XPS Issues The following update is circulated on behalf of all the South Wales branches of Narpo with the intentionto reassure those who have been affected by the recent XPS issue in respect of our pension payments. Concerns were raised from a variety of concerned members over the handling of the matter by XPS, the issues in contacting both them and the HMRC to remedy these failings, as well as what the continuing picture would be as we move forward. Please be assured that the impact on members was never taken lightly and NARPO intervened early at a senior level some time ago to commence an action to rectify these clear wrongs. Pensions are managed at an All-Wales Board basis here – a model that is recognised as best practice nationally and one which is being looked at by other regions to copy. South Wales NARPO have representation on this board and at a recent meeting they highlighted member concerns, with the matter also to be added to the agenda of a national NARPO Pension Board meeting. The Chief Constables in Wales are the relevant pensions authority for their respective forces, with such duties delegated to XPS for South Wales pensions. All forces report to the All-Wales Board. Assurances have been given to NARPO by XPS that matters have been remedied and restored, but isolated cases appear to still persist – with some widows also perhaps in this group which makes them particularly vulnerable. XPS created new systems and processes and the issue arose from an administration error on their behalf which was compounded by poor information offered to some when they contacted either XPS or the HMRC. To reiterate, XPS have given assurances that the error has been remedied - or at least will be when any isolated cases are also highlighted, investigated and then also resolved. Again, be assured that contact was made some time ago to NARPO at a national level to secure specialist legal advice. That is ongoing with advisors stressing that they will be best placed to offer that advice when they are properly and factually briefed on the full and accurate picture of all events, consequences and concerns that fell out of the XPS error – as opposed to that which is fed from comment and speculation. That advice also suggested to wait until the recent April pension payment to see if members were still being detrimentally affected – and then for such members to investigate their individual cases with HMRC to establish whether matters were still caused by XPS or whether it may be caused by an unrelated personal tax liability instead. As an example, the recent payment will partly take account of the new increased rates for the year but which is also happens to be the last month of the financial year and a period where adjustment can typically be made by HMRC to collect additional revenue they identify as owed. State Pension benefits have also risen and started to take effect in April payments. The full effect of all these increases will not be fully realised until next month’s payment. State Benefit in most cases is paid four-weekly, the Police Pension being paid monthly. Both are taxable. There will be isolated cases where, for example 40% tax thresholds are engaged (or more engaged) with such increases seeing more tax being paid which would be the result of a higher pension payment and not the XPS data load error. All members that remain affected are asked to check their personal affairs before confirming blame on the XPS error. Only XPS matters will be the subject of the anticipated legal action. The quickest way to secure HMRC advice is to contact them directly and obtain second level (supervisor) involvement, or advise that you wish to proceed by way of complaint. Either route should trigger the involvement of a Tax Inspector as opposed to well-meaning call-centre staff. They will confirm your correct tax code, which is usually that which was applied to you prior to the XPS error, or indeed one which was been applied since due to a personal tax matter. They will also confirm the presence or otherwise of entries relating to a pension from West Yorkshire Police and where they are found, a consequential P60 entry with a zero value – which confirms no benefit was received from it and that no likely penalty would result. Members should also note their new Payroll Number found on the new style payslips. When contacting XPS in future, this would be your local identifier and that it is likely a second level identity check will be requested of you (or if another contacts XPS on your behalf). That second level identifier will be the National Insurance number of the member enquired about. It should therefore be noted that each of the branches are undertaking an update of membership information as required under GDPR legislation. Examination of some records realised out of date details which frustrated some outreach enquiries following the XPS error. Members should ensure that NARPO details are up to date and correctly stored locally. This ensures branches can better support members at times such as these, or at times of bereavement. This takes us to the issue of nominees, or the lack of that detail being transferred from the old into the new structures and which has also received negative comment. Further information was also sought in this regard with greater clarity obtained. The nominee exists in the system primarily for circumstances involving ‘death in service’ and what wasn’t previously understood was that, nominee or not, the pension of a member automatically transfers to their next of kin (husband, wife or partner), where it is appropriate. Again, in terms of accurate information being stored locally, nominee issues have recently arisen where, for example, divorced ex-partners remained the declared nominee, as opposed to the correct next of kin and intended recipient. This reinforced the need for the accurate storage of information members in any doubt, should update nominee details to realise only the correct information. You will therefore see that Branch Secretaries have been active across all three South Wales Branches and the purpose of this message is to inform you of what happened when the issue was discovered, the present picture, what has already been actioned, as well as action that is needed to rectify issues that have arisen - as some comment seemed to suggest the contrary may have been the case. In summary we are generally viewing an improving picture with only small numbers now reporting ongoing issues – a position confirmed by the overwhelming majority of members across South Wales. The impact on those affected members that have returned to normality has been captured; what remains to be evidenced is the detail of any ongoing XPS error-related hardship, which would tend to contradict previous assurances. Your support in this particular area would therefore be greatly appreciated, with details of any such ongoing XPS difficulties to be reported by email to your local Branch Secretary. All those still impacted by XPS – those already corrected, or still to be corrected as a result of an ongoing and related issue, will then go forward ‘as one’ under the legal action that is being preferred. Please therefore be reassured that significant work has been undertaken in the background and that when requested, support was provided and action taken when it was needed. That said, your ongoing support in reaching out to those who may still be unaware or still be in need is never taken for granted and branches should be contacted at the earliest convenience if assistance remains needed. Thank you. Gareth Heatley Chair - Swansea Narpo NARPO South Wales (Cardiff, Glamorgan & Swansea) 8th April 2026 **************** Injury on Duty survey Dear Colleague, The Home Office is conducting research to review Regulation 12 and ensure the policy remains relevant to the police workforce of today. As part of this work, they are gathering evidence on retired police officers’ experiences and views of Regulation 12. The Home Office would be grateful if you could distribute this short survey to your Members. Survey link: The deadline for completing the survey is Friday 24th April. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact by Email: reg12research@homeoffice.gov.uk Regards Alan Lees CEO Narpo Tel: 01924 331254 Email:: ceo@narpo.org www.narpo.org XPS ISSUE - UPDATE RE WIDOWS: As a result of the current issues involving XPS and the HMRC. We would ask that any members who are aware of widows, widowers or those family members who are caring for a retired officer that are experiencing concerns over the documents they are receiving or reading about. Could you kindly notify the relevant NARPO branch Secretary in order that any additional welfare concerns can be identified and where necessary resolved. Your local NARPO Branch committee members are fully aware of the anxiety this issue is causing and where possible offer assistance to those who need it. (Thanks to Paul Bryant - Cardiff Narpo) Philip Taylor Secretary, Swansea NARPO 22nd March 2026   The XPS portal has now moved to a new address. Please register or log in here. *************

XPS & HMRC - For the attention of all South Wales Branch Members. We would like to let members know that the matter with XPS & HMRC is at present in hand and that there is no need for action at this time. XPS ISSUE - UPDATE RE WIDOWS: As a result of the current issues involving XPS and the HMRC. We would ask that any members who are aware of widows, widowers or those family members who are caring for a retired officer that are experiencing concerns over the documents they are receiving or reading about - Could you kindly notify the relevant NARPO branch Secretary in order that any additional welfare concerns can be identified and where necessary resolved. Your local NARPO Branch committee members are fully aware of the anxiety this issue is causing and where possible offer assistance to those who need it XPS Has confirmed that the mistake has been rectified and the correct paperwork has been submitted to HMRC. They state it will take 7 to 10 days for the matter to sorted on individuals accounts. The matter is in hand and at present you don’t have to do anything as yet. The statement issued by XPS who are the ones who made the mistake & other than repeating the statement, I have been told that they are working through the problem with HMRC and it will take 7 to 10 days to rectify the issues. We have asked XPS to send everyone a pension slip for next month. As you know, most don’t get one unless there’s a change to your pension, but I have requested all pensioners receive one to help if there are any changes that need to be addressed. NARPO HQ has been informed are assisting from their side in this matter. I have also been contacted by finance at SWP and they have also, (even though it is believed not be their fault) have apologised to our members for the issues it has caused. If anyone has any issues please contact your branch secretary. NARPO SOUTH WALES BRANCH REPRSENTATIVES Paul Hayes NARPO Cardiff Branch Secretary / NARPO Ysgrifennydd Cangen Caerdydd NARPO Cymru Chairperson / Gadeirydd NARPO Cymru NARPO NEC Director / Cyfarwyddwr NARPO NEC Mobile: | Symudol: 07866 547464 Website: | Gwefan: https://www.narpocardiff.com/ National Website: | Gwefan Genedlaethol: https://www.narpo.org/ 14th March 2026 **************** Group Insurance Scheme (GIS) update for all South Wales retired members. As of 1st March 2026, the GIS membership will be changing in respect of retired South Wales members of the Scheme. We are circulating update of information and monthly premium to members. This document outlines all of the new changes. South Wales Police Federation. 20th Feb 2026 ******************   IMPORTANT - XPS Pension System Upgrade Updated 31st Jan See at the (very bottom below) extra information regarding 'Long Term Spouses' pension and 'Historical data' that you may wish to save. Note: If you don't have Internet access, the contact tel number to ring XPS is included. Please do pass on this information to any members you know so that they can contact XPS by phone. This upgrade has only very recently been brought to our attention. From 13 January 2026 to 1 February 2026, you won’t be able to make changes through Member Self Service (MSS) while we make some upgrades to your online experience. You can still log in and view your personal information. NOTE: From 2 February 2026 until the new platform is live (which is planned to be no later than March 2026), MSS will be unavailable. Once the new platform is live you will be able to access personal documents such as recent Ps, payslips. Pensions Savings Statements and Remedial Savings Statements. Some historical documents currently held on MSS will no longer be available. If you’re registered for Member Self Service (MSS), we’ll send you an email when the new platform is ready to explore. If keeping your old documents is important, you are advised to download/print them before 2nd February 2026. Extra information: Please note this e mail is only of interest to members who are in receipt of a South Wales Police pension, especially if you are able to access your pension details on the XPS portal. Long Term Spouses Pension. For those of you who it is of interest to, it has been pointed out to me by several members that when they had examined their personal details, in the section labelled "Pension Benefits" is a further section marked "Pension Details",and they had been surprised to note that in the section marked "Long Term Spouses Pension" the amount shown is £00. This does not apply to everyone, as in my case it shows an acceptable figure. I do not know what this signifies, but I would strongly recommend that you check your personal figures, and if you unhappy with the figure shown, or are unable to do so on line ring XPS. You should ask that they immediately review your figures. The telephone number is 03300 545504 Historical data includes: P60s - last 6 years Payslips - From month 7 of 23/24 tax year onwards PSS - All historical (published) RSS - All historical (published) Quotations - All historical (published) Phil Taylor, Secretary, Swansea Narpo. 31st Jan 2026 Log in to the XPS Members Self Service here... *******************