1. The RPI Index its History and future
Introduction by Peter Austin
Chair of OPA-October 2018
The Arts Centre Lower Sunbury

2. Recent History since 2010
Following the World Financial and Banking Collapse during 2008 the continued use of Retail Price Index originally introduced in the 1950’s for various indexation purposes including Financial and Investment Ratings was seen as expensive. The Consumer Price Index introduced from Europe in 2003 was seen as more consistent, appropriate and reliable at a time of financial difficulties.
CPI was then introduced to index Cost of Living increases for State and Occupational Pension Schemes in the UK as the new National Statistic. As a result The Coalition Government decided to change its Policy for Public Sector Pension Schemes and Treasury linked Schemes by using the Consumer Price Index solely instead of the RPI.
Private sector schemes had a choice dependent on the legal issues as to whether the Trust Deed could be amended and the Employers requirements. As a result there are a number of schemes which do differ by size of annual indexation increases compared with others

3. Other uses of RPI in the Economy
For the indexation of Government Gilts and Bonds
For the Indexation of Commercial Contracts
For University Student Loans Annual Indexation
Occupational Pension Schemes in the Private Sector

4. Contributors to this Presentation and Key Contents
Introduction and Short History
Statistics,Graphs,Indices and contributions
Accounting and Financing : Legal Aspects
House of Lords Inquiry which is ongoing
Various Written and Oral Submissions
Members of the Economic Committee
The dangers of Arbitrary Change and the compromise of gradual long-term adjustment.

5. Presenters and Contributors
Peter Austin-Chairman of OPAlliance
Tony Cox- Statistics Consultant
Robert Gibson-Consultant Barnett Waddingham
John Scholey-Chair of UnileverPensioners Association
Panel Question and Answer Debate and Discussion withAttendees and Participants