Diamond Jubilee: frozen pensioners appeal to Queen

01 Jun 2012

Expat retirees campaigning for their pensions to be unfrozen have written an open letter to the Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee.

The letter, which was organised by the International Consortium of British Pensioners (ICBP), focuses on the impact that the frozen pensions policy is having on Commonwealth citizens, and implores her to help "ensure all Commonwealth pensioners receive the pension they deserve".

Over half a million recipients of the British state pension living abroad in mainly Commonwealth countries do not receive annual increases, meaning that their spending power is eroded year on year. Many have found it difficult to survive as the cost of living rises, and have been forced to return to Britain.

Those pensioners living in Europe, or countries which have a reciprocal social security arrangement with the UK, are not affected by the policy.

In the letter, the ICBP says that freezing pensions not only “traps older people in poverty”, but “impinges on travel between Commonwealth countries and weakens the ties between them”.

“By forcing people to return home from where they have retired, or putting people off from leaving Britain to their retirement location of choice the frozen pensions policy interferes with movement between Commonwealth countries,” the letter reads.

“This affects people born in the UK, and people born in frozen countries who contributed their working lives to Britain and want to retire at home.

“Your Majesty, we hope that in your Diamond Jubilee year progress can be made to end this unfortunate situation."

Senior figures at a number of organisations have co-signed the letter, including Frank Cooper, president of the National Pensioners Convention and John Sykes, chairman of the Equality for Veterans Association.

John Markham, UK parliamentary director of the ICBP, said: “The frozen pensions policy unfairly discriminates between people depending on where they choose to retire. If you retire to the EU or the USA you will be able to enjoy your pension in full, but if you retire to most of the Commonwealth countries you will lose out.

“As we celebrate Her Majesty’s decades of service to the Commonwealth we hope that equal treatment for her subjects is in reach.”

Although most pensioners affected by the policy are in Commonwealth countries, other nations are also home to a large number of people with frozen pensions; including India (5,060 pensioners), Pakistan (4,480) and Thailand (2,800).

http://www.telegraph...l-to-Queen.html

Stoney Ground.

spoiled bloody whingers

Stoney ground that keeps being dug up over and over again.! When will the oap expats of Thailand get the message. If they want an increase in their pension then move to a country that has a reciprocal agreement with the UK. No further reply from me, topic done to death.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

Stoney ground that keeps being dug up over and over again.! When will the oap expats of Thailand get the message. If they want an increase in their pension then move to a country that has a reciprocal agreement with the UK. No further reply from me, topic done to death.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

I did wonder why you bothered saying anything at all.

spoiled bloody whingers

Ignorant self centred prick.

spoiled bloody whingers

Ignorant self centred prick.

Well said. There is no reason really why pensioners in Thailand are being unfairly discriminated against. Other than that the UK government can of course.

Forgot to say I wish you all well in your long battle.

Please note the pinned topic at the top of the forum.