The latest news from HQ and across the country
In this edition, we hear from Josie, our new General Secretary, as she settles into her new role, bring you the latest on Civil Service pension administration, and share news about our campaigning, new member benefits and the upcoming AGM.
As always, thank you for being part of CSPA. Your membership helps us continue to speak up for civil service pensioners and provide support when you need it.
Meet our new General Secretary
I’ve now been in post as your General Secretary for just over a month, and I wanted to say a personal thank you for the warm welcome I’ve received. It’s been lovely to hear from so many of you as I get to grips with everything that makes CSPA such an important organisation for its members.
There’s certainly plenty to get stuck into. My highest priority is to continue the work to resolve the ongoing issues with Civil Service pension administration. I know how frustrating and worrying the delays have been for many members, and I’m committed to keeping up the pressure and making sure your concerns continue to be heard.
I’m really looking forward to meeting more of you in person, particularly at the AGM next month, and at other meetings and events over the coming months. It’s important to me to hear directly from members about what matters to you and how we can continue to support you.
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this month’s newsletter, which brings you the latest news, updates and information from across CSPA.
Civil Service Pensions: The latest
The latest Civil Service Pensions Taskforce update highlights some progress in tackling the ongoing administration problems but acknowledges that too many members are still waiting for their cases to be resolved. You can read the full update here.
We are continuing to push for improvements and to support individual members experiencing difficulties with their pensions. In addition to our weekly meetings with the Cabinet Office, we now also have weekly meetings with Capita, giving us further opportunities to raise concerns and press for action. We have also met with the Pensions Ombudsman to discuss the issues affecting members.
We know how worrying and frustrating these delays can be, and we remain committed to doing everything we can to help members and ensure their concerns are heard.
Executive Council Elections
A big thank you to everyone who took part in our first all-member ballot to elect the five national members of the Executive Council (EC).
While the results are still being counted, initial reports from Mi-Voice indicate a strong turnout, with a substantial number of votes received both by post and online.
The results will be announced at next month’s AGM and published on the CSPA website. We’ll also share them in our next newsletter.
Thank you again to everyone who took the time to vote and have their say.
Budget for Later Life: a fairer deal for older people
As part of our Budget for Later Life campaign, CSPA and Later Life Ambitions are calling for a fairer deal for older people, both in and out of the workplace. We want stronger protection against age discrimination, better access to skills and training for older workers, and a minimum income guarantee so pensioners can afford the essentials and enjoy a decent standard of living in retirement. Discover more about our campaigns
With winter approaching, those eligible may receive between £100 and £300 towards their heating costs. The payment is subject to a £35,000 income threshold, with HMRC generally recovering payments from those above it. Most eligible people are paid automatically, although some may need to claim.
Check the latest eligibility rules and payment details on GOV.UK.
Have your say on the future of social care
The Government’s independent review of adult social care has launched a nationwide Big Conversation on Care, giving people across England the chance to share their views and help shape the future of care services. The review, led by Baroness Louise Casey, will make recommendations in 2027.
