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-   -   FAFPS 2015 (https://www.pprune.org/military-aviation/479970-fafps-2015-a.html)

Al R 13th Jul 2012 06:01


Yep, although hoping those of us with large accruals up to 2015 will get our representative IPP at 38/22.

What is interesting is the increase in IPP isn't as bad as I was expecting, which makes me wonder what they are planning for flying pay and lump sum gratuities post 2015.
Vin,

Apparently, shuffling the IPP to the right wasn't a big issue with survey respondents.

Albert Another 13th Jul 2012 08:00

What survey?

Al R 13th Jul 2012 08:13

There was a consultation period until May of this year, which asked for feedback to proposals by snail mail or online.

Ministry of Defence | About Defence | What we do | Personnel | Armed Forces Pensions Compensation and Veterans | Find out about The Future Armed Forces Pension Scheme

Albert Another 25th Jul 2012 20:24

Great, an important survey that me and my workmates did not know about! :(

Uncle Ginsters 25th Jul 2012 21:43

Some interesting news from FAFPS this morning. The pension increments for PAS will definitely not be a part of FAFPS; instead, expect some form of adjustment to the pay terms, although quite what, they don't yet know.

I'm not sure what this means to those who have recently signed up to PAS but the implication is that not just your pension but also the pay may see some meddling.

Expect news within 6 months (a very rough figure),

UG

MaroonMan4 26th Jul 2012 10:13

Albert Another,

I rarely defend the 'system' but on this occasion I must balance your post where you believed that you and your colleagues were unsighted to to the FAPS consultation survey.

Electronically this survey has been given wide exposure, and even when overseas I picked up the requirement to have my say through Cpl Clott's informed posting, notably his post #58 on 29 Mar.

Al R 26th Jul 2012 10:24

I have to say, I've seen the consultation booklets littered around many various Messes too. Ginsters, if the pay changes, that will prove interesting for planning purposes.

Has anyone heard anything about serving until 60 and does anyone know if there is a Dept within MoD which releases ad hoc or regular updates on the new scheme's evolution?

MaroonMan4 26th Jul 2012 10:45

But, despite being given ample opportunity to comment I do wonder if the survey is actually informing the decision makers or just an MOD process driven hoop jumping exercise?

I can comment as I enter the twilight of my career with under 10 years to go, so my pension is safe.

But on a daily basis the hierarchy and civil servants should not under estimate the crew room and hangar discussions on the subjects of FAFPs, NEM and the interlinked recession. It is my personal opinion that I feel the silence that is being heard from the shop floor is being construed as some form of willing acceptance and compliance.

This could not be further from the truth, it is just that without a representative body akin to other Public Sector workers (i.e. a Trade Union equivalent) and a growing understanding that the politicians just expect a top class, professional, flexible HM Forces but do not want to fund it, then the majority of Service Personnel are resigned to their pensions falling well below their expectations and what their original understanding of remuneration on joining/gaining career extensions/promotion.

It is a silent time bomb that the MOD and politicians are actively encouraging. While all of this ambiguity, uncertainty and plans to reduce take place at the upper levels, on the shop floor the majority plan their exit, second careers and ensuring that they are well placed to press the JPA button (on their terms) when the devil in the detail is announced.

This may not worry MOD and HMT in times of recession, as many will continue to hover over the JPA button until economy picks up. This may not worry the MOD and HMT when there is an increase in outflow as it will still be able to recruit the youth into the system (there will always be wannabe aircrew leaving school).

However, even if the recent Flight article claiming that the airline industry will require 450,000 new pilots over the next 20 years is only half true, what the MOD and HMT might care about (in retrospect) is the number of experienced personnel with qualifications that take many years that suddenly depart the RAF.

Which is why it is the PAS element of the FAFPs is the most concerning to me, and where I thought I saw many declare their intentions early and opt for a PAS career profile, who now have withdrawn that aspiration to continue for a career in the cockpit and/or plan to leave as soon as the conditions and environment is right for them.

What is really worrying for me is that if PAS is not going to be lucrative to entice people to stay and retain their experience. Not only will we have issues complying with the MAA for SQEP, or at least ensuring that we have future Sqns of enough experience to look after the newbies and career high flyers that need the high profile staff postings away from flying, but we will also create a challenging situation for those responsible for managing careers, as everyone changes away from opting for PAS (because there is no incentive) and opts for a full career (where there will inevitably be the continued financial incentive for promotion).

In sum, I fear the traditional old and bold experience leaving Sqns that may result in increased accident rates, as this cadre will not be replaced by those wanting a professional career in the cockpit as there is no financial incentive (with pull factors increasing from civvie street).

I might be wrong, and hopefully I will be, and I really hope that we do not start seeing increases in SIs citing lack of experience, supervision and authorisation as causal factors in accidents and incidents, and the possibility of mission failures due to not having the experience to undertake the operational tasks.

From my end of the spectrum, the PAS works and provides HM Queen and Country with an Air Force that delivers high flyers future starred ranks, while simultaneously ensuring that there is experience at grass roots to deliver the safety and operational/operator experience.

VinRouge 26th Jul 2012 11:09

Civil market it is then. And I know a lot more who we're waiting for a sign to indicate which way we were going on PAS. This isn't good at all and unless there is some guidance from NEM indicating all aircrew will recieve a pretty hefty uplift in salary, this is going to be savage.

Al R 26th Jul 2012 11:23

Do the Americans have a PAS equiv - did I read that was one of the reasons why the USMC lost so many Harriers, because they didn't have that experience in depth? It does seem a great way of delivering Service needs across the board whilst keeping everyone happy.

(Sorry, its not often I go off topic when pensions are being discussed)

VinRouge 26th Jul 2012 11:31

Is there any online link referencing this or is it just a trumor? Afprb indicated in their last report that there was a disparity between pa and non pa ref pensions, is there a chance specialist pay will become pensionable for all from entry into the service, with all aircrew entering the pa spine from day one of flying training? Rather than maxing at top level flt lt, wouldn't it make more sense to have a 35 tier pilot salary which you increment up if you stay in,with lower top level pay than PA?

Reverend 71 26th Jul 2012 12:03

Al R, the FAPS Team under DCDS Pers are responsible for communications on the new pension scheme from the Centre, with internal comms coming from the single Service Pay Colonels. The FAFPS Team's page is on the Defence Intranet and internet and the RAF have related pages on Air Web (under A1 Spec Support/Pay and Allowances) and Airspace.

With regards PAS, I thought clarification had already been given with regards to how it will be affected by the future pension scheme as it is relatively straightforward (await incoming), but I could not see anything on the FAFPS Team's FAQ page on it. My understanding was that all personnel on PAS following the introduction of FAFPS their pension will be based on career average of their earnings from the date of the new scheme's introduction. The amount of pension accrued under FAFPS will therefore depend on their earnings from 1 Apr 15 (when the scheme is due to start) and the scheme's accrual rate, which has yet to be announced.

For those personnel on PAS and on AFPS 75 as at 31 Mar 15, the pension supplements they have accrued up to that point will be treated as an accrued right in addition to the basic pay related element of their pension. For those who have completed their 5 yr ROS that is relatively straightforward - what you have earned is in the bank and everything from 1 Apr 15 will be on career average. For those who have yet to complete their ROS they will still need to do their 5 yrs to qualify for the pension supplements as an accrued right and once they had done their 5 yrs they would be entitled to all the supplements earned up to 31 Mar 15 in addition to the basic pay related element of their pension prior to that date. Everything else post 1 Apr 15 would be on career average of their salary as above. For those on AFPS 05 the pension earned up to transfer to FAFPS is subject to the same calculation as anyone else as it would be based on final salary on departure and years of pensionable service under AFPS 05.

With regards MM4's points on retention, as I understand it the RAF's approach to managing the FAFPS piece has the potential risk to Operational Capability at its heart, with Gp COS fully engaged as well as COS Pers' area. It is not being looked at as merely a pension policy issue best left to adminers to decide how to best to implement it.

MaroonMan4 26th Jul 2012 14:16

Rev 71,

Thanks for your informative post. I think that you have clarified one element for those contemplating going PAS between now and 2015 in that nothing changes and they will hop across to PAS pay scales, which will be protected up to 01 April 2015 (or whenever FAFPS is introduced), and can be drawn after 5 years ROS. From 2015 though the pension becomes career average with everyone else.

However Rev, unlike the current pension calculator which allows Service Personnel to make a fully informed decision on whether to have professional/financial aspirations for a full career and promotion or a PAS career path, no one can make an informed decision.

You say it is quite simple, but I would suggest that until we have formally endorsed pay scales that provide the comparison of current and projected pay and pension and between a full career or PAS, then the majority will continue to plan their exit strategy and/or create the charade that they want a full career (just in case the PAS figures turn out to be significantly lower than going the career route).

The key point being that everyone I know that isn't within the magic 10 years is working on options, hovering over the JPA button, waiting to see the devil in the finacial detail (not the briefing material prose) to compare and contrast their own personal current and future potential financial remenuration.

In the short term (2015-2017) this will not affect this Govt or MOD and will provide the savings demanded by HMT. In the medium to longer term we may look back on this thread with a very different perspective.

Reverend 71 26th Jul 2012 19:54

MM4,

I am unsure whether I have understood your point fully, but the announcement of the scheme design for FAFPS will have no bearing on current or future PAS pay scales or any other pay scales. FAFPS will just be interested in how much pensionable pay you earn each year and do not expect SP(F) to become pensionable from 1 Apr 15. Its austerity, innit.

Given that the value of your FAFPS will be based solely upon your annual pensionable earnings from the date of its introduction, once we have an accrual rate you could work out the value of your future pension using current pay scales, which would tell you its comparative value at today's rates. This is no different to AFPS 75 or 05, whereby the Pension Calculator uses current pay rates to calculate your projected pension based on your projected length of service and rank on your forecast exit date. As you know, what the calculator tells you that you will get is not what you would receive as it is based on current pension rates and does not forecast future pay increases whose benefits would have a compounding effect. FAFPS will admittedly be more difficult to predict because you will not be able to forecast what future pay increases will be, as now; the date of future promotions; the annual revaluations rates for your annual pension contributions etc, all of which will also have a compounding effect. The FAFPS Team have initiated work to develop a FAFPS Pension Calculator that may be available middle of next year.

Given this, those assessing whether to accept PAS or not should, IMHO, use current pay scales to compare basic and PAS incremental pay scales and apply a set accrual rate (say 1/70ths from AFPS 05) and consider which they would be better off on under career average. Once the FAFPS accrual rate has been announced, which may not be too long, just update the accrual rate to give you a more accurate idea of the delta, mindful that many public sector schemes are settling at around 1/60ths, so ours should be higher.

With regards to future changes to pay policy, don't hold your breath, I think concrete proposals may some time off yet.

Here endeth the lesson.

Uncle Ginsters 26th Jul 2012 20:11

I'm sorry Rev71, but i feel you're missing the point somewhat for those with an offer currently on the table.

The information given to me directly from FAFPS (and i haven't seen this published anywhere, which is why i asked them) is that both the pension and pay scales/schemes for PAS are likely to change as a result of FAFPS. The grandfather rights from AFPS 75 are a given. That was for the first 16yrs' service. This discussion concerns singing up for a for a further 17yrs service with few, if any, terms to go by. From now, only 3 years would be on the current pension, we're talking about the following 14 years of potential service.

It may be easy to say that those contemplating their future should calculate x, y, and z and reach a decision. With both pay and pension up for 'adjustment', how can anyone in this position possibly know hat their x's, y's and z's are??? The reality, however, is that those having to make a decision, do not currently have any certain terms to go by. Let's face it, Manning's hands are tied by the wider changes to AFPS and Pay. Nothwithstanding that, they have made little or no attempt to address these issues - such as offering an additional option for new PAS folk at the AFPS changeover point in case the future is that negative.

Imagine the civilian equivalent - could you imagine anyone signing any contract that whose Ts & Cs only covered minimum work required, but no mention of pay or pension.

Here's hoping for the best for the future.

UG

VinRouge 26th Jul 2012 20:54

Reviewing the BALPA payscales website, I confirmed that even with max commutation, a service leaver (probably AC captain) at 38 would be on more as a FO on completion of training from DAY 1 for both V and BA than staying on as PA, assuming command after 12 years. Not to mention the £90k tax free salary on offer from some ME long haul airlines (awaiting changes to company policy regarding ex mil).

With changes to pensions, this pushes the decision to leave towards option, where most have around the 3000 hours multi jet over 50T that the national carriers are seeking. Having worked it out, it appears the Military is over £200K Net short of what the lowest paying long haul airlines are offering from 38 to age 60, this is based upon earning 5% on max commutation (mortgage payoff?) doesnt include the w@nk that is actuals based allowances, biannual fitness tests, PDRB, RSOI, and the threat of being posted to a desk tour or a 6 month out of area. You would have to be frankly mad to stay in past Option once they screw our pensions.

Unfortunately, "they" have turned a lifestyle into a job, with PUS verbally confirming we shouldnt expect any different treatment to the CS. With the madness of redundancies (some techies are being signed up allegedly a few months after going in tranche one, apparently we are short) I ask again, what is there to stay in for?

alfred_the_great 27th Jul 2012 09:55

VR (and others) - **** or get off the pot. Your whining is dreary.

MaroonMan4 27th Jul 2012 11:44

Alfred,

Thanks for adding value to the discussion, and this is what many of those reviewing a career in the Air Force were expecting.

You are either 'home and dry' regarding the 10 year rule, bitter and twisted because you wish you had gone career or PAS, but made the wrong decision, or just have little or no empathy with those that actually enjoy today's Air Force, but are concerned that the maths will not add up (where only a year ago it did). Or you have been promoted (early) and therefore sit comfortably anyway :=

Doesn't the future safety and Operational Capability of tomorrow's RAF concern you? I will be long gone (and I sense so will you?) , but I do care in ensuring that those under my command have the best advice on which to inform their decisions, and hopefully concurrently preventing the experience from haemorrhaging into the private sector.

If this is the master plan to further reduce aircrew numbers (because we missed a trick or it was too costly through redundancy) then it would be nice to know that this was Manning policy and that they had underwritten some of the inevitable risk in such a policy (rather than silently risky shift to future DDHs and OCs).

It will also prevent me from expending many hours with these people that really are concerned about their (financial) futures and in pursuing a career path where the detail of what they are committing to is not known, with what appears at best complicated wordage and at worst no empathy or understanding as to why this might be an issue (and I would suggest that your post falls into this category).

We had a system that works. PAS isn't for everyone (and lacked the job variation and career diversity for me), but it is essential to have those selected for this career path with the right qualifications and experience if we want to be able to operate safely and effectively, and bring on the newbies. If we reduce the incentive for PAS we will reduce the quality of candidates for selection and potentially lose significant amount of experience/qualifications that have taken whole careers to obtain quicker than you can say FAFPS in full or push (JPA button) here.

And Alfred, just so that there is absolutely no doubt I think you will find that the people that you are referring to (the talent and potential future of the Air Force) are already all having a poo, but will get off the pot when it suits them and in their own time frame.

Easy Street 27th Jul 2012 12:13

There is not a lot of empathy or indeed sympathy anywhere in Manning at the moment. The general message is "like it or lump it", whether regarding allowances, pay, pensions or career prospects. The assumption underpinning this, no doubt, is that the really determined career climbers will stick it out regardless in their pursuit of bigger and better things in a smaller air force. Unfortunately the career 'plodders' who are happy simply to be excellent at their day jobs don't have this motivation, and expect to be remunerated at a level commensurate with their experience (and value to the organisation). Unfortunately many career climbers have nothing but derision for 'plodders' and this is reflected in some of the stuff we have seen over the last couple of years - just look at the low value attached to primary duties by promotion boards, for example.

**** on the 'plodders' enough and they will leave, which will leave an RAF consisting of career climbers (too senior to fly), career climbers who fell off the ladder (who often aren't much good at flying because their limited capacity was all spent on gaining promotion) and young'uns still deciding whether to become career climbers or jump early (and these are obviously lacking in experience). Not a particularly attractive mix to be Boss of - so why would the career climbers stick around either?

LFFC 27th Jul 2012 12:20


Imagine the civilian equivalent - could you imagine anyone signing any contract that whose Ts & Cs only covered minimum work required, but no mention of pay or pension.
Uncle G,

I really sympathise with your position. However, much as I agree that a starting salary would be part of any civilian contract, change - good or bad - after the first year is always a distinct possibility in the civilian world. More importantly, never forget that most civilians would be delighted to think that they had a job for the next 3 years, planning for the next 14 years would be almost unimaginable. So a degree of magnanimity is probably appropriate.

I hope everything works out for you, and remember that a lot can happen in 3 years.

alfred_the_great 27th Jul 2012 13:14

MM4,

as a Naval Officer who is not in reciept of SP I do find the constant whining about having folded into pensions a little tiresome. As I have turned down 2 opportunities to join a SP earning community (through choice) there is no sense of bitterness - indeed SP is an added extra. If you don't like the way it is administered, and/or it's not enough to keep you in, then leave. Don't spend hours going on about it over and over again. There are lots of people carrying out specialised jobs in the Armed Forces who don't get extra money to do it.

I have no doubt that those who proposed AFPS05 did so in good faith, and the world has changed since. To ask for retrospective changes is bizarre and smacks more than a little of greed. I presume those who made the change from '75 to '05 were in search of more money and now that they won't get it they want to go back. Would they do so if '05 remained more profitable? You made a decision on the basis of the information available, live with it. There certainly was no paper-work describing AFPS15 hidden in a drawer to whipped out as soon as you made the decision.

Operational Capability is OC, and I have no doubt the RAF will survive regardless of how many leave. It might not be to your liking, and it might not have the capabilities it has now, but the world will turn; there will always people who want to be Pilots, there will always be old Pilots who just want to fly, and there will always be old Pilots who can't be arsed to leave. At present it seems far too many contributors to this thread believe they are the only answer to RAFs problems. If the grass is greener, go next door.

I appreciate that some are trying to be a good DO in all this, but there is a limit. We can't predict the future, and if your Division are so concerned about their future earnings that this is enough to make them uncommitted to life in the RAF, then I suggest they look for something else more stable.

Al R 27th Jul 2012 15:06

Alfred,

Without contending the thrust of what you say, the people I speak with about this (and there are many), are weary of living with the constant uncertainty and the constant expectation that coping with change is an integral part of the service contract now. AFPS is just one small aspect of the sense of malaise; NEM is only going to increase the sense of ever increasing, ever relentless change that servicemen (and their families more importantly) are expected to deal with.

If you spend a huge chunk of your life (as they do these days) isolated geographically, culturally, literally and physically from civvy street, then the sense of isolation is only going to get greater. Add to that, the sense that the feeling of commitment is only going one way, and add the fact that people can now communicate about it - I wonder if the reaction would have been any more different years/decades ago?

I don't think people are whining for the sake of it. The people I speak with just want certainty - once you know where the bottom is and when its going to be reached, then you can rebound off it and make plans. SP still and will always apply traditional service levels of commitment to the way they go about their business, but all they seem to get is a civilian level of service in return. The system will always capitalise on that and it is to servicemens credit (and to their ultimate disadvantage) that they will continue to plough on regardless.

Albert Another 30th Jul 2012 10:00

MaroonMan4 …….I have bitten…..but with no hard feelings….

Before I retort I thought I would check my data trail for a keyword search of ‘survey’. I found no such word or reference in it. The first key information about the new pension was a DIN I got after Cpl Clott’s post. Although very informative the DIN had no mention of a survey. Before that I had actively requested information from JPAC and PSF but was told to wait for information. To respond to your post on the 26th of July:

1) believed that you and your colleagues were unsighted’ – They were. I asked them. Since then I have asked other serving members, from various sections, trades and ranks who LI or LO; they too were unsighted of the survey aspect of consultation.

2) ‘and even when overseas I picked up the requirement to have my say through Cpl Clott's informed posting’ – Cpl Clott’s post was very helpful, if you saw it, but PPrune is not how I should get informed about vital stuff. Besides unless you check regularly, a thread can easily drop-off page one of the threads list before you see it.

If it was just me and a few other I could accept that I may have missed it but that is not the case.

Now I have seen the survey it appears that the consultation was about AFPS 05 with no comparisons to AFPS 75. Suddenly I feel on the edge of a plank with the swords at my back which is not where I want to be.

PS: I am now following this thread so I will hopefully receive tip-offs about future consultation documents which I will pass on to others.

Reverend 71 30th Jul 2012 19:05

Albert,

The online survey was part of the FAFPS consultation process that was launched on 29 Mar 12 and finished on 31 May. As usual this was announced in a DIN and an IBN was issued at the same time down the RAF chain. The FAFPS Team also did a load of briefings to MOBs and training units with focus groups at the end for various groups. On my unit the station pension focal point (each RAF unit has been required to appoint at least one JO or SNCO to disseminate information on pensions and provide feedback) did a brief on AFPS 75 and 05 before the FAFPS Team arrived and also repeated the Team's presentation later for those who were unable to attend their brief. The brief I went to was well attended and the Stn Cdr did the introductions so it had a fairly high profile here. I have just checked and FAFPS Team's presentation and script remains available on the MoD website to download if you want more detail. I think there were also pieces in the RAF News on it when it came out initially. So to echo some earlier posts, I thought the information was fairly accessible. With regards the survey questions relating to AFPS 05, this is because AFPS 75 is a closed scheme, therefore the changes proposed under FAFPS use AFPS 05 as the comparator as it is the most current and only open pension scheme for Regular Service personnel.

Reverend 71

Corporal Clott 30th Jul 2012 20:38

Thanks for all the credit chaps, but all I did was attend one of these...


The FAFPS Team also did a load of briefings to MOBs and training units with focus groups at the end for various groups.
...and then keep an eye on the MoD website every other day or so.

Although it does remind me of this (with my underline Italics added):


VOGON CAPTAIN:
[On Speakers] People of Earth your attention please. This is Prostectic Vogon Jeltz of the Galactic Hyperspace Planet Council. As you no doubt will be aware, the plans for the development of the outlying regions of the western spiral arm of the galaxy require the building of a hyperspace express route through your star system and, regrettably, your planet is one of those scheduled for demolition. The process will take slightly less than two of your Earth minutes thank you very much.

MANKIND:
[Yells of protest]

VOGON CAPTAIN:
There's no point in acting all surprised about it. All the planning charts and demolition orders have been on display at your local planning department in Alpha Centauri for fifty of your Earth years so you've had plenty of time to lodge any formal complaints and its far too late to start making a fuss about it now.

MANKIND:
[Louder yells of protest]

VOGON CAPTAIN:
What do you mean you've never been to Alpha Centauri? Oh for heaven sake mankind it's only four light years away you know! I'm sorry but if you can't be bothered to take an interest in local affairs that's your own regard. Energise the demolition beams! God I don't know…apathetic bloody planet, I've no sympathy at all…

CPL Clott :ok:

Al R 30th Jul 2012 23:05

Alas, the MoD has previous though, when it comes to communicating AFPS detail. Para 13 refers (from just a few months back, although it does refer to events dating back to 1995).

Pensions Ombudsman rejects ex RAF AFPS member's claim


He was not however provided with full information; a simple statement to the effect that specific index linking would not necessarily continue would have completely changed his decision to leave. He had been wrongly encouraged to consider the information he received about pension increases as reliable.

There does appear to be rather a lot of emphasis on the 'ignorance is no excuse' principle. Also, SPVA appears to be nicely insulated and if you do want to leave because of changes to AFPS and if you then seek redress, don't base your case on anything out of the MoD's control. This ruling took close to 2 years by the look of it.

Roland Pulfrew 31st Jul 2012 12:14

Calling Albert Another

Hot off the press from the Defence Intranet:


The proposed Outline Scheme Design of the new Armed Forces Pension Scheme to be introduced after April 2015 has been published today, 31 July.






The Outline Scheme Design, which sets out the key features of the new scheme is primarily aimed at Service personnel to explain the new scheme to those who will be affected. It will also be sent to external groups, including the Forces' Families Federations, the Forces Pension Society and the Royal British Legion.

Service personnel and external groups can submit comments by Friday 7 September. The final design will be agreed in September.
Over to you ;)

downsizer 31st Jul 2012 12:44

Have we got a link for those of us not in work?

Al R 31st Jul 2012 12:57

.. if anyone can slip me a copy too, I'd be grateful.

Thanks.

Reverend 71 31st Jul 2012 12:57

An accrual rate of 1/47th. That'll do nicely, sir.

downsizer 31st Jul 2012 13:05

Found it.... PDF at bottom of the page....


http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Ab...nsultation.htm

Al R 31st Jul 2012 13:09

New Civil Service scheme has an accrual rate of 1/43 I think. Still good though when you consider at outset, the g'ment was talking about 1/65 for some public sector workers (nurses, I think, are 1:54).

(thanks Downsizer)

downsizer 31st Jul 2012 13:25

I don't get it, it says lump sums to be removed ala '75 and '05 yet says after 20/40 lump sum is paid at 2.5xdeferred pension on new scheme? Things were much simpler on '75...:(

Reverend 71 31st Jul 2012 13:26

Al R,

Yes, I think you are right about the Civil Service, but they pay through the nose with personal contributions for that scheme and work for longer. We will still pay no personal contribution (and no our pay is not abated by 4% before anyone mentions it) and have a NPA of 60. I think the FAFPS Team have negotiated a good deal, given the hand they have been dealt. Indeed, I think a few of us will be better off under FAFPS than AFPS 75.

Rev

Exiled 31st Jul 2012 13:41

Sounded good until I read:

Normal Pension Age of 60, though pension can be taken earlier (from 55), actuarially reduced from the Deferred Pension Age, as it will be paid for longer.

Is it just me, or does having an actuarially reduced pension at a compulsory retirement age seem like a bit of a con?

I suspect that we will not be too impressed when we find out what the actual accrual rate is.

Al R 31st Jul 2012 13:54

Rev,

Yes - agreed. I wouldn't like to be a nurse though (I don't have the legs for starters).

I've just read it and it could be a lot, lot worse (the devil is in the detail of course). And yes, you are right. Amongst others, this will benefit scheme member with a particular outlook on life!

btw: 75 was out of date pretty damned quickly and 05 wasn't far behind. Knowing how fluid actuaries are right now about being future-proof, instinct tells me this won't last anywhere near 25 years (re: below).


There should be no further changes to the new scheme for the next 25 years. The Government has said that new public service pension schemes should endure for 25 years, and has committed to no further changes during this period. The Government will set a cost cap on MOD’s contribution to future Armed Forces pensions; this will constrain costs which arise from unforeseen pressures (such as further increases in longevity). Provided the scheme remains within this cost cap, no changes to scheme design, benefits or contribution rates should be necessary. If costs were to rise above, or fall below, the cap in future, the new Pensions Board would consider the best approach to managing the increasing costs. Service personnel would be consulted about any changes

Exiled 31st Jul 2012 14:16

Al,

My point is that a lot of people will assume that the accrual rate is linked to the Normal Retirement Age and would calculate their pensions based upon that.

In fact it's not, the rate is linked to retirement at 67 and for that reason the retirement at 60 is not the good deal you would assume that it is, it's just forced early retirement.

3 bladed beast 31st Jul 2012 15:05

I must admit to only a skim reading on this thus far.

Being on 75 pension, leaving early 2017 I think it hasn't hit too hard.

I believe that the quote ' The benefits you have already built up in your existing pension scheme will be protected and you will receive them when you would have expected to, linked to your final rank and pensionable pay – these are known as your accrued rights' gives me some ease.

I also like 'First day of paid service in the Armed Forces for both Officers and Other Ranks regardless of age'.

However, does the first quote mean that we are still going to get the lump sum ( albeit slightly less now, given calculations taken until 2015, vice 2017) or do we have to wait for that and commute at the 12:1 rate.

Slightly confused for sure. I wonder who our in service experts will be on this one.

Al R 31st Jul 2012 15:43

Yes, no more doing a year or so for the Queen.

How old are you in 2017? If you were born on or before 1 April 1967, you can stay on 75 and you won't be affected. If you're too young, you may still get the slightly smaller amount of your fund (three times annual pension as cash) in 2017 (depending on how many years you have done) and then at 65, have the ability to commute on the final 2 years worth of fund - which will mean (in real terms) a particularly small amount if you choose to go down that route. You could still also qualify for the FAFPS EDP.


The new EDP will continue to consist of a monthly income plus a tax-free lump sum. The monthly income will be 34% of the value of the ‘pension pot’ based on 1/47ths, plus a tax-free EDP lump sum of 2.25 times the ‘pension pot’. Further work is being undertaken to investigate the potential for giving Service personnel greater flexibility in how they receive their EDP benefits, in light of the responses to the initial consultation. The results of this work will be announced when a final agreement on the scheme design is announced in September.


4everAD 31st Jul 2012 15:49

Being no expert on the ins and outs of pensions I await with eagerness the revised pension calculator then I'll have some idea of whether this is good or bad! I notice still that my bug bear with 05 hasn't been resolved, if you join up under 18 you still won't be 40 after 22 years service so no EDP just a deferred pension at 65 (i.e at least 20 years service and at least 40 years of age, court cases to follow unless they change Terms of Service, which I add they weren't planning on AFPS 05 but promise this time)


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