Ros points to the interim Report of the DWP Review of FAS scheme assets, which validates her long-held view that not annuitising these assets would be much better for members, would save money for the taxpayer and would allow increased compensation without extra taxpayer costs. Appendix E in the review also highlights how a scheme to collect unclaimed life policies such as from Ireland, could raise £230m initially and then £70m a year thereafter.
Ros explains for the press that the cross-party Lifeboat plans would not entail taking any money from other pension schemes or from orphan assets and that the ABI has misunderstood the proposals. Assets with owners and orphan estates need not be touched.
Briefing for MPs on why Government’s criticisms of Lifeboat amendments are unjustified.
Ros comments on the FAS annual report which shows this ‘assistance’ scheme has paid more for official costs of running it than it has to those who lost their pensions. She calls on the new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to draw a line with the past, move away from spin and end the shambles of the Financial Assistance Scheme.
Release announcing that the Tories will hold their first-ever fringe meeting at the LABOUR party conference on 25 September 2007, to call on the Government to compensate victims at least to PPF levels, then followed by another ‘Stripped of Our Pensions’ demonstration.
Legal papers submitted explaining the grounds for the Second Judicial Review against the Government, launched by wind-up victims still fighting for a fair settlement which has so far been denied to them, despite Government promises.
Lead comment published in Sunday Telegraph as an open letter calling on Gordon Brown to end the suffering of the victims of scheme wind-ups by adopting the amendments recently passed in the House of Lords.
Release about the expected defeat for the Government in the House of Lords when Tories and LibDems, backed by a number of cross-bench peers will vote on the amendments to Clause 18 of the Pensions Bill, calling for a Lifeboat fund to be established to help pay Pension Protection Fund level benefits to those currently in the inadequate Financial Assistance Scheme.
Letter sent to Gordon Brown congratulating him on being next Prime Minister, explaining the shortcomings of the Financial Assistance Scheme and asking him to act quickly when in power to adopt a fair solution.
Letter before action sent to the DWP solicitors notifying them that victims will be asking the High Court to once again Judicially Review the Government’s decisions on the FAS.