Uk Military Pensions Petition

Done for you Jim

 

I don't understand the statement. Pension income is taxable income. I don't know anyone who has a tax free pension. I'd like one! Of course those in the UK forces deserve to have a decent pension scheme.

 

I agree, you'll have to make the argument a lot plainer before I sign. Of course es servicemen should have a decent pension scheme, its all part of the covenant when you sign up.

That said many went into public service with similar covenants, and have had their pension schemes modified to their detriment (and maybe private sector too). What makes this case so different and deserving of parlimentary discussion?

 

While you're on, get them to stop counting military pensions as Defence Spending.

 

Why, all spending should be accounted for, or do you expect the tax payer to pay for it independently.

 

No, but I don't expect the Government to claim they've increased defence spending by including pension payments to the Forces! On that basis the Chancellor can claim that he's increased public spending when MPs' salaries rise.

 

We all pay into pensions and it comes out of our annual income.

 

I am curious to know which "other services are non taxable".

 

Salaries and pensions of the armed forces is an expense incurred in defending the realm and MPs salaries are public spending.

 

I think you're missing my point. Perhaps this may help me make it

Ministers have only been able to meet their Nato commitment to spend two per cent of GDP on defence by “creative accounting”, a committee of MPs will reveal.

The Commons Defence Committee said the inclusion of items such as more than £1 billion of pension payments was the only means by which the Government was able to meet Chancellor George Osborne’s pledge to abide by the target announced in last year's summer Budget.


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I didn't expect a stewards enquiry, think it'll make no difference, and don't understand how some other services penions are tax free but the armed forces aren't. I'd be interested to hear what that is. (Surely the option of taking a lump sum tax free is the same for everyone).

I jusr signed it to do Jim a favour.

 

The question is whether pensions are a cost incurred in providing defence of the realm. I think they are and don't see that as "creative accounting" at all.

Similarly is the cost of monitoring a fleet of decommissioned nuclear submarines a legitimate defence cost. I would say yes.

 

Good argument.

 

so by that reckoning you will agree that renewing trident isnt the 40 odd bill but actually the 200oddbill over the life time not including decommissioning.

 

And that doesn't even take into account inflation or bribing the local tribes not to kick-off/revolt/unleash the haggises.

 

exactly. tho, i think the bribes are getting harder to sell.

 

What something costs and how you account for it are 2 different things. The only linkage being the overall numbers over the life cycle should tally (although some might creatively hive elements into different areas to make figures more palatable.)
The value of something....now that's a whole new can of worms....

 

Who knows what the full life cost of Trident and it's replacement will be, I don't, but it is a price I think is worth paying.

It is a deterrent and no one knows who we may have to deter, or obliterate , in the decades to come.

 

Strange statement on the petition. After 23 years service with the RAF I get a pension. It is my main income. Yes I pay tax on it but only over my personal allowance. I believe that this is the case for any pension.
I will also get a civil service pension when I hit 60, but that will be taxable in the same way.
The only pension that I know of that is tax free is a war disability pension, awarded for injuries sustained while in service, and they are normally very small pensions anyway - mine is.
My gripe is that as a French resident and tax payer I have to pay UK tax on my small military pension, but I have no vote on anything in the UK.