Page 16 - WMPF Federation OCT-NOV 2019-flip_Neat

£10 million Pensions

funding Federation issues new

boost for statement on pensions

Taser roll-out Tby members confused by be changed and therefore all those who VENTO SCALE
he Federation has issued a statement
have been subject to discrimination will be
on pensions after being approached
l Lower band (for the least serious
subject to the remedy. The Government sees
incident of discrimination) – currently
£4 billion. The remedy will apply to all,
These relate to the recent pension
communications from outside organisations. this as being likely to be valued at around cases, e.g. a one-off or isolated
discrimination cases and whether a future regardless of whether they have taken a £900 - £8,600, but at the time the
outcome will result in a remedy for all or personal or group legal case. cases were taken, likely to be up to a
only for those who have begun a legal Officers who signed up to the Pension maximum of around £7,000 - £7,500
challenge. Challenge may also get compensation. The l Middle band (which is used for
With the legal challenge on the amount of compensation is based on the serious cases that do not merit an
discriminatory aspects of the scheme - degree of ‘injury’ that can be evidenced in award in the highest band) –
through an employment tribunal and accordance with the Vento Scale (See right). currently £8,600 - £25,700
beyond - there are two possible outcomes of The compensation has not yet been l Top band (for the most serious cases,
a legal victory, the Police Federation explains valued and there is no certainty over how such as a lengthy campaign of
in a statement issued on 20 August. much it will amount to. It may, or may not, discriminatory harassment) –
These are, firstly, a remedy and secondly, be adequate to pay for the costs those currently up to £42,900.
compensation. challenging will incur. The Pension Challenge The Police Federation of England and
“A remedy is likely to address the root (Cops Against - @copsagainst) have Wales’ position remains the same: it is, as
cause of the discrimination and is aimed at indicated they believe any compensation will yet, unclear how the remedy will be
getting members to a position where there be in the lower Vento band. applied, but the Federation believes it
is no discrimination. Compensation, by The Vento Scale sets out the will apply to all. Anyone considering a
contrast, is a separate payment, likely to be compensation judges can award for claim must carefully consider the risk
paid to claimants for hurt feelings or discrimination. The values used would be that the compensation may not cover
distress,” the Federation says. those that apply when the case is laid, not their legal fees.
In a Treasury statement on 15 July, the when it is settled: that is, for police pensions
Government indicated that such a remedy the bands will be lower than currently
would be applied to all in the public sector published for 2019.
schemes listed. The schemes themselves will
“
A remedy is likely to address the root
cause of the discrimination and is aimed
round 10,000 more officers are expected to be trained and Secretary said: “I’ve been completely appalled by the recent spate of at getting members to a position where
equipped with Taser after the Home Office announced a serious assaults on police officers which is why I’m giving chief
A£10 million investment programme. constables the resources to dramatically increase the number of there is no discrimination.
The news, announced by Home Secretary Priti Patel on Friday 27 their officers who carry Tasers. Compensation, by contrast, is a separate
September, has been welcomed by West Midlands Police “They keep us safe and now I’m giving them what they need to
Federation. keep themselves safe on the job.” payment, likely to be paid to claimants
Secretary Steve Grange explained: “Taser is an essential bit of kit National Federation chair John Apter has also welcomed the for hurt feelings or distress.
for modern-day policing. For some time, the Federation has been new investment. He said: “The Home Secretary has listened and she
calling on the Government to give forces the funding they need to has acted, this is absolutely the right decision for my members and “
be able to offer training to all officers who want to carry Taser and for policing.”
then equip them with the devices. He added: “Officers are telling me daily they are feeling
“A recent Police Federation survey found that 94 per cent of vulnerable and often isolated due to the lack of this vital protective
officers think Taser should be issued to more front-line staff so I am equipment which has saved the lives and prevented serious Supporting you constant pain and vulnerable. I live on my own and it was a very
pleased to see that the Home Secretary appears to have been injuries; this is why I felt so strongly that all officers who want to difficult time as I was threatened with half pay. You and the team
listening to the views of those who understand the challenges be trained and carry Taser should be able to.” Our Federation reps and officials are keen to offer help, advice and were always available to assist with help and advice as well as
being faced by officers on a daily basis. l In a poll of the public run by broadcaster LBC to coincide with support to all members. attending key meetings with me.
“Taser not only helps officers to protect themselves but also the Federation research, 73 per cent of the 2,000 people asked It is always satisfying to find out that they have been able to make I am pleased to say that, due to your assistance, I have been
means they can effectively protect their communities. Police chiefs think police officers should be able to carry Taser. a difference. Here is a message of thanks we have received recently. successful in obtaining an ill-health pension and can now
have been doing their best to get more officers equipped with Taser Figures released by the Office of National Statistics for 2018/19 Letter of thanks to Cliff Tomkinson, personnel lead concentrate on recovering from my full knee replacement. Please
but with limited funding have struggled to do so and therefore this show a 27 per cent increase in assaults on police officers in England I would like to pass on my grateful thanks and appreciation to you, Archie pass on my grateful thanks to all the team.
new funding is a big boost.” and Wales with 10,399 crimes resulting in assaults or injuries to Murphy and all representatives involved in my issues. Keep up the good work.
Announcing the ring-fenced Home Office funding, the Home officers. During the ill-health retirement process, I was feeling very poorly, in Member details withheld

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