LGPS – dog's breakfast of ‘savings’ is a £900m windfall tax on scheme members

Local government employers in England and Wales have cobbled together a package of increased pension contributions, worse accrual rates and increased retirement age for LGPS members - designed to deliver £900m short term ‘savings’ as demanded by the Con Dem spending review:
http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2449

Deal or no deal?

Government has made no secret of its desire to see at least 20% of public sector contracts transferred to third sector providers. In reality the operation of procurement rules to get to this 'Big Society’ nirvana will open up public sector markets, not just to the third sector providers, but to private sector operators as well.

UNISON Active Analysis: Hutton Review of Senior Pay - a soft boiled Curate's Egg

Last Tuesday, for the second week in succession, a Con Dem appointed Hutton Commission reported on the findings of a review - this one chaired by Will Hutton:  http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/indreview_willhutton_fairpay.htm

Hutton - Behind The Headlines

It has become obvious with the publication of the Hutton report on Public Sector Pensions that trade union opposition is not optional. UNISON has no alternative but to maximise its resistance to the range of proposals on offer.

Public Sector Pensions - Hutton dressed as Cameron

UNISON has strongly condemned the proposals of the so called Independent Public Service Pensions Commission chaired by ex Labour minister John Huttton: http://www.unison.org.uk/asppresspack/pressrelease_view.asp?id=2212

Hutton review - where does Labour stand?

Press speculation is reaching fever pitch about the likely recommendations of Lord Hutton when his Independent Public Service Pensions Commission reports on Thursday.

Hutton Report - You Will Pay More Now (but expect more pain later)‏

Summary of key points

- Past pension earnings to be protected
- Pension contributions should rise this October
- Workers are living longer this is the key pension problem
- No such thing as gold plated pensions
- No race to the bottom - will not recommend private sector solution, ie no pension
- But rising costs must be met by a structural over haul - see below
- Retirement age should rise to 65 for all
In other words, pay more, work longer and get less! http://www.lgcplus.com/5020210.article