CALLING ALL MEMBERS
Harrow Group writes to each individual member inviting them to our Group AGM as we believe that all members in our catchment area should have the opportunity to attend their AGM, put forward motions etc. and participate in the democratic process.
Moreover, we also like to use this opportunity to try to boost our membership and get those of you that are only national members to join us as Harrow Group members in our successful and thriving Group. We have had some success from our Newsletter, however, to continue this success and reach our full potential we need more new blood. We need people like you !
You are already have a commitment to the Alliance to safeguard your interests as Civil Service pensioners. Can I urge you to take that extra step and become a member of Harrow Group which strives to progress both national and local issues on behalf of the Alliance and maybe attend our AGM where you will receive a warm welcome.
NOTICE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 53rd AGM will take place on Tuesday 26 March 2024 at 2.00.pm in Room 3, Victoria Hall, Sheepcote Road, Harrow (next to Greenhill Church)
There will be two guest speakers. David Owen our London Representative on the Executive Council and Rosemary White one of the Woman’s positions on the Executive Council who will update us on current Alliance thinking and answer questions. Tea and biscuits will be provided.
ELECTIONS
At this meeting, the following Officers and Committee will need to be elected:
Chair
Vice Chair
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Membership Secretary
Treasurer
Committee Members
We are seeking nominations for these positions and would especially welcome nominations from non-committee members as some of the current holders wish to step down.
ALLIANCE AGM
Members are reminded that this National AGM to be held in October is also the opportunity to propose motions to go forward for consideration at the National AGM and nominate members for the EC,
AGM AGENDA
1. Chair’s opening address
2. Minutes of 52nd AGM held on 28th March 2023 (copies at meeting)
3. Matters arising
4. Secretary’s Report
5. Treasurers report(copies of statement of account at meeting)
6. Membership Secretary’s Report
7. Election of Officers and Committee
8. Election of member to certify Accounts
9. Election of delegate to National AGM
10. To consider nominations for Executive Council of the Alliance
11. To consider and vote on any motions
12. Any other business.
I hope there will be a good attendance to the very important meeting. All are very welcome.
SUBSCRIPTIONS 2024 (Harrow group members only )
The committee decided to keep the subscription at £5 per member. This can be paid at the meeting or by cheque made out to Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance Harrow group and sent to Arthur Barnett 62, Priory Way, Harrow HA2 6DH.
If you wish to pay by internet or phone banking the Account name is ‘Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance Harrow Group’. Sort code: 30-93-92 and Account number: 00001548
FUTURE MEETING DATES FOR 2024
18 JUNE
24 SEPTEMBER MANDATING MEETING
Both at 2pm in Victoria hall
3 DECEMBER A FESTIVE MEAL (VENUE TO BE ANNOUNCED)
HARROW COUNCIL
For members living in the Harrow, you may be interested in the following services.
1.The council will collect free of charge up to twice a year bulky item such as white goods furniture and up to 5 sacks of waste.
2. They also offer assisted bin collection.
Full details are on their website harrow.gov.uk
Your Council Tax will rise by 4.9% for 2024/25.This has been necessary because Government funding has been reduced. It is now over 50% less than when I was a councillor in the early 2000’s
GENERAL ELECTION
It is the only thing that is certain in 2024.Thus our Executive Council together with Later Life Ambitions have published a manifesto campaigning for a better deal for older people
Our asks are:
1. Create a commissioner for older people and ageing for England and Scotland to provide a voice for older people
2. Legislate for a National Care Service to be integrated with the NHS that remains free at the point of delivery
3. Combat social exclusion and poverty by maintaining long-term access to cash and cash free withdrawal services and providing increased support for banks and businesses to develop more accessible tools.
4. Maintain the State Pension Triple Lock, protect the State Pension Age and uprate Pension Credit in line with the State Pension.
5. Strengthen the Lifetime Homes standard into a National Housing Strategy to provide accessible and affordable housing.
6. Increase investment in and uprate concessions for local bus services and improved accessibility for older people.
Could I ask all of you to raise these points when party canvassers knock on your door. It would also be useful if you could raise it with your local candidates
CIVIL SERVICE PENSION
You may already know but your Civil Service pension will rise by 6.7% from 8 April 2024.
A final plea, please do come to our AGM on the 26th of this month.
Alan Blann Tel.020 8861 3696
Secretary 15 Wellington Road Email: althebike@outlook.com