Pensions myth-busting at online event

8 October 2021

Some of the myths surrounding the current situation around the police pension schemes were dispelled at an informative and interesting online meeting arranged specifically for members of West Midlands Police Federation.

The meeting, held yesterday evening, was attended by around 100 members, and was hosted by West Midland Police Federation chair Jon Nott and deputy secretary Tim Rogers.

Also on hand to give an update were national Federation vice-chair Ché Donald and secretary Alex Duncan.

“The meeting, which we were able to arrange at quite short notice, helped to dispel some myths and provide accurate information to people. There was an opportunity for members to ask questions and an update from Ché and Alex around the proposed remedy covering the areas that are still being looked at and highlighted to the Government in terms of where there are concerns,” says Jon.

“There was also an update around the Judicial Review being run by the Police Superintendents’ Association in conjunction with the Federation, in terms of the potential sex discrimination in the proposed remedy.”

Police Money Matters started the evening by giving a presentation around the different pensions schemes, how they work, the proposed remedy to the discrimination found in the implementation of the 2015 scheme and what that means to people.

There was also an offer for individuals to have one to one consultations and to be provided with individual figures outside the meeting.

One officer said after the meeting: “That was a brilliant and informative webinar and I am very grateful for you guys putting it on.”

Jon commented: “My thanks go to Ché, Alex and Police Money Matters for attending and presenting to our members. We appreciate how much frustration there has been about the pension schemes and we are doing all we can to ensure people are given up to date and accurate information. We are hoping to get some more dates for future events so that we can reach more officers so please keep an eye on our website and social media as we will announce dates as soon as we can.”