Pension worries

Chapter 4 of the independence white paper, covering the plans for pensioners, such as myself, who served in the civil service and also those who served in the UK Armed Forces, concerns me.

In this chapter, there is no mention of, or provision for, the many Crown servants who served the Scottish public at home and abroad and now live outwith Scotland.

It seems their past contribution over many years has no value to an independent Scotland. Could this be because they have no vote in the coming referendum?

As for those of us living in Scotland, the administration of our pensions is to be transferred to the Scottish Public Pensions Agency, without us being consulted.

I can only imagine we were not consulted because either our views are considered irrelevant by the SNP or because our objections could hinder or obstruct SNP plans for the future of our pensions.

The latter appears most likely, especially when you read that the SNP intends to assume the power to set policy for the future of our pensions and also undertake a strategic consideration of scheme design, which according to it will produce a fair and flexible system that works for public sector employees, public service provision, the taxpayer and overall public finances.

Over the past 30 years, I am aware of politicians using this very terminology in paying us less than we were due, which over time steadily eroded our living standards, in comparison with those carrying out similar work in both the private sector and other parts of the public
sector.

When the SNP finds itself setting its priorities and finds itself short of funds to finance all its pet projects and schemes, I know who is most likely to lose out.

Consequently, to safeguard my pension, I will be voting No in the referendum and would urge all former and current Crown servants to do likewise.

Bill Friel

Knox Place

Haddington, East Lothian