ABOUT US
We are a campaigning and lobbying group for pensioners from Civil Service and related pension schemes. We are an independent, non-party political organisation with an elected Executive Council, an annual policy-making conference and about 100 local Groups throughout the UK. We are the only organisation recognised by Government Departments, Agencies, etc as speaking for all Civil Service pensioners. We have nearly 65,000 members and our income is derived from members' subscriptions. We receive no financial help from outside bodies.
OUR OBJECTS
- To maintain and improve the purchasing power of all pensions from Civil Service and related schemes:
- To initiate and participate in action which will benefit pensioners; and
- To promote the economic and social well-being of pensioners.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to pensioners who are in receipt of benefits from the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme or schemes analogous to the PCSPS; those active or former members of such pension schemes who remain entitled to benefits from the schemes and who are within ten years of retirement; and to spouses and partners of such members.
WHAT WE DO
The Alliance was originally formed to campaign to restore the value of Civil Service and related scheme pensions, which at the time had been seriously eroded by inflation. We achieved index linking in 1972 and since then we have both defended the link and campaigned to achieve a wide range of improvements in Civil Service and state pensions. We campaign for a better deal for widows and widowers of Civil Servants. We work closely with other pensioners' organisations and are campaigning for better social, health, care and transport provision for the benefit of all pensioners. We also advise and represent our members if they have any individual problems with their pensions and we meet regularly with the pension administrators and Cabinet Office to resolve any general problems.
WORKING WITH OTHERS
We are affiliated to the National Pensioners' Convention, the Public Service Pensioners' Council, Age Concern, Help the Aged and AGE (the European Older People's Platform). We work together to achieve a better deal for older people.
OUR CURRENT CAMPAIGNS
Our active campaigns change over time, as some are achieved and new ones arise. Amongst other things, we are currently campaigning for:-
- a basic state pension set above the official poverty level and linked to increases in average male earnings;
- a substantial increase in the winter fuel payment;
- higher tax-free personal allowances;
- a fairer system of local government taxation based upon people's ability to pay;
- an improved National Health Service, with treatment based on clinical need and free at the point of delivery;
- free long-term care, community care, services to assist living at home and improved benefits for carers;
- free public transport for older people throughout the UK;
- access to free education and leisure activities;
- an end to age discrimination, in all its forms;
- the maintenance of a universal postal service at a uniform tariff;
- the retention of a network of local Post Offices and the ability to collect state pensions in cash;
- the right to consultation active engagement and on national and local issues affecting older people.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
For England, Wales and Overseas
Mike Duggan, General Secretary, CSPA, First Floor, 102 - 104 Park Lane, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1JB. Tel 020 8688 8418, Fax 020 8760 9806. E-mail enquiries@cspa.co.uk
For Scotland
James A Cuthbert, Harvesters Cottage, 3A Station Road, East Linton, East Lothian EH40 3DP Tel: 01620 860154. E-mail: scotlandbranch@cspa.co.uk
For Northern Ireland
Ivan Baxter, 1 Pirrie Road, Belfast, BT4 3NN. Tel: 028 9065 5138.
E.Mail: ivan.baxter@cspa.co.uk
