THE YARD..... The GC Grumble Societies thread.... ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK...!!!

They were very careful to word their policy on pension contributions. They only said that you would now need just 30 years' contributions, instead of 44, to qualify for a full state pension. They didn't say anything about you being able to stop paying them after the 30 years.

It helped reduce the official figures for unemployed. Once you had qualified for your 30 years you could stop work and know you would get a full pension. Then, instead of signing on, you could work in the black economy and not pay tax etc whilst still in the knowledge that you would get your pension. A clever massaging of the figures.

 

Some people might say that but I wouldn't dream of saying it :wink: :hehe:. Of course, they may ask you what you are doing instead of working but i'm sure that gardeners are quite creative in their thinking.

I paid tax all my working life and had to put in my 44 years of tax credits to warrant the measly pension they give me - but it's better than nothing.

 

The government are most gracious :skp: to give me the grand sum of £550 per month for my 44 years of contributions and that includes my graduated contributions. That's £12.50 per month for each year .

 

I had a go at Revenue and Customs yesterday :hehe:. I received a form from them to fill in. It wanted the usual load of info about what 'I expected' to receive during the coming year - pension, earnings, interest etc.

I telephoned them, the call doesn't cost me anything, and said that I want to discuss the form and why they had sent it to me. They were very polite and asked for some security details before they would discuss things. I must emphasise that throughout the conversation I maintained a pleasant tone of voice.

After that I told them that I had received a P161 but was not able to fill it in as I don't fit their parameters mentioned on the front page - and added that they already probably have on record that I am pedantic about official forms. They didn't deny it :lollol:.

I said that the form explained that I had been sent it for one of three possible reasons.
1. I have now started receiving a private pension.
2. I am approaching pension age and shall soon receive my pension.
3. I have reached 65 and have just started receiving my pension.

He said 'That was correct so what is the problem?' I replied that none of those points refer to me as I have been receiving a pension for some time - which they would have been able to see from my tax return. I then pointed out that I know that they have already seen my tax return because they sent me a rebate last month.

I then asked if there was a problem with their information about my pension.
He said 'Yes, we need to have the full amount you expect to receive in your pension this year so that we can get your code number correct'.
To which I responded 'That's interesting as I received a new code number in the same post as the P161'.
He then said 'Yes, but we think it is wrong!'
Me, 'So why did you send it?'
He, 'Because we have to send them out.'
Me, 'I still can't fill in the P161 as it doesn't refer to me, and even if it did I can't fill in the other three pages because I don't know if I will get any interest on my savings as the goverment has dropped the bank rate '.
He, 'We really do need to know what state pension you are receiving.'
Me, 'Then ask the Department of Works and Pensions, as the government say that the two of you must liaise more. Otherwise, wait until I fill in next year's tax return.' '
He, 'We need the information from you.'
Me, No you don't. Not unless you can send me an official form, asking for it, that refers to my situation. It is not my job to do your work for you until tax return time - which is always in arrears.'
He, 'O.K. We'll find another way of getting the information.'
Me, 'Don't send the boys round! :lollol: Goodbye.' I then hung up.