Licence/rating renewal after short lapse-NPPL?

[modelman]

Looking for advice please.
I attained my JAR PPL in Nov 2006 with SEP,but after renewing my SEP,when it finally expired I had to to stop flying Nov 2010 due to financial reasons.
My actual licence expired Nov 2011.
Happliy I am now able to return to flying and after 2 refresher flights, my instructor has recommended I book a test,this where the bother started as to what type of test to book. I am looking to fly about 20-25 hours a year.
My immediate thought was to go to NPPL as being over 50, I need a yearly medical ( although I have no issues there) and the NPPL ones last for 5 years and is cheaper.I have no desire to fly at night (I do have NQ though).
I now see that until Sept 2013 at least, you can fly PPL on a medical declaration (if I got that right)
To add another layer of confusion, after Sept 17, there is the EASA stuff, with a LAPL?:confused:
I will be calling the CAA for clarification,but is there anybody here that really understands this stuff and can advise me.
Just looking fo the best value to keep me flying as long as poss.
Any advice appreciated,not lazy,just confused a bit about getting the best deal!
Thanks

[BEagle]

I now see that until Sept 2013 at least, you can fly PPL on a medical declaration (if I got that right).

That option is not available for a pilot with a lapsed licence / rating.

I will be calling the CAA for clarification,but is there anybody here that really understands this stuff and can advise me.

They will probably ask you whether you have read CAP 804! I suggest that you read the relevant sections before pestering the CAA.

If you wish to fly both EASA and non-EASA aeroplanes, the simplest option for you is to renew your SEP Class Rating by flying the SEP renewal proficency check and apply to the CAA after 17 Sep 2012 for your licence to be reissued as a lifetime part-FCL PPL(A). If you wish to downgrade that licence to a LAPL(A) with reduced medical requirements, you may do so at any time.

If you decide instead to choose the NPPL with SSEA Class Rating, you will need to meet the requirements stated in http://www.nationalprivatepilotslicence.co.uk/PDFs/NPPL%20XC%20REV%2009.pdf page 7 para. 2.2. However, the NPPL will not be acceptable for use on EASA aeroplanes after 8 Apr 2015.

[modelman]

Cheers Beagle, thanks for speedy response.
Will probably opt for the SEP renewal,get a Class 2 medical and look at LAPL later,simples.