No Tax Call Over RUC Reserve

South Antrim MP William McCrea today called upon the Government not to 'penny pinch' when it comes to the gratuity payments to former members of the Part Time RUC Reserve.

Mr McCrea today raised the issue of taxation of the payments during a meeting with the Justice Minister alongside party colleagues, MLA Paul Givan and David Simpson MP.

Speaking after the meeting the South Antrim MP said: "Those who served in the RUC Part Time Reserve during some of the darkest days of the troubles deserve to be treated properly and with respect by our Government.

"They should not be penny pinching when it comes to the gratuity payments by imposing a tax burden upon them. It is vital that every penny of this money goes to those who deserve it and is not clawed back."

He claimed that the DUP "secured these payments after negotiations as recognition of the duty and dedication of those who served".

He also said the First Minister, DUP Leader, Peter Robinson, raised this issue once again with the Prime Minister when he met with him last week. At that meeting he secured an assurance from the Prime Minister that the matter would be looked at again.

"It is important that this issue is resolved quickly and satisfactorily for those involved who have waited a long time for their service to be properly recognised," he concluded.

Last week, Ross Hussey, who is Chairman of the RUC GC Part Time Officers Welfare Group said they he thought that the payments part time members will be receiving from HM Government in respect of the gratuity scheme would indeed be subject to tax and National Insurance.

The West Tyrone Ulster Unionist Assemblyman commented: "We have been fighting for years for some form of recognition of the service of the part time RUC Reserve.

"Following a long campaign a settlement from then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown in order to bring the Hillsborough Agreement and the devolution of policing and justice into being," he said.

"A figure of £20,000,000 was agreed - the Prime Minister's letter was quite specific that he was prepared to set aside this money to fund the scheme.

"At no time was it suggested that tax and national insurance payments would be deducted.

"We have always believed our case to be a special case." he said. "My committee and I have fought a long and hard campaign for this payment as recognition of the failure to recognise the contribution the RUC Reserve have made to society and for the failure of the Police Authority to ensure that part time officers were paid a rate equivalent to their regular colleagues.

"Over 6,000 applications have been submitted to the fund and it is hoped payments will be made before the end of June," he concluded.

See: Taxing Time For RUC Reservists

See: 'Equality' Sought For RUC Reserve Payouts

(BMcC/KMcA)