £20,000 a year
26 February 2009
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Press Release explaining that Pension Protection Fund rules should apply to failed bank pension schemes, which would reduce Sir Fred's pension to around £20,000.
Pensions Regulator talks tough on putting pensions above dividends
18 February 2009
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Press Release supporting UK Pensions Regulator's statement highlighting that companies should not prioritise dividends to shareholders ahead of making up pension deficits.
FSCS Bank depositor protection can disappear without notice
16 February 2009
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Press Release warning that FSCS protection can disappear if a bank decides to pull out. Investors will no longer be covered and FSA is not warning of this risk. Investors who take care to make sure they are covered by UK protection are being let down.
Whitewash report on personal accounts and means testing
9 February 2009
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Press Release critiquing the Governments report which claims to show that saving in personal accounts will make almost everyone better off. Ros suggests the conclusions are misleading, ignore the employer contribution, are highly dependent on over-optimistic assumptions and that the report does not stand up to proper scrutiny.
Rate cuts worsen pensioner poverty
5 February 2009
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Press Release warning that cutting interest rates again will worsen the economic outlook and worsen poverty for pensioners. Ros urges the authorities to stop cutting rates and focus on fiscal policy.
Crisis policy response carries big dangers
9 January 2009
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Press Release critiquing Government's emergency policy measures, explaining dangers and highlighting unfairness for pensioners of pension credit assuming they still earn 10% interest on their savings.
Cutting interest rates is like a tax increase or a pension cut - it's wrong!
December 2008
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Ros explains why cutting interest rates even further from here is not sensible and causes significant damage to pensioners living on their savings. She recommends bringing back the 10p tax band to improve incomes for all taxpayers and improving the state pension to help all pensioners over age 75.
Bring back the 10p tax rate!
30 November 2008
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Government reforms in the pre-budget report will not solve our problems and Ros suggests an alternative approach.
Critique of measures in Pre-Budget Report
24 November 2008
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Ros critiques measures in Government's Pre Budget Report, explaining why cutting VAT will not work and recommending reducing direct taxes and increasing pensions instead.
Crazy to bail out IceSave retail deposits 100%
10 October 2008
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Press Release highlighting the dangers of printing money to bail out retail bank depositors 100% while long term savings remain maximum 90% safe. There should at least be some quid pro quo for taxpayers protecting above the £50,000 limit.
Credit crisis measures will worsen the pensions crisis
9 October 2008
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Press Release explaining why the panic measures aimed at stabilizing the banking system will make the pensions crisis worse and lead to a serious pensioners crisis soon. Ros calls for the Government to issue more long-dated gilts and longevity or mortality bonds.
Credit crisis results from duration mis-match, short-term thinking not the answer
9 October 2008
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Press Release suggesting the credit crisis is due to short-term policy which borrowed from the long-term and will have to be paid back. Until policymakers understand this, they will not solve the problem and short term panic measures are not the answer.
Women state pension reforms more spin than substance
October 2008
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Latest proposals to reform state pensions by allowing women to buy extra years of national insurance entitlements will allow more women to receive a full basic state pension, but there are many hidden dangers to beware of.
Transparency needed urgently on public sector pensions
8 September 2008
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Press Release highlighting the generosity of public sector pensions relative to private schemes and calling for transparency in the costs and accounting for these significant future liabilities.
Final salary scheme deficits soar again
5 August 2008
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Press Release commenting latest figures showing rise in final salary scheme deficits for FTSE 100 companies caused by falling equity markets and disappointing corporate bond returns.
Victory again in Judicial Review Appeal
7 February 2008
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Three appeal court judges delivered a stunningly strong verdict against the UK Government. They dismissed the Government's appeals against the Judicial Review High Court ruling and upheld the verdict that its behaviour in this case has been irrational and unlawful. They also found that the maladministration caused more than just financial losses, but also led to non-financial injustices which have not yet been recognised at all.
Victory – A decent FAS settlement at last!
17th December 2007
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Wonderful news! Press Release welcoming the announcement from Peter Hain, Secretary of State at DWP, that the FAS will be extended to put it on a par with the Pension Protection Fund, following publication of the Young Review.
Press Release: FAS time to sort it out, not string it out
16th December 2007
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Ros' comments on what would be required for a reasonable settlement of the problems of the FAS to stop the issue dragging on any longer.
Scrooge lives on – Government must compensate
December 2007
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Ros highlights rumours that Numbers 10 and 11 Downing Street are refusing to allow the DWP Ministers to offer a proper extension of the Financial Assistance Scheme before Christmas, despite previous commitments. There seems to be a row in Government over this issue.
Announcing an all-night vigil outside Downing Street
19th November 2007
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Release explaining that – despite the winter weather - desperate pension victims will spend all night on the pavement in Whitehall outside Downing Street and deliver a letter begging for justice.
Prime Minister's answers to David Cameron at Question Time
20th September 2007
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Ros' comments on extracts from Hansard showing the answers given by Tony Blair to questions from David Cameron which called for improvements to the FAS, asked for a Treasury emergency loan to be given to help his constituent who has leukaemia, is 68 and has had no pension and no FAS.
Breathtaking double standards offering 100% compensation to Northern Rock depositors
18th September 2007
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Release highlighting the injustice of Government immediately rescuing Northern Rock savers with a 100% guarantee, while continuing to maintain that taxpayers can't compensate pension victims who have been struggling for years with no pension.
Release welcoming Young Review report
16th July 2007
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Ros points to the interim Report of the DWP Review of FAS scheme assets, which validates her long-held view that not annuitising these assets would be much better for members, would save money for the taxpayer and would allow increased compensation without extra taxpayer costs. Appendix E in the review also highlights how a scheme to collect unclaimed life policies such as from Ireland, could raise £230m initially and then £70m a year thereafter.
Press Release criticising ABI scaremongering about the cross-party Lifeboat amendments
15th July 2007
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Ros explains for the press that the cross-party Lifeboat plans would not entail taking any money from other pension schemes or from orphan assets and that the ABI has misunderstood the proposals. Assets with owners and orphan estates need not be touched.
Release commenting on FAS 2006 annual report
28th June 2007
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Ros comments on the FAS annual report which shows this 'assistance' scheme has paid more for official costs of running it than it has to those who lost their pensions. She calls on the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to draw a line with the past, move away from spin and end the shambles of the Financial Assistance Scheme.
Press Release on FSA Retail Distribution Review
28th June 2007
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Ros' comments on FSA Retail Distribution Review consultation paper on selling savings products in the UK. Ros suggests the only people called 'independent advisers' should be those who can sell across all products.
Announcement of a Tory Fringe meeting at Labour Party Conference before fifth 'Stripped of our Pensions' annual demonstration
20th June 2007
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Release announcing that the Tories will hold their first-ever fringe meeting at the LABOUR party conference on 25 September 2007, to call on the Government to compensate victims at least to PPF levels, then followed by another 'Stripped of Our Pensions' demonstration.
Comment on Pension Regulator's issue of its first FSD
18th June 2007
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Ros' comments on the new Pension Regulator's issue of its first Financial Support Direction against Sea Containers.
Lords expected to back amendments for fair compensation
5th June 2007
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Release about the expected defeat for the Government in the House of Lords when Tories and LibDems, backed by a number of cross-bench peers will vote on the amendments to Clause 18 of the Pensions Bill, calling for a Lifeboat fund to be established to help pay Pension Protection Fund level benefits to those currently in the inadequate Financial Assistance Scheme.
Announcement of second Judicial Review against Government
May 2007
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Release announcing that victims of scheme wind-ups are being forced to go back to the High Court to Judicially Review the Government's recent budget announcements of extensions to the Financial Assistance Scheme which do not comply with the High Court ruling in the first JR.
Release on Gordon Brown's removal of ACT relief
March 2007
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Ros' initial reaction to revelations about the advice given to Gordon Brown in 1997 ahead of his decision to remove dividend tax relief from pension funds, explaining that the decision was irresponsible.
Press Release cautioning against euphoria about FAS extension
21 March 2007
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Press Release explaining that the extension to the FAS announced in the Budget is not all it seems.
Press release on Budget FAS extension
21 March 2007
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Press Release giving Ros’ reaction to the FAS extension announced in the Budget – more fiddled figures and spin.
Press Release – High court verdict Government irrational and unlawful
21 February 2007
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Press Release explaining that the Government has been found guilty of maladministration and that the High Court says ‘no reasonable Secretary of State could rationally disagree’ with the Ombudsman that the public was badly misled by official pension ‘guides’.
Press Release – Hurray, Government is guilty!
21 February 2007
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Press Release welcoming the verdict in the High Court Judicial Review which found against the Government and ruled that the rejection of the Ombudsman’s report was unlawful and irrational.
Press release announcing 7th Feb demo to coincide with JR
6 February 2007
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Press Release announcing that there will be a demonstration on 7th February – to coincide with the Judicial Review hearings. MPs will join their constituents on Parliament Green to show the Government their support for the victims and to demand compensation be paid.
Press Release - Government summoned to High Court
December 2006
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Press Release announcing that the Government has been summoned to appear before a High Court judge immediately to explain their failure to comply with the court timetable for the Judicial Review case. The DWP has effectively disqualified itself from the case and has had to seek permission to remain able to participate!
Press release welcoming PPF levy announcement
December 2006
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Press Release giving Ros’ reaction to the PPF levy announcement which seems prudent and responsible.
Press Release on Government rejection of PASC report
2 November 2006
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Press Release expressing disappointment at the Government’s rejection of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Public Admninstraton Select Committee (PASC) report.
Press Release announcing date for Judicial Review hearing on 7th Feb 2007
21 October 2006
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Press Release announcing that the Judicial Review hearing will take place in the High Court on 7th February 2007 and that the hearing has been expedited due to the suffering of the victims who have lost their pensions.
Press Release on Pension Protection Fund investment principles
October 2006
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Press Release giving Ros’ view on the Statement of Investment Principles announced by the Pension Protection Fund Board
Press release announcing ‘Strippers’ demo in Manchester
26 September 2006
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Announcement of ‘Stripped of our Pensions’ demonstration at Manchester Labour party conference and asking how we can expect Gordon Brown to be trusted to introduce a new constitution, when he has not upheld our old one.
Press release welcoming the PASC report
29 July 2006
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Press release issued after release of the Public Administration Select Committee report, which is strongly critical of Government and calls for urgent compensation to be paid, including to those whose employers are still solvent.
Government bullying victims of pension wind-ups
July 2006
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Press Release highlighting the Government’s shameful attempts to frighten pension wind-up victims into dropping the Judicial Review and also trying to exclude tens of thousands of people from any successful outcome of the European court case.
Judicial Review of Government’s unlawful and irrational rejection of Parliamentary Ombudsman report
14 June 2006
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Press Release announcing the launch of a Judicial Review against the Government claiming its rejection of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report is both illegal and irrational.
Continued injustice of Financial Assistance Scheme – even after extension
June 2006
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Note explaining why the announced ‘extension’ of the Financial Assistance Scheme is little more than a public relations exercise, designed to buy backbench silence, rather than helping those who have lost their pensions.
Comments on Pensions White Paper
8 June 2006
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Ros’ views on the reform proposals contained in the Government’s pension reform White Paper.
Press Release announcing Parliamentary Ombudsman’s verdict
May 2006
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Press Release welcoming the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report and hoping that Government will comply with the recommendations.
Press Release about Judicial Review and European Challenges
April 2006
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Press Release announcing that the Pensions Action Group will challenge the Government both in the UK and European Courts. The Govenrment faces a Judicial Review of its rejection of the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report and a challenge in the Petitions Committee of the European Parliament.
Press Release welcoming Parliamentary Ombudsman report
14 March 2006
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Press Release announcing Ros’ reaction to the Parliamentary Ombudsman’s report and welcoming the findings and recommendations.