open linesThe newsletter of the Kent Pension Fund

Issue 33Spring 2017

Pension increase

Payslip & P60 02

Board & Committee 02

Report & Accounts 03

Cryptic Crossword 03

Pensioner FAQs 04

Benefits update 06

State pension 08

Open Lines by email 09

Open Lines feedback 09

Budget timetable 09

Income tax 2017-18 09

Volunteering for Cruse 09

KARF branch news 10

KARF competition 11

Kent Libraries 11

Poem 11

KARF secretariat 12

In this Issue

Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)Pension Payments from April 2017 The Government has announced that the increase to be applied to public service pensions is 1% and will be payable from 10th April 2017.Public service pensions are increased under the provisions of the Pensions Increase Act. The annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to September each year determines the amount of increase to be awarded to pensions from the following April.

The change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from September 2015 to September 2016 was 1%.

The pensions increase is paid with your Local Government pension in April and calculated on your annual pension at the end of March 2017.

If you reached State pension age before 6 April 2016, pension increase is calculated on your annual pension less any Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) amount. The Government pay the increase on your GMP as an addition to your State pension. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) would have notified you of any GMP amount you may have.

Further information concerning this, and other general information about your Local Government pension, can be found overleaf and in the area called Local Government then Pensioner member (receiving a pension) on our website at www.kentpensionfund.co.uk

Details of the amount of the increase on your own pension will appear as a message on your April payslip. Details cannot be given before this time.

Your April payslip and P60 are sent together at the end of April.

Kent Pension Fund Local Pension Board and Superannuation Fund Committee

The Local Pension Board assists the Superannuation Fund Committee to secure compliance with the requirements of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations and the Pension Regulator. Both the Board and the Committee receive regular reports on governance and compliance issues. All the agendas and minutes of meetings for the Board and the Committee are available at www.kent.gov.uk

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About your payslip and P60 A P60 form details your taxable pay and tax for the whole financial year. It is combined with your April payslip and sent at the end of April to your home address.

Please keep your P60 safe as other organisations often ask to see it as proof of your earnings. An administration fee of £10 is charged if you request a duplicate P60 after 30 June. You can contact the Pension Payroll on 03000 411107 or email pensions.payroll@kent.gov.uk or write to Kent County Council, Pension Payroll Section, HR Business Centre, Worrall House, 30 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4AE

What information is included on your payslip?

Payroll Ref: This number helps us to identify you quickly. Please quote this number if you need to telephone or write to us.

Sort Code: Identifies both the bank and the branch where your account is held.

Tax Code: Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) notifies us of the tax code to apply for you.

Your Gross Pension: A breakdown of your pension payments are shown, for example, ‘Basic Pension’ is the monthly pension amount awarded at retirement. ‘Pension Increase’ is the increases awarded to the pension from retirement to date, paid as a separate monthly amount.

Your Deductions: A breakdown of deductions, including income tax.

Your Net Pension: The amount paid into your bank account.

Your Payment Date: The date your money will be credited to your account.

What information is included on your P60?

Payroll Ref: This number helps us to identify you quickly. Please quote this number if you need to telephone or write to us.

Final Tax Code: This is the last tax code operated for you in 2016/17. The tax office (HMRC) decides your tax code so if you have a query about this you should contact them at HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Pay As You Earn, PO Box 1970, Liverpool L75 1WX. Telephone 0300 200 3300

PAYE Ref: You receive a pension paid from the Kent Pension Fund. 663/KP is the PAYE reference number for the Kent Pension Fund and should be quoted when you contact the tax office, along with your NI number. The tax office allocated to Kent Pension Fund pensioners is HMRC, Pay As You Earn, PO Box 1970, Liverpool L75 1WX. Telephone 0300 200 3300

Previous Employment (Pay and Tax): This is pay you may have earned in the year and tax deducted before receiving your pension

This Pension Fund (Pension and Tax): This is pension paid to you from Kent Pension Fund and the tax deducted during this year.

Total Pension/Pay for the year (Pay and Tax): This is your total taxable pension and (if you retired during the year) taxable pay when you were in employment, and your total tax deducted for the year.

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Cryptic Crossword

Across3. Sadly, Evie’s boss was always worried about something (9) 7. There’s a smell coming from a piece of cod belonging

to us! (5) 8. The point in being greatly loved? One is made more

attractive (7) 9. Gloomy face that takes in the sergeant major (6) 10. Produce quick photo for each type of fish (7) 13. Sweeter but more expensive (6) 14. Former partner sits around – still alive! (6) 16. Pardon sailors’ love affair (7) 19. Supporting framework to handle gently (6) 20. Major parts of an era spent at school (7) 21. Large animal that is quite good on a quiet island (5) 22. Guard who manages to wangle a discount (9)

Down1. Very cool colour for one of the higher parts of East Kent (7) 2. Sounds like there may be police in these trees (5) 3. Instrument found in a minor gangster’s stash (5) 4. Put in harm’s way when Dan Green collapses (8) 5. Cooked chips around a long time are heavenly (8) 6. Small tree but of a greater age… (5) 11. …and a tree surgeon who is involved in violent bar riots! (8) 12. D. Pedro IV somehow made adequate arrangements for me (8) 15. “Darling, have a chocolate” (7) 16. Snake takes almost a hundred from meat stock (5) 17. Lighting-up offence (5) 18. Mr. Poe was found in his walled garden (5)

Answers on page 11

Crossword by Roger Stevens

In 2016 there were 49,816 current members paying into the Kent Pension Fund, 37,260 members in receipt of a pension and 42,476 deferred members who have left but have not reached retirement age

Pension benefits are funded by investments and contributions. Employers contribute and current members pay contributions ranging from 5.5% to 12.5% depending on their earnings

More than 450 employers participate in the Kent Pension Fund. They include district, borough and parish councils, schools and academies

Members of the Kent Pension Fund are in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) which is collectively the biggest pension fund in the country and one of the largest in the world

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is administered locally through 90 regional pension funds in England and Wales. Kent Pension Fund is one of those regional funds and is administered by Kent County Council.

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£4,598mKent County Council Superannuation Fund Report & Accounts 2016 During the financial year 2015-16 the value of the Kent Pension Fund increased to £4,598 million with an overall investment return of +1.2%. While returns on UK and Global Equities were negative, the Fund again benefited from very strong returns on its commercial property investments. The Fund continued to see an increase in members and participating employers with the value of both contributions received and pensions paid being higher than in previous years.

The significant new issue for the Fund in the year was the Government’s proposal for the Local Authority funds to pool their investments into 5 or 6 large funds. The desire for change is driven by the Government’s wish to see reductions in the cost of managing the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The Kent Pension Fund has joined a collaboration of central, eastern and southern shires with 10 other funds to create the ‘ACCESS’ pool.

A full copy of the 2016 Report & Accounts can be found at www.kentpensionfund.co.uk/accounts. Further information about the Fund can be found at www.kentpensionfund.co.uk

Kent Pension Fund

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Pensioner FAQs When do I receive my P60? A P60 form details your taxable pay and tax for the whole financial year. It is combined with your April payslip and sent at the end of April. It is essential that you keep your P60 safe as you may require it in the future. An administration fee of £10 is charged if a duplicate P60 is requested after 30 June.

Why don’t I receive a payslip every month?Payslips are sent out in April and if: • the amount of your pension payment differs by £3 or

more from the previous month• your tax code has changed• you have changed your bank details.If a payslip is sent it is despatched at the end of the month.

How do I change my bank/building society account?You must notify us of a change in your bank details in writing with your signature. We cannot take the details over the phone as we must verify your signature. It is essential that you let us know immediately to avoid any delay in receiving your pension payment. The details that you need to give us are: • Your full name and Pension Reference Number• The name of your new bank or building society• The name the account is held in (accounts must be in

the name of the pensioner)• Your new account number• Your new sort code• The roll number, if applicable, for some building society

accounts.

You should write to Kent County Council, Pension Payroll Section, HR Business Centre, Worrall House, 30 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4AE or download the form at www.kentpensionfund.co.uk/changebank

I have moved. How do I notify you of my change of address?Complete the online form at www.kentpensionfund.co.uk/address, call 03000 411107, email pensions.payroll@kent.gov.uk

or write to Kent County Council, Pension Payroll Section, HR Business Centre, Worrall House, 30 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4AE.

When do I get paid?Pension payments are paid on the last working day of each month. The payment dates for this year are: • 31 March 2017 • 31 August 2017• 28 April 2017 • 29 September 2017• 31 May 2017 • 31 October 2017• 30 June 2017 • 30 November 2017• 31 July 2017 • 29 December 2017

Does Kent County Council decide the amount of the increase to my pension each year?No, the increase is set under the Pension (Increase) Act 1971 by HM Treasury. It is increased by the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the 12 months ending with the previous September. Further information from HM Treasury can be found at www.gov.uk

How is CPI calculated?The average price increase of a basket of goods and services are collected from various retailing outlets and an overall percentage increase or decrease is calculated.

Why isn’t the full pension increase paid in April?The pension increase is payable from the first Monday following the beginning of the new tax year. This year the pension increase is payable from 10th April 2017. Therefore up to 9th April your pension is payable at the old rate.

I worked out 1% increase on my pension but I have not received as much as the amount I calculated. Why would that be?It could be that you have not been in receipt of a pension for a full year or that part of your pension includes a Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP). The pension increase is paid differently in these circumstances. Please see more FAQs below for further explanation.

What is a Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP)?You may have a GMP if you reached State pension age before 6 April 2016 and you paid into the LGPS between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 1997. The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) was contracted out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme (SERPS). This means that if you paid in to the LGPS between 6 April 1978 and 5 April 1997 the LGPS must pay you a GMP based on the state entitlement you would have earned if you were in SERPS at the time. In most cases your LGPS pension is

Q&A

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Why is my tax deduction different this month?Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) assess each individual’s circumstances and allocate the appropriate tax code. This code is sent electronically to the payroll system, updating it automatically. If your code has changed, HMRC will send you confirmation of your new tax code and how the code has been made up. However, should you have any queries regarding your tax code you need to contact HMRC direct on 0300 200 3300 quoting the reference 663/KP and your National Insurance number.

Who do I contact with a query about my monthly pension payment?Write to Kent County Council, Pension Payroll Section, HR Business Centre, Worrall House, 30 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4AE, email pensions.payroll@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 411107

For any other pension queries please contact Kent County Council Pension Administration Section on 03000 413488 or email: pensions@kent.gov.uk

Will my State pension be increased?For any information regarding your State pension you should either contact your local Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) office or alternatively visit www.gov.uk

If your LGPS pension began on or before 25 April 2016 your pension will attract the full 1% increase as it has been in payment for a year. If your pension began after this date a pro rata increase will apply as shown in the table below:-

Pensions Beginning

Percentage Increase

PensionsBeginning

PercentageIncrease

Before25 April 2016

1.0 % 26 Sep 2016 to 25 Oct 2016

0.5 %

26 Apr 2016 to 25 May 2016

0.92% 26 Oct 2016 to 25 Nov 2016

0.42%

26 May 2016 to25 Jun 2016

0.83% 26 Nov 2016 to 25 Dec 2016

0.33%

26 Jun 2016 to 25 July 2016

0.75% 26 Dec 2016 to 25 Jan 2017

0.25%

26 July 2016 to 25 Aug 2016

0.67% 26 Jan 2017 to 25 Feb 2017

0.17%

26 Aug 2016 to 25 Sep 2016

0.58% 26 Feb 2017 to 25 Mar 2017

0.08%

higher than your GMP. With effect from 6 April 1997, GMPs no longer accrued. The GMP is paid as part of your Local Government pension, not in addition.

How is pension increase calculated on my pension?If you reached State pension age before 6 April 2016, your pension increase is calculated on your annual pension payment less any Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) amount notified to you by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Please note that HMRC may refer to the GMP as a Contracted Out Deduction (COD) in any correspondence to you.

How is pension increase paid on my GMP?Kent Pension Fund is responsible for paying up to 3% increase on the GMP element of your pension between 6 April 1988 and 5 April 1997, with your Local Government pension. The Government is responsible for paying the full increase on the GMP element up to 5 April 1988, and any amount outstanding above the 3% paid by Kent Pension Fund for the period 6 April 1988 to 5 April 1997, with your State pension.

This year the increase is 1% (under the 3% threshold) so the full increase on your GMP element between 6 April 1988 and 5 April 1997 will be paid by the Kent Pension Fund with your Local Government pension. The Government will pay the increase on the GMP element up to 5 April 1988 with your State pension.

How is the pension increase shown on my payslip?The basic pension amount which you were first awarded when you retired is shown on your payslip and does not change. The pension increase amount is added each year to the separate element shown on your payslip.

Can I find out the amount of my pension increase before April?No, you are unable to find out the pension increase amount that will be paid with your Local Government pension until you receive your April payslip.

I need a statement about the pension increase on my Local Government pension for tax purposes. Where do I get this from?If a copy of your April payslip is not sufficient, you should contact Pension Payroll to request the statement at Kent County Council, Pension Payroll Section, HR Business Centre, Worrall House, 30 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4AE or email pensions.payroll@kent.gov.uk or call 03000 411107

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75-year-old the contribution rate for the same amount of pension is £6,740 (£16,850 for the full £25).

The State Pension top up, like the State Pension, may be taxable. It may also affect any means tested benefits that you are receiving, so it is not right for everybody.

If you die, the contribution (minus any top up you have claimed) will be refunded to your estate if you die within 90 days of topping up. If you die after 90 days, your contribution will only be refunded to your estate if you deferred taking your State Pension.

You can apply on line at: www.gov.uk/statepensiontopup

You can also apply by phone: Telephone: 0345 600 4270 Textphone: 0300 200 3519 or +44 191 2182076 if calling from abroad. Lines are open: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm. 1.2 New – Bereavement Support Payment A new Bereavement Support Payment will be introduced for those bereaved on or after 6 April 2017.

The new benefit is available to people of any age up to State Pension age. In addition, the new payment will not be taxed, and will be subject to a disregard in the calculation of means-tested benefits and the benefit cap, helping those on the lowest incomes by providing extra cash at a time when it is needed.

The Bereavement Support Payment consists of:• an initial lump sum of £3,500 for people with children

and £2,500 for people without children• a further 18 monthly instalments payable to the

surviving spouse or civil partner of £350 for people with children and £100 for people without children.

People will be entitled to receive the full payment provided that their late spouse or civil partner paid sufficient National Insurance contributions prior to their death.

People already receiving the old bereavement benefits will continue to do so for the lifetime of their awards.

People who reached State Pension age on or before 5 April 2016 will not be affected by the new rules for Bereavement Benefit.

1.3 Pension Credit Increase From April 2017, the Pension Credit Standard Minimum Guarantee will increase by 2.5% from £155.60 to £159.35 for a single person, and from £237.55 to £243.25 for a couple.

1.4 Cold Weather Payment If you are on Pension Credit and the temperature in your area was recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees celsius or below for

Tina Gilchrist is the founding Director of CBG Solutions Limited, and has been responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of pre-retirement seminars for almost 25 years. Her clients include many of the FTSE 100 Companies, whose employees receive support leading up to and following retirement. She is an expert in State Benefits and has experience in helping individuals through the maze of sometimes complex and constantly changing benefits. Tina can save valuable time searching for information, that can be provided quickly and easily by a simple phone call on the helpline 01423 819452 or email tina.gilchrist@cbgsolutions.co.uk(This service is only available to people in receipt of a pension from the Kent Pension Fund.)

1. State Benefits

1.1 State Pension top up scheme A reminder that if you wish to take advantage of buying additional Class 3A national insurance contributions to top up your State Pension, the scheme closes on 5 April 2017. People are eligible if they are entitled to a UK State Pension and already reached their state pension age on or before 5 April 2016. This includes men born before 6 April 1951 and women born before 6 April 1953. The Scheme offers you a chance to increase your State Pension by up to £25 a week, giving you a guaranteed extra income for life. Those who think they can benefit are able to buy additional State Pension – worth up to £1,300 a year. In most cases, surviving spouses and civil partners will be able to inherit at least 50% of the extra pension. The maximum top up is £25 per week, but you can purchase anything between £1 to £25 per week.

The cost of a State Pension top up is based on a person’s age and takes average life expectancy into account. For a 65-year-old, an extra £10 of pension a week will cost £8,900 (£22,250 for the full £25), for a 70 year old, the contribution rate for the same amount of pension would be £7,790 (£19,745 for the full £25), whereas for a

Benefits update

Tina Gilchrist

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7 consecutive days, you should receive a cold weather payment of £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. The payment should be automatic, but if you fit the criteria and don’t receive the payment, contact your local pension centre. Cold Weather Payments are different, and in addition to Winter Fuel Payments.

1.5 Attendance Allowance (AA) The allowance is payable to those over 65 and is not means-tested. If you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at 65, you will not also receive AA. The higher rate is £83.10 per week, day and night care required. The lower rate is £55.65 per week, day or night care required. Tel: 0345 605 6055 Textphone: 0345 604 5312 to make a claim, or claim online using an easy step by step form at: www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance

2. Finance

2.1 Secondary Annuities (Selling your annuity for a cash lump sum) The Government has decided not to take forward plans to introduce a secondary annuities market. Allowing consumers to sell on their annuity income was always dependent on balancing the creation of an effective market with making sure consumers are properly protected. The Government said that it has become clear that they cannot guarantee consumers will get good value for money in a market that is likely to be small and limited. Pursuing this policy in these circumstances would put consumers at considerable risk. Consumer protection is a top priority for the Government and they are not willing to allow a market to develop which could produce poor outcomes for consumers, such as receiving poor value for their annuity income stream.

The Government has always been clear that for the majority of people keeping their annuity incomes will be their best option, estimating that only 5% of people who currently hold an annuity would have taken advantage of this reform.

2.2 Workplace Pensions By 2018 ALL employers must provide a workplace pension scheme. If you employ a personal care assistant, you need to be aware that, under the Pensions Act 2008, every employer must put certain staff into a pension scheme and contribute towards it. This system is called auto-enrolment and includes employers of personal care assistants.

For general questions on workplace pensions contact the DWP Workplace Pension Information Line: Telephone (English): 0345 600 1268 (Welsh): 0345 600 8187 Textphone: 0345 850 0363. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am- 6pm. For further information visit: www.gov.uk/workplace-pensions

2.3 New ‘trace a lost pension tool’ launched Have you checked whether you have any pension due to you from all of the employers you have worked for? There are millions of pounds sitting in lost pensions. To help savers locate lost savings, the specialist team at The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) has developed a new ‘trace a lost pension’ tool available from their website. For further information visit: www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk or telephone TPAS on 0300 123 1047 where one of their technical specialists will be happy to help.

2.4 NS&I investment bond National Savings & Investments (NS&I) is one of the largest savings organisations in the UK. It is both a government department and an executive agency of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

From spring 2017, NS&I will offer a new three-year investment bond with an interest rate of approximately 2.2% gross. The bond will offer the flexibility to put away between £100 and £3,000 and be available to those aged 16 or over.

2.5 ISA Allowance From April 2017, the ISA Allowance will be increased from £15,240 to £20,000.

3. Taxation

3.1 Faster, easier tax refunds through the Personal Tax Account Taxpayers can now get their money back directly from HMRC via their Personal Tax Account without the need for a cheque or a trip to the bank.

The online tax refund service is now available to customers who use their Personal Tax Account. If you receive a tax calculation letter informing you that you are due a refund, you can log on to your Personal Account and notify HMRC of your bank account details. The tax that you have overpaid will then be returned directly to your bank account within 3-5 days, rather than the two weeks it would typically take for a cheque to be issued, banked and cleared. If you do not respond to the tax calculation letter, HMRC will send you a cheque after 45 days. Customers can access their Personal Tax Account on any device – PC, tablet or smartphone. HMRC have made it much easier to get started by adding a new way to access the account using Government Gateway.

For further information on the Personal Tax Account go to: www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account

3.2 Transferable tax allowance (Marriage Allowance) I have been asked to point out that if you have applied for the transferable tax allowance (marriage allowance) of £1,100

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(2016/17), you will automatically be awarded the allowance in subsequent years, so there is no requirement to claim it on an annual basis unless your circumstances change.

3.3 Inheritance Tax – Family Home Allowance We now have more clarification on the new family home allowance (also known as the main residence nil-rate band). From 6 April 2017, an additional allowance of £100,000 per person will be introduced for individuals where a property that has been their principal residence (or a property that has been used as a main residence in the past) is passed to a direct descendant. The threshold will then increase to £125,000 in the 2018/19 tax year, £150,000 in 2019/20 and £175,000 in 2020/21. Estates worth £1m that include a qualifying property worth at least £350,000 could at this point be passed on tax-free.Where the value exceeds £2m, the additional residence nil-rate band will be tapered at a rate of £1 for every £2 over this amount. This means it would be completely lost if a joint estate is worth more than £2.4m in 2017/18, rising to £2.7m from 2020/21. Estate planning therefore continues to be vital for many families.

The additional allowance will only apply to a single main residence – investment or holiday properties will not count. However, it will be available to those who downsize or sell their home (or have done so since 8 July 2015) and, on death, pass on assets of an equivalent value. If this is the case you will need to keep details of the sale of the property and evidence that it was your main home. The residence nil-rate band will only apply to properties left to direct descendants. Direct descendants are defined as children, grandchildren and step, adopted or foster children and their lineal descendants.

4. General

4.1 Drivers – Flood Warnings The Environment Agency and AA are reminding people that attempting to drive through flood water can be life-threatening. The organisations say that no one should take the risk, pointing out that just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float a car. In the last 5 years, the AA has been called out to almost 23,000 flood rescues.

The Environment Agency’s flood warning service can be found at: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/ – this is a free service and is updated every 15 minutes. Alternatively, for current flood warnings in force call the 24-hour floodline on: 0345 988 1188 Type talk: 0345 602 6340 (for the hard of hearing).

4.2 TV Licence for BBC iPlayer You need to be covered by a TV Licence to download or watch any BBC programmes on demand, including catch up TV, or on BBC iPlayer. This applies to any device and provider you use.

No matter what device you use, you must be covered by a TV Licence if you watch TV live, watch on demand TV, watch programmes on BBC iPlayer either live or catch up or record TV programmes. The TV Licence is free for anyone over the age of 75.

4.3 Telephone Preference Service (TPS) You can opt out of unsolicited calls on mobile phones. To register, mobile customers simply text ‘TPS’, followed by their email address to the shortcode 85095. This is free to use. You will receive a text reply from the TPS confirming your number has been successfully added to its database.

4.4 Insurers From 1 June 2017, Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will increase by 2% from 10% to 12%. IPT is a tax on insurers and it will be up to them whether and how to pass on costs to customers.

4.5 Broadband For those of us who feel that we could go and do our shopping when we wait to log onto broadband, £1 billion is to be invested in full-fibre broadband and trialling 5G networks. This investment will support the private sector to roll out more full-fibre broadband by 2020-21. Funding will also support trials of 5G mobile communications.

Basic State Pension increase The Government has confirmed that the State Pension will increase by 2.5% from April 2017. The increase is due to the Government’s ‘triple lock’ policy, which determines how much the State Pension will increase each year. This means it will rise in line with the highest of the 3 measures of:• inflation, or• change in average earnings, or• 2.5%.

From April, pensioners on the new flat rate pension will see their weekly payments increase to £159.55 from £155.65. The old State Pension will rise to £122.30 from £119.30.

For more information visit www.gov.uk

+2.5%

The new Budget timetable Following the Spring Budget 2017, the Government will deliver the budget in the autumn, with the first one taking place in autumn 2017. Spring Budget 2017 is the final budget held during springtime. From then on there will be a Spring Statement which responds to the forecast for the economy and public finances.

The Autumn Budget means tax changes will be announced well in advance of the start of the tax year. For further information about the changes to the Budget timetable visit www.gov.uk

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Income tax 2017-18 What are taxable bands?They are bands which detail the percentage of tax you pay within each earnings threshold.

Tax you pay Earnings per year Basic Rate 20% 0 – £33,500Higher Rate 40% £33,501 – £150,000Additional Rate 45% Over £150,000

What is the personal allowance? This is the earnings you can receive before you have to pay tax.

The personal allowance for 2017-18 is £11,500. Your allowance can be reduced or increased due to your personal circumstances, e.g. previous underpayment or overpayment of tax which must be paid or recovered.The personal allowance is reduced if income is above £100,000 – by £1 for every £2 of income above £100,000. This reduction applies irrespective of date of birth.

How is a tax code worked out?Your tax code indicates what your personal allowance is. In a simple case, the tax free personal allowance is worked out then divided by 10 to give the code. For example, you have a personal allowance of £11,500 therefore your tax code will be 1150L. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will send you a form P2 telling you what your tax code is.

What if my tax code is wrong? You need to contact your Tax Office straight away so they can correct it. Your Tax Office for your pension from Kent Pension Fund is: HMRC, Pay As You Earn, PO Box 1970, Liverpool L75 1WX, Telephone: 0300 200 3300. Please quote the tax district reference number for Kent Pension Fund pensioners, which is 663/KP, and your NI Number.

For further information on income tax visit www.gov.uk

Volunteering for Cruse in Kent Over half a million people die each year in the UK, leaving bereaved family, colleagues and friends. Cruse is a national charity dedicated to supporting people struggling to deal with bereavement. It also gives information and advice through a national helpline and website. On the ground the service is managed by local volunteers, who also fund-raise, and give telephone and one-to-one support to clients.

Cruse is always looking for volunteers, both to give direct help to the bereaved, including children; and to undertake management roles, like fund-raising and public education. Cruse trains and supports its volunteers. If you would like to join Cruse, please call 01622 671011 or email Maidstone@cruse.org.uk

Currently Kent has four active Cruse areas: Maidstone & Medway, East Kent with Swale, South Kent and West Kent. Cruse also wants to re-start the service in Dartford & Gravesham, and would especially like to recruit volunteers in north-west Kent.

We send the Open Lines newsletter to your home address in spring and autumn to keep you updated about your Local Government pension and provide general information which may be of use to you.

To help the pension fund save money in paper, printing and postage please consider opting to receive the newsletter as a link by email. We will only use your email address for this purpose and will not pass it on to a 3rd party.

You can change to delivery of this newsletter by email by completing the ‘Open Lines by email form’ at www.kentpensionfund.co.uk/openlines

Feedback about Open Lines In the last issue of Open Lines in autumn 2016 we asked you to ‘Tell us what you think’ about the newsletter. Amongst comments received, you told us that the newsletter was “packed with useful information” and it was “very informative” with “useful and interesting content”.We were so pleased to receive all positive feedback and thank you for letting us know that we are on the right track.

Receiving Open Lines by email

KARF provide members with the opportunity to meet with other retired people with similar interests at local branches. There is a common annual membership subscription of £5. The contact details for all the branches are shown on the back page. If you are interested in joining please contact the branch of your choice.

Branch news KARF County BoardThe board consists of pensioners from within the Kent area who receive a regular pension payment from KCC. Membership of the board is open to those receiving their regular pension payment and is welcomed. The board ensures the fellowship and its constitution are followed and understood by members, clarifying any enquiries and general enquiries regarding branches. The treasurer ensures the branches are reminded and receipted for the individual branches insurance payments on time as this keeps the individual membership cost low. Two of the board separately attend as observers of the KCC Superannuation Fund Committee meetings and Local Pension Board meetings so they are aware our funds are wisely being invested.

KARF WyvernAnother busy year has come and gone. As well as our monthly meetings, walks, pub lunches, cinema trips and Friendship Group meetings and trips, the last three months have also included an outing to The Poppy Factory at Richmond followed by an excellent Carvery lunch at Ewell, an evening at the local greyhound stadium with a meal included, a coach trip to The Royal Albert Hall just before Christmas and, as always, our Christmas Dinner with an entertainer to get everybody up dancing. All these events were much enjoyed and appreciated by our members.

For 2017 we are planning a day trip to Ypres, “From Wyvern to Wipers” with a very experienced guide taking us to several of the cemeteries and memorials before ending the afternoon in Ypres for a couple of hours sightseeing and a meal. We will then attend the daily evening service at the Menin Gate before returning home. It will be a long day but it should be very moving and memorable.

The spring will see some of us at a local garden centre for a demonstration of planting up hanging baskets. In the summer we plan to go to Brighton for the day where members can “do their own thing” and a trip to Lords Cricket Ground with a meal in “The Tavern” is being arranged for the autumn.

Our usual varied programme of speakers is being organised and we kicked off the year with a humorous talk about writing entitled “Brought to Book”.Jacky Ranger

KARF TonbridgeAt KARF Tonbridge we meet every third Thursday, usually in the Longmead Lounge (not quite as grand as it sounds, but it suits us!) in Tonbridge Baptist Church (TBC). The exceptions are January and August. In January we went out for lunch; returning this year to the Rose & Crown Hotel for a delicious and very convivial meal. Next August we plan to eat more modestly, and have a light tea. For the rest of the year our meetings will be in TBC. February was our AGM followed by a quiz once the formal business concluded. Thereafter the typical meeting comprises a speaker, a small raffle, tea & biscuits and a lot of socialising (not necessarily in that order). Our talks will cover a great variety of subjects including the life of Edith Cavell, French gastronomy, the work of the Dogs Trust, medieval cookery and the orang-utans of Borneo, plus a session of ukulele bashing (and singing), an afternoon of table games and, in December, a prize quiz and our stupendous Christmas draw with a cornucopia of highly desirable prizes.

We will also venture further afield, with an afternoon of Petanque in May as a precursor to our day-long tournament in September when we play for the John Brooker Trophy. And for June we are planning a coach trip to the sea, finishing up in the historic Walpole Hotel, Margate, for a talk and, of course, a cream tea.

We are always delighted to welcome new faces. If you fancy coming along on the third Thursday afternoon of the month, or want to know more about the Branch please get in touch with me (details on the back page). Nick Luck

KARFKent ActiveRetirement Fellowship

From left to right: Graham from KARF Wyvern, Mary from KARF Ashford, Jenny from KARF Tonbridge, Blanche from KARF Tonbridge and Dave from KARF Whitstable/Herne Bay.

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Cryptic crossword Solution Across

3 Obsessive 7 Odour 8 Adorned 9 Dismal10 Snapper13 Dearer14 Exists16 Absolve19 Cradle20 Periods21 Okapi22 Custodian

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1 Coldred 2 Copse 3 Organ 4 Endanger 5 Seraphic 6 Elder11 Arborist12 Provided15 Sweetie16 Aspic17 Arson18 Edgar

KARF literary competition No. 23

Guess the title and the author of this book:Published in 1895, this masterpiece captivated readers on the cusp of a new century. In the story, the brave explorer faced a future burdened with our greatest hopes and darkest fears.

Please send your answer to KARF Competition, KCC Pension Section, Invicta House, County Square, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX or email Karen.brooker2@kent.gov.uk The answer will be provided in the autumn 2017 issue of Open Lines.

KARFCompetitions

Readers’ poems

Just the swivel of an eyeballMeets the ever curving glass,As the monotony is brokenTo come up for air at last.

Then a sprinkler on the surfaceLike an instant shower of rain,Sends it into frenzied actionFor its dinnertime again.

After lunch, its quietWith no current or a tide,So a snooze behind the rockIt seems an ideal place to hide.

But now the light is fading,Settles down to pass the night,When someone turns the telly onAnd it fills it full of light!

Give me streams and riversWith some mud and shifting sand,Or remove from this shackled poolAnd stick me on dry land!

KARF literary competition No. 22 Answer The solution to the competition in the autumn 2016 issue was: The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford

Thank you for all the contributions you sent in. Correct answers came from: Bernice Barber, Leslie Hobbs, Mary Cunningsworth, Margaret Jarman, Kay Relf, Harry Keane, Ann Baker, Hazel Westcott, Michael Lythgoe Whyley, Eddie Ward, Gill Smart, Adriana, Dave Nichols, Mary Kidd, Rick Butler, Pat Taylor, Libby Tucker, Sue Harding, Aileen Cooper, Eileen Corke and Joyce Smith.

The Goldfish by Bob Tucker

Thank you to all the readers who sent in poems. If you would like to have a poem considered for inclusion in the next newsletter please send it to Open Lines, KCC Pension Section, Invicta House, County Square, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1XX or email Karen.brooker2@kent.gov.uk

Kent Libraries and Archives

Did you know that your local Kent library provides so much more than books? There are many ways it can help you, from having your library books delivered to you if you are housebound, to researching family history, to helping you learn how to get online.

There are various groups within libraries where you can learn new things or simply stay for a cup of tea and a chat. Your local library is here to help you, so if you would like to know more you can call Kent Libraries and Archives on 03000 413131 or pop in to your local branch.

The library is always looking for new volunteers. All of the beneficial services mentioned are provided by wonderful volunteers. If you think you can help provide your local community with much needed help and support then please contact the Time To Give team at your local library, email libraryvolunteers@kent.gov.uk, call 03000 416996 or visit www.kent.gov.uk/libraries. You can get involved in your local community, learn new skills and have fun whilst doing it!

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KARF

Application for Membership Kent Active Retirement Fellowship

Name Address & Postcode Tel. No. Email

Please do not enclose any membership fee until your membership has been accepted

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is for general use only and does not cover every personal circumstance. If there is any disagreement over your pension benefits due under the Local Government Pension Scheme, the appropriate legislation will apply. This newsletter does not give you any contractual or legal rights, and is provided for information purposes only.

KARFPlease complete in BLOCKCAPITALS and return to the branch of your choice

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Kent Active Retirement Fellowship