UK pensions

[green job]

Yes bill,

you are right,I have heard of someone recieving 40 quid. And Why?? I get part of my pension from Jersey CI it is index linked. My kraut one is also linked.

The UK one ( main part ) Frozen, Our polititions are,and always will be crap.

[green job]

Yes bill,

you are right,I have heard of someone recieving 40 quid. And Why?? I get part of my pension from Jersey CI it is index linked. My kraut one is also linked.

The UK one ( main part ) Frozen, Our polititions are,and always will be crap.

[MaeJoMTB]

If this is correct it puts me in a bit of a delimmer, do I vote for the party that will be the best for the country, UKIP, or do I place my vote for the party that will put my interest first, the Green Party. While they may be a party of loons, who at the very best may get 1or 2 MPs , they are at least putting our case to the fore front. For that we have to be thankful.

You don't think UKIP are loons ?????????

To me they seem to be more in tune with the will of the general public, that may mean of course that they offend people from time to time and they might upset a few minorities by representing the majority view.

They are certainly going to get my vote and no, I don't think that they are loons.

Do you think they are, and if so, why do you think that?

Because they are clearly re-branded National Front members/candidates.

[green job]

I made this point before, but got nil support.

Pensioners living in the UK will likely plough ALL their money back into the economy there, buying their food and paying tax such as VAT.

Ex-pats, by definition will put most of their pension into the coffers of their country of choice.

I agree with the existing situation.

I agree this is a very valid reason. Expanding your argument further, it's about more than just taxes.

Money spent in the UK has a "multiplier effect" on the UK economy. i.e you spend a pound, and the recipient of that pound in turn will likely spend at least part of that pound on buying something else from someone else, who in turn spends and so on. The result is greater domestic demand and a stronger UK economy which creates jobs for people who in turn spend money and are less reliant on the state. The result: many benefits to the UK + the whole country ends up in a better place. Looked at another way a pension spent in the UK costs the government less than a pension spent in Thailand

On the other hand a pensioner spending their pension in Thailand benefits the Thai economy, and creates Thai jobs etc, with no real benefit to UK. The UK already gives away far too much to non-UK nationals that it shouldn't do. The country is in bad shape financially, and struggling with its debts.

Also to be borne in mind:

- For people who say they have paid all their lives into the UK system. Remember 1) they contributed nothing for the first 16 years or so of their lives 2) They have had other non-pension benefits already, such as healthcare 3) The UK system doesn't save their money for the future in a magic pot somewhere, they spend it as it comes in. 4) Everyone knows existing workers (partly) fund existing pensioners, which is becoming more and more unsustainable each day + 5) Why should existing workers in the UK be creating jobs in Thailand which could actually take away jobs in their own country. Thailand sets a fine example of nationalism and protectionism and generally gives little or zero in policies that really benefit foreigners.

- The overseas pensioner usually knows the rules of the game and it's their choice to live in Thailand

- If pensions for overseas people not contributing any longer to the UK were increased, the government would simply take it off other needy areas of society. It's not as if they have a large pot of money as an excess. The UK spends more than it earns. In all likelihood, they'd reduce all pensioners over time rather than increase. eg when they equalised pension ages for men and women, all that happened is everyone ended up with a worse deal and lowest comoon denominator over time

If thinking only of myself and my family, I'd be in favour of equalising the pensions so I personally get more.

Looking at the bigger picture, and with a little less self interest, it's probably better for the UK I get a lower pension, and it goes to the people in the UK that need it, and benefits the UK. I knew the score when I signed up. I don't contribute much to the UK these days, so why should I get handouts of people I've never met.

(BTW That's no excuse for the government to continue wasting money in the ways it does, and not looking after its own nationals at the expense of foreigners in many other areas too)

A load of twaddle,and you know it Every word is bullsxxt

[JB300]

Redacted copy of a letter received from the UKIP candidate in my constituency:

Dear Mr. ……….,

Thank you for your email. I will attempt to answer your questions.

1. Frozen Pensions

Interestingly I have been contacted by another overseas elector about this matter. My view is that the freezing of pensions is wrong. My understanding is that this saves only £37m/yr, which is a small amount in the government's finances. I would vote to remove this anomaly. Concerning UKIP policy, I am not aware that we have a specific policy on this issue, but I will be raising it with the policy team. But it is the kind of thing that we would most likely support as a party - and I will vote for its abolition if I am elected as the MP for ………………………….

2. Overseas voters

I am of the view that as long as you hold a British passport you should be allowed to vote from overseas in UK elections - that is part of what being a citizen means. I would look seriously at this issue with a view to a change in the law. I am also concerned about potential disenfranchisement of British military personnel overseas - at the last election there were problems with voter registration. This is also something we need to look at.

3. Electronic Voting.

This is one area where I am in potential disagreement with you. I am a computer software engineer by profession and I know that there is no such thing as a fully secure technology. Electronic voting is open to abuse, not least by the government itself which would be responsible for the design and deployment of the software. I think that a paper ballot is still the best way to vote. However, there may be a case for making an exception in special circumstances such as overseas electors or those in remote locations, but I would definitely not want to extend online voting to the whole population of the UK.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

..…… ..……..

Parliamentary Candidate for…………

UK Independence Party

The other main candidates & local media have yet to respond.

So freezing pensions saves £37Million pa & the UK gives India (who, unlike the UK, has its own space program) £250Million pa in "Aid".

Great to see that we have our priorities right [emoji106]

Edit:For our non-UK BMs the last part is sarcasm, it's criminal how the UK Government treats its pensioners both inside & outside of the UK.

Edited April 16, 2015 by JB300

[evadgib]

The £37M withheld from NI contributions was surely ours in the first place.

Edited April 16, 2015 by evadgib

[JB300]

Posted this in another thread but might be of interest to anybody planning their retirement...

What Happens if I Retire Abroad: http://www.litrg.org.uk/tax-guides/pensioners-tax/what-happens-if-i-retire-abroad

[nontabury]

If this is correct it puts me in a bit of a delimmer, do I vote for the party that will be the best for the country, UKIP, or do I place my vote for the party that will put my interest first, the Green Party. While they may be a party of loons, who at the very best may get 1or 2 MPs , they are at least putting our case to the fore front. For that we have to be thankful.

You don't think UKIP are loons ?????????

To me they seem to be more in tune with the will of the general public, that may mean of course that they offend people from time to time and they might upset a few minorities by representing the majority view.

They are certainly going to get my vote and no, I don't think that they are loons.

Do you think they are, and if so, why do you think that?

Because they are clearly re-branded National Front members/candidates.

Absolute rubbish,they are certainly not.

They are a party that will put the interest of the British people first. No matter what colour or religion etc they are.

What is the definition of politically stupid?

To repeatable vote for the same incompetent party/parties and expect a different outcome.

[Liquorice]

I've always regarded myself as a hardworking class type of person, that worked for everything I achieved.

As an aside I always voted Labour although my own personal views were much more left wing as a Socialist.

In terms of what's best for expats in the coming election, no one party will have the power or desire to fight to change the policy on frozen pensions.

The next best we can hope for is the pound to strengthen against the baht, to which, and I hate to say it, but that will only happen if the Conservatives are re-elected even as part of a coalition.

A coalition with Labour at the helm will see the pound weaken.

Regardless of your personal views, a vote for the Green party or UKIP will be a vote wasted.

Neither are going to be any part of any coalition.

[Chivas]

A friend of mine has a UK address,he has a GP, he has a pre-existing complaint he flew over arranged a private diagnosis ,to save time was given a date for his operation and will fly back to the UK to have it done in the NHS,he paid in for 40 odd years so why not? I don't blame him for one do you,?

Absolutely I'm a staunch advocate of not burning my bridges and will always maintain an UK address (via children if neccessary) and remain on my GP lists

When I returned once a year maybe to see kids whatever I would an appointment with any of the GP's in my practice to show my face

Its totally beyond me why anyone would leave the UK for good.

[transam]

A friend of mine has a UK address,he has a GP, he has a pre-existing complaint he flew over arranged a private diagnosis ,to save time was given a date for his operation and will fly back to the UK to have it done in the NHS,he paid in for 40 odd years so why not? I don't blame him for one do you,?

Absolutely I'm a staunch advocate of not burning my bridges and will always maintain an UK address (via children if neccessary) and remain on my GP lists

When I returned once a year maybe to see kids whatever I would an appointment with any of the GP's in my practice to show my face

Its totally beyond me why anyone would leave the UK for good.

99.9% of us in LOS ain't left the UK for good, we are NON immigrants....

[nontabury]

I've always regarded myself as a hardworking class type of person, that worked for everything I achieved.

As an aside I always voted Labour although my own personal views were much more left wing as a Socialist.

In terms of what's best for expats in the coming election, no one party will have the power or desire to fight to change the policy on frozen pensions.

The next best we can hope for is the pound to strengthen against the baht, to which, and I hate to say it, but that will only happen if the Conservatives are re-elected even as part of a coalition.

A coalition with Labour at the helm will see the pound weaken.

Regardless of your personal views, a vote for the Green party or UKIP will be a vote wasted.

Neither are going to be any part of any coalition.

Agree with most of what you say, however I must add that a vote for the conservatives,liberal or labour will be a wasted vote(see my previous post) and unless the electorate are prepared to look out of the box nothing will change.

[green job]

A friend of mine has a UK address,he has a GP, he has a pre-existing complaint he flew over arranged a private diagnosis ,to save time was given a date for his operation and will fly back to the UK to have it done in the NHS,he paid in for 40 odd years so why not? I don't blame him for one do you,?

Absolutely I'm a staunch advocate of not burning my bridges and will always maintain an UK address (via children if neccessary) and remain on my GP lists

When I returned once a year maybe to see kids whatever I would an appointment with any of the GP's in my practice to show my face

Its totally beyond me why anyone would leave the UK for good.

99.9% of us in LOS ain't left the UK for good, we are NON immigrants....

!00% true, but the uk still class us as non residents. I was away for 3 years and reterned to visit my family. I paid a visit to my DR to get some pills ( free for the over 65s) The DR said hi long time no see,good to see you again, the receptionist presented me with a bill for 40 pounds DR fees,and 30 pounds for the pills.

I have done 17 years army service and paid NI for over 30 Once one is finished here in Thailand better to shoot ones self

[nong38]

Perhaps you could offer yourself as member of the armed forces ( Dads Army Brigade - International Division ). Pay..............upgrade pension.........free NHS for life..........no active service outside the UK.

[JetsetBkk]

I agree this is a very valid reason. Expanding your argument further, it's about more than just taxes.

<snip>

The country is in bad shape financially, and struggling with its debts.

<snip>

Email from the Tory Party:

Dear -------,

Five years ago, millions of people were unemployed, there was no economic security for our families and there were worries about whether our country could pay its debt.

Britain was on the brink.

Five years later, because of our long-term economic plan and the difficult decisions we have taken, we have more people in work than at any time in our history, living standards are on the rise and we are more economically secure.

Of course we haven't fixed everything, but Britain is back on its feet again.

1000 jobs are being created every single day. 760,000 more businesses have started up.

Last year our economy grew faster than any other major advanced economy in the world - meaning more people getting that job offer and more families hopeful of a better future.

Blah, blah, blah.

Thank you,

David Cameron

Perhaps you could expand on "The country is in bad shape financially, and struggling with its debts."

[green job]

Perhaps you could offer yourself as member of the armed forces ( Dads Army Brigade - International Division ). Pay..............upgrade pension.........free NHS for life..........no active service outside the UK.

YEP Many of us that joined the service in the 60s had to do 21 years to obtain a army pension, now they know how wrong they got it. As many in the uk

must live on hand-outs. Most of my service was spent in Asia,I find the way of life in the UK does not suit me,also far too expensive.

Anyway,seems they have given our country away, its no longer England.I am afraid Enoch was 100% right.

[evadgib]

A friend of mine has a UK address,he has a GP, he has a pre-existing complaint he flew over arranged a private diagnosis ,to save time was given a date for his operation and will fly back to the UK to have it done in the NHS,he paid in for 40 odd years so why not? I don't blame him for one do you,?

Absolutely I'm a staunch advocate of not burning my bridges and will always maintain an UK address (via children if neccessary) and remain on my GP lists

When I returned once a year maybe to see kids whatever I would an appointment with any of the GP's in my practice to show my face

Its totally beyond me why anyone would leave the UK for good.

99.9% of us in LOS ain't left the UK for good, we are NON immigrants....

!00% true, but the uk still class us as non residents. I was away for 3 years and reterned to visit my family. I paid a visit to my DR to get some pills ( free for the over 65s) The DR said hi long time no see,good to see you again, the receptionist presented me with a bill for 40 pounds DR fees,and 30 pounds for the pills.

I have done 17 years army service and paid NI for over 30 Once one is finished here in Thailand better to shoot ones self

If your pills were for conditions relating to service you could have played the 'veteran' card, indeed you should have tried it anyway!

HTH

[evadgib]

Perhaps you could offer yourself as member of the armed forces ( Dads Army Brigade - International Division ). Pay..............upgrade pension.........free NHS for life..........no active service outside the UK.

YEP Many of us that joined the service in the 60s had to do 21 years to obtain a army pension, now they know how wrong they got it. As many in the uk

must live on hand-outs. Most of my service was spent in Asia,I find the way of life in the UK does not suit me,also far too expensive.

Anyway,seems they have given our country away, its no longer England.I am afraid Enoch was 100% right.

Anyone discharged after 06 Apr 1975 should be entitled to a deferred service pension from 60. Details are on the SPVA pages of gov.uk website.

The rules changed again for anyone leaving HMF after 2005.

HTH

Edited April 18, 2015 by evadgib

[sandyf]

Perhaps you could offer yourself as member of the armed forces ( Dads Army Brigade - International Division ). Pay..............upgrade pension.........free NHS for life..........no active service outside the UK.

YEP Many of us that joined the service in the 60s had to do 21 years to obtain a army pension, now they know how wrong they got it. As many in the uk

must live on hand-outs. Most of my service was spent in Asia,I find the way of life in the UK does not suit me,also far too expensive.

Anyway,seems they have given our country away, its no longer England.I am afraid Enoch was 100% right.

Anyone discharged after 06 Apr 1975 should be entitled to a deferred service pension from 60. Details are on the SPVA pages of gov.uk website.

The rules changed again for anyone leaving HMF after 2005.

HTH

That is not entirely true, it is not 'anyone'. I bought myself out in Sept 1977 and at that point in time you had to have done 12 years pensionable service. I had to wait until I had done the 12 years before I could apply for discharge by purchase or I would have forfeited the deferred pension.

Had I been a bit more switched on I should have waited another 3 months and got the next rank up. I had only done 1 year 9 months at C/T level and you need to be in the rank 2 years to qualify for pension.

[evadgib]

For any that need it:

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterans-uk

Edited April 18, 2015 by evadgib

[green job]

Perhaps you could offer yourself as member of the armed forces ( Dads Army Brigade - International Division ). Pay..............upgrade pension.........free NHS for life..........no active service outside the UK.

YEP Many of us that joined the service in the 60s had to do 21 years to obtain a army pension, now they know how wrong they got it. As many in the uk

must live on hand-outs. Most of my service was spent in Asia,I find the way of life in the UK does not suit me,also far too expensive.

Anyway,seems they have given our country away, its no longer England.I am afraid Enoch was 100% right.

Anyone discharged after 06 Apr 1975 should be entitled to a deferred service pension from 60. Details are on the SPVA pages of gov.uk website.

The rules changed again for anyone leaving HMF after 2005.

HTH

Thanks for the advice,unfortunatley,I do not qualify By the way any malaya borneo vets out there?

[evadgib]

There is still time for UK citizens overseas to register to vote in the General Election

[MaeJoMTB]

!00% true, but the uk still class us as non residents. I was away for 3 years and reterned to visit my family. I paid a visit to my DR to get some pills ( free for the over 65s) The DR said hi long time no see,good to see you again, the receptionist presented me with a bill for 40 pounds DR fees,and 30 pounds for the pills.

I have done 17 years army service and paid NI for over 30 Once one is finished here in Thailand better to shoot ones self

Nobody forced you to 'over inform' the doctor or receptionist.

"I've been living with my sick Auntie down south."

"I've been in the best of health over the last couple of years"

Would have prevented your self made problem.

People employed by the UK government are not your friends, never chat with them as if they are.

Edited April 18, 2015 by MaeJoMTB

[green job]

!00% true, but the uk still class us as non residents. I was away for 3 years and reterned to visit my family. I paid a visit to my DR to get some pills ( free for the over 65s) The DR said hi long time no see,good to see you again, the receptionist presented me with a bill for 40 pounds DR fees,and 30 pounds for the pills.

I have done 17 years army service and paid NI for over 30 Once one is finished here in Thailand better to shoot ones self

Nobody forced you to 'over inform' the doctor or receptionist.

"I've been living with my sick Auntie down south."

"I've been in the best of health over the last couple of years"

Would have prevented your self made problem.

People employed by the UK government are not your friends, never chat with them as if they are.

The DR knows my family, But get what you mean,thanks

[sandyf]

Perhaps you could offer yourself as member of the armed forces ( Dads Army Brigade - International Division ). Pay..............upgrade pension.........free NHS for life..........no active service outside the UK.

YEP Many of us that joined the service in the 60s had to do 21 years to obtain a army pension, now they know how wrong they got it. As many in the uk

must live on hand-outs. Most of my service was spent in Asia,I find the way of life in the UK does not suit me,also far too expensive.

Anyway,seems they have given our country away, its no longer England.I am afraid Enoch was 100% right.

Anyone discharged after 06 Apr 1975 should be entitled to a deferred service pension from 60. Details are on the SPVA pages of gov.uk website.

The rules changed again for anyone leaving HMF after 2005.

HTH

Thanks for the advice,unfortunatley,I do not qualify By the way any malaya borneo vets out there?

There was a petition kicking about for servicemen discharged before 1975 but it probably stands as much chance as the frozen pensions campaign.

[evadgib]

Not quite; The latter is immoral and illegal therefore will eventually be corrected whereas the terms and conditions of service prior to 1975 were contractual.... and included Rum

Edited April 19, 2015 by evadgib

[Liquorice]

I did 3 years service 1970 -1973.............not entitled to any service pension............and never got any Rum.

Do you think I should complain about the withheld Rum?

[evadgib]

It was issued to RN until the 70s. The rest of us had to endure sub zero temperatures for a week before seeing any

Edited April 19, 2015 by evadgib

[green job]

The government uses a different bank to transfer the pension and if you don't tell them they will buy THB in the UK and transfer that so you will get less pension as the charge for money change in the UK will be paid by you.

I think you will find that the pension will only be paid in Baht if you have it paid into a Thai bank, I don't think they will send GBP.

My Civil Service Pension is paid the same way, I did ask that my pension was paid in GBP but I was advised that it's a contractual obligation with the Cabinet Office to purchase the local currency in the UK.

I'm better off having my Civil Service Pension paid into my IOM bank, even allowing for the £20 transmission fee, my State Pension will also go into my IOM account.

Hi good morning

I get a pension from 3 souces ( different countries ) The transmission fees add up, Would it be better to get all paid to a UK bank\

and draw via atm,what do you think?

[Liquorice]

The government uses a different bank to transfer the pension and if you don't tell them they will buy THB in the UK and transfer that so you will get less pension as the charge for money change in the UK will be paid by you.

I think you will find that the pension will only be paid in Baht if you have it paid into a Thai bank, I don't think they will send GBP.

My Civil Service Pension is paid the same way, I did ask that my pension was paid in GBP but I was advised that it's a contractual obligation with the Cabinet Office to purchase the local currency in the UK.

I'm better off having my Civil Service Pension paid into my IOM bank, even allowing for the £20 transmission fee, my State Pension will also go into my IOM account.

Hi good morning

I get a pension from 3 souces ( different countries ) The transmission fees add up, Would it be better to get all paid to a UK bank\

and draw via atm,what do you think?

@green job,

I currently have two pensions paid into the same UK bank. When I'm 65 I'll have 4 pensions all being paid into the same UK bank.

I have a Bangkok Bank Savings Account in Thailand, with a debit card to allow ATM withdrawals in baht.

Bangkok bank has a London branch. Once a year I transfer funds from my UK bank to the Bangkok bank in London with no charges from either bank.

The BKK branch in London then transfer the funds to my Thailand bank account in sterling, for a fixed fee of £15.

BKK in Thailand then convert the sterling into baht to get the best possible exchange rate and an exchange fee of less than 200 baht.

Total cost is about £19 for all transfer and exchange fees and I transfer greater than £10,000 per annum.

Using a UK debit card to make ATM withdrawals in Thailand is expensive over a period of time because of the charges incurred.

Transfer your pension(s) into one UK bank and open a Thai bank account to do transfers, ensuring the conversion from £ to Baht is made by your Thai bank.