News and Comment 2022
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9th February 2022.
This website has often focused on the problems faced by those ex officers who were forced to retire early in service and also those who have retired many years ago when salaries were less and haven't kept up with the real cost of living. In many cases the IOD component of the pension is quite modest. We are now faced with an enormous increase in the cost of living and it is very likely that there are some pensioners who's fuel bills alone will now exceed their IOD pension. Some forces are continuing with their review programmes. A reduction in banding for those pensioners mentioned will have a catastrophic impact on their lives. Contrast this with the pension of the outgoing Metropolitan Police Commissioner. 1st January 2022. Over the last few years IOD's have a high level of success in their opposition to attacks on their injury pensions and their associated rights and entitlements. Inevitably there are occasions when we do not succeed and last year the case involving our Staffordshire colleagues was just such an instance. However, there were a number of positive outcomes also and those authorities who continue to seek to diminish our pensions can be assured that there is no lack of resolve among the IOD's. Our dedicated IOD charitable organisation continues to grow in number and continues to be backed by a very experienced legal team. Any injured officer, or ex officer, should be aware that IODPA provides the best avenue to support. Last year, a number of police forces commenced Regulation 37 review programmes and anyone affected should contact IODPA. Pipin will continue to provide occasional news and comment on IOD matters. Pipin was created to help when older IOD's were assaulted with the reductions in their pensions resulting from unlawful HOC46/2004 guidance to police forces. It is worth noting that the youngest of those ex officers who were of state retirement age in the earlier implementation of HOC 46 policies are now well into their eighties. Pipin will continue to maintain a strong interest in those older and vulnerable IOD's as well as those ex officers who had to retire owing to injury early in their service. These groups of pensioners, especially those who retired many years ago are likely to have rather meagre pensions in comparison to current pension provision. We note also that there is a 'double whammy' in cases where the pensioner was 'contracted out' of the SERPS scheme. Those who contracted out would receive a minimum income guarantee, however it appears that this does not apply to the IOD pension and it also appears that many of those who were contracted out are entitled only to the very basic state pension! IOD's do not oppose reviews and assessments made in a fair, considerate manner, in accordance with the regulations but we must continue to stand ready to challenge those who seek to degrade our pensions. If anyone doubts that the authorities would act deceitfully, please refer to this recent (not IOD) case involving the Police superintendents Association: "Police leaders deem unlawful treatment by government as “deceitful and showing complete contempt for officers” in months of “underhand and unfair” actions towards police" A Happy and Successful New Year to all IOD's |
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