Model Letter to MP's protesting at changes to Public Service Pensions Schemes
[Your address and phone number] [the date]
To: [ Your local] MP
Dear Mr/Ms [your ] MP-,
Public Sector Pensions
I write to seek your support in opposing the raising of the Public Sector Pension age to 65. Pension schemes affected will include Local Government, Teachers, Civil Service, NHS and Firefighters.
The regulations due to come into force on 1 April 2005 in England and Wales will result in raising the retirement age for millions of public service workers. Here in Scotland, both the Scottish Public Pensions Agency and the Scottish Executive's Deputy Minister for Finance have publicly stated that they will adopt these amendments from 1 April 2006.
In addition to raising to 65 (from 60) the age at which Public Service scheme members are entitled to an unreduced pension, it intends to increase from 50 to 55 the minimum age at which members can draw their pension - for instance to workers who are made redundant.
These changes will have a seriously detrimental effect on many long serving members of Public Service Schemes, in particular low paid and women. Many who are 'burning out' due to work pressures will now have to work for five more years to be able to retire with a pension above the poverty threshold. If they cannot stay in work, or choose to retire at 60, the size of their pension will be cut by up to 30%, increasing the likelihood that they will be forced to depend on means- tested benefits in order to survive in retirement.
[I myself am a [Occupation] working for [your Employer]. I have worked for [your employer] for years and the commitment to a decent pension was an important factor in my joining and remaining in [your specific public service], and carrying out this important public service.]
Evidence confirms that although the costs of public sector pension schemes have increased, they are still sustainable and affordable. The agenda for changing my scheme should not be driven by political considerations, or by alleged 'pension envy' from the private sector.
My union supports a positive agenda which would offer people the choice to work on through a flexible retirement age. I want them to engage in a constructive debate with government on how best to modernise the scheme. The unfair proposed changes to the retirement age rules for Public Service Pension Schemes in England and Wales make such a debate impossible.
I hope I can depend on your support in this matter. I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely, ( )