Newsletter January 2007

I should like to thank all of you who so kindly sent me Christmas cards and messages of good will. I had over 110 and opening them and reading the messages was at times quite emotional. Thank you.

Also to date we have had more than half the membership renew their subscription for 2007. The number of you that included donations in addition also needs a mention. Some were small and some quite a large sum of money, but whatever the amount, it is gratifying to know that members are so appreciative and demonstrate their feelings in such a manner. Please accept this as a thank you to all of you.

Enclosed are two very important papers. The first concerning the future of DPAF and the second news of the council tax protest.

I hope you will understand the reasons for having the make such a decision as to my involvement. Having seen the support of DPAF grow over the years and know that it is recognised all over the country, as well as being spoken off internationally, it will be a very great wrench to have to watch its continuing success without being so actively engaged. There are those among the membership who can and will be able to keep the name alive, just come forward.

Council Tax Protest. I have enclosed this amended paper because I know that there are quite a number of persons who are genuinely against breaking the law and some who are concerned that they might be the only one in their neck of the woods, to be taking part   85 members in Devon have committed themselves to the initial action of cancelling payment, along with many other groups and individuals all over the country. I am waiting for the feed back from these, but am very happy with the response so far. You will see that the declaration at the foot of the page has been amended and we need documentation when the media and councils are questioning the strength of support. So please sign and return to me even if you have already made your final payment for 2006/7. Hundreds of these slips will do it.     

I have been told that a great number of people had their council tax for 2006/7 increase by more than 5%, although the government had decreed that this should be the extent of the rise. This has come about, because such things as the parish precept was not subject to the limit of 5% and some councils passed on some of their responsibility to parishes and other organisations outside the government?s capping area. Check your bill in total and if the rise was more than 5%, could you please contact Christine Melsom. the founder of the ISITFAIR  campaign, either by e-mail on c@isitfair.co.uk or at Willow Cottage, Church Lane, Hedley. GU35 8PJ and let her have the details.

We have been attending the budget meetings at DCC and have heard that Exeter City Council is hoping to keep the increase down to the rate of inflation, EDDC has said 3.3% increase and others are hoping to keep below 5% without making too many cuts. My own feeling is that the overall increase will be 5%, the government capping limit. Having had a response from 33% of all councils, the Local Government Association is predicting an increase of 3.5%, but with misgivings about the limits of the Care for the Elderly budgets.  Persons such as yourselves can take the credit for this soul searching on levels of increases in council tax, both by the government and councils. It is because of your support and actions that they have begun to realise that we can be taken for granted, only so far.

We did not get to say a fond farewell to our Prime Minister on 11^th January at Lympstone. We had about 20 members outside the base, with some dozen others of groups, like Ban the War in Iraq and the Guantanamo Bay protesters. Tony Blair arrived and left by helicopter and declined the invitation to come out and meet with us. Thanks to those brave people who suffered the wind and cold of a January evening.

Some of you will find returned Standing Order Mandates. My fault, I should have pointed out that they should be sent or taken to your own bank and not to me. Apologies and thanks to those who have already set up this method of paying the annual subscription.        

Mr James Purnell MP, Minister for Pension Reform has admitted to the National Pensioners? Convention, that the surplus in the National Insurance Fund is being used to keep down tax rises in other areas. By 2012 this will amount to ?60 billion. The Audit Commission has said that this could be used to give an immediate rise to all pensioners. When in opposition, these same people were saying that any such action was wrong and that any other organisation would be taken to court over such moving the goal posts. How times change!!!! Watch how soon MPs salaries will increase and then they wonder why most politicians are held in such contempt.

On 15^th February DCC are to hold the budget meeting to ratify the level of council tax. If it is not done then it will be on 23^rd February. We intend to make our views known at County Hall by holding a meeting at 9.45 am, outside and INSIDE the Council Chamber. Please listen to the various media announcements to find out which is the day. I will try and let you all know but would want plenty of support on which ever day it is. PLEASE BE THERE AND MAKE IT A DAY TO REMBER..

The very important AGM will be held on 31^st March. Further details when arrangements finalised.

All these dates are very important so I would ask you to make a note in your diary now and all who can, make every effort to attend.

That would seem to be it for now and lieu of any other earth shattering finish, may I wish you all a healthy New Year and say, you along with millions of pensioners have the power and chance to make 2007 a prosperous one. GO TO IT.

Ven/Albert.