Halcrow Pensioners Forum

News => News => Topic started by: John Ratsey on July 30, 2016, 11:46:56 AM

Title: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: John Ratsey on July 30, 2016, 11:46:56 AM
I have been sent the attached scanned copy of a letter from the Trustee and dated 29th July 2016 which someone had delivered by a postman today.

It advises, among other things, that the submission deadline has been postponed from 5th August to Wednesday 31st August.

Has anyone else received this letter? It is not currently available on the HPS website.
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: billf on July 30, 2016, 12:58:07 PM
Hi,
I received this in the post this morning
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Tim SMITH on July 30, 2016, 01:03:25 PM
John

Yes, mine has just arrived. I think I'll now leave returning my form until late August (although in the meantime I might try sending in a form with a qualifying letter - to make a point, if nothing else).
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Jane Tordoff on July 30, 2016, 01:48:27 PM
Mike and I have also received one.
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Stephen Brichieri-Colombi on July 30, 2016, 03:10:34 PM
Why the extension? Too many unanswered questions for the remaining 30%.
In 2013, 59% of members were active of deferred. We would expect them to accept, as their terms are much better than PPF. It woudl appear some pensioners have accepted, presumably because of a high post-1987 component.
We have written to the Trustees with more questions pertinent to pensioner members.   
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Libby on July 30, 2016, 06:44:58 PM
I received a letter today stating: "that the possible legal challenge, which we referenced in the recent Q&A has been withdrawn and is therefore not going ahead" Am I correct in my understanding that this statement is referring to the Upper Tribunal case?
Regards
Libby
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Jane Tordoff on July 30, 2016, 07:22:57 PM
Yes.  If you go to the section "Legal Proceedings by HPA" you will see all the information that Stephen has posted.
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: tonyfoster on August 02, 2016, 01:40:13 PM
Quote from: John Ratsey on July 30, 2016, 11:46:56 AM
I have been sent the attached scanned copy of a letter from the Trustee and dated 29th July 2016 which someone had delivered by a postman today.

It advises, among other things, that the submission deadline has been postponed from 5th August to Wednesday 31st August.

Has anyone else received this letter? It is not currently available on the HPS website.

I received by email. The letter also states that the legal challenge has been withdrawn.

Is this true?
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Tim SMITH on August 02, 2016, 03:36:11 PM
Tony

Unfortunately it is true. Please see Update 27 July 2016 on:

http://www.halcrowpensioners.org.uk/forum/index.php?topic=170.15
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Mort Deas on August 10, 2016, 10:27:21 AM
This afternoon (Philippine time) I received a very polite and friendly phonecall from a pleasant young lady at HPS to remind me that Option Date is fast approaching. Is this the norm or something new?
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Tim SMITH on August 10, 2016, 11:29:49 AM
Hello, Mort

I think the politeness and friendliness are the norm - but I was not aware of the phone calls! Perhaps I'll shortly receive one too. I have held off sending in my decision, as I still do not know which way to go.

Furthermore, I have not yet received replies to any of my questions to the pensions team, which I sent on 01,03 and 04 August. In essence, I need to know (a) whether by unconditionally accepting the new scheme (Option A) I would be surrendering my legal right to a better pension, in the event of a future opportunity for redress arising, such as a decision by the Pensions Ombudsman or through a class action lawsuit, and (b) if the answer to (a) is "yes", the form of words  that the trustees consider that HPS members should use on their decision forms that would preserve their interests.
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: Mort Deas on August 10, 2016, 11:46:18 AM
Hi Tim,
My response to the young lady was that I will wait to see how the current situation develops and if necessary send the Option Form by DHL.
Title: Re: HPS Option Deadline Postponed to 31st August
Post by: peter_von_lany on August 10, 2016, 12:05:55 PM
A week ago I also sent the Halcrow pensions team a set of questions similar to those sent by Tim Smith. I too am still waiting for a reply!