Pension association seeks Britons

British pensioners on the Peninsula are being urged to join British Pensions in Australia (BPiA).

The Sydney-based association has been established to challenge the UK government's "frozen pension" legislation.

The legislation freezes age pensions at the rate they were first received in Australia.

"These rules are willful, unwarranted and discriminatory," said BPiA chairman Mr Jim Tilley.

If a British person emigrates to one of the many Commonwealth countries around the world then

the UK pension is regularly increased with inflation.

However, if a British pensioner received an Australian pension, then their UK pension entitlements were reduced.

Mr Tilley estimated there were around 2000 British pensioners living on the Peninsula.

He said that these people made contributions to the pension scheme when they were working in the United Kingdom.

"They should be paid a fair amount."

BPiA's objective was to encourage Australian-based expatriates to donate funds to a legal challenge to this legislation.

It was staffed entirely by volunteers.

For further information, phone Jim Tilley on 9521 7964 or email him at jimtilley@bigpond.com.

Flyer, November 28