Valuations of the public service pension schemes are carried out every four years. The valuations set employer contribution rates to ensure the full costs of pensions are recognised and met by employers at the point scheme liabilities arise. The last valuations of the schemes considered the position as at 31 March 2016 and were completed earlier this year. Employer contribution rates have been set and came into effect on 1 April 2019. On 19 January the then Chief Secretary to the Treasury made a written statement (HCWS1286) announcing a pause to the cost control element of the valuations. The pause was necessary following a court ruling that an element of the reforms made to schemes in 2015 gave rise to unlawful discrimination. The matter has been remitted to the Employment Tribunal to determine how the discrimination is to be remedied. The Government has confirmed that it will take steps to remedy the discrimination in all public service pension schemes. Until a remedy is agreed it is not possible to assess the value of the public service pension schemes with any certainty at this time.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4483", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Rishi Sunak"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Richmond (Yorks)"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Rishi Sunak"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-10-07", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-10-07T14:17:38.903Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-10-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what progress has been made on the public sector pension scheme valuation.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4469", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Angela Crawley"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Lanark and Hamilton East"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Angela Crawley"} ], "uin" : "294204"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1139104", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1139104/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The government keeps public sector pensions policy under constant review in the context of the wider public finances.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care will shortly publish a consultation on proposals for a new flexibility for senior clinicians in the NHS pension scheme via the introduction of a 50:50 option.<\/p>
<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/57", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Young of Cookham"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Young of Cookham"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-19T11:07:28.673Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-07-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to change the pension arrangements for senior public servants, especially doctors in the NHS, as they approach retirement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1813", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Trefgarne"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Trefgarne"} ], "uin" : "HL17189"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1134473", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1134473/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government has implemented the commitment made in the January 2018 GMP equalisation and indexation consultation response to continue to index the total public service pension, including the GMP, for public servants who reach State Pension age on or after 6 December 2018 and before 6 April 2021.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-07-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-07-01T12:31:54.153Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-06-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government has taken to implement its response to the Indexation and equalisation of the Guaranteed Minimum Pension in public service pension schemes consultation for people reaching state pension age after December 2018.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/207", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Vince Cable"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Twickenham"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Sir Vince Cable"} ], "uin" : "268958"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1125658", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1125658/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Government is committed to public service pensions which are fair to workers and fair to other taxpayers. Public service workers are entitled to defined benefit pension schemes, which are among the best schemes available. Since 2010, the Government has made reforms to limit pensions tax relief for those on the highest incomes that save over £6 billion per year, and are necessary to deliver a fair system and protect the public finances.<\/p>
<\/p>
The pension tax rules apply equally across all registered public and private sector defined benefit schemes. In April 2016, the lifetime allowance (LTA) was reduced to £1,000,000. However, from April 2018 it has increased in line with CPI. This means for 2019-20 the LTA increased to £1,055,000. This allows savers to continue to make significant amounts of pension savings tax-free, while ensuring incentives to save are targeted across society.<\/p>
<\/p>
The LTA affects only the wealthiest pension savers. Around 95 per cent of individuals currently approaching retirement have a pension pot worth less than the LTA, while the median pension pot for individuals approaching retirement is around £170,000.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Government does keep all aspects of the tax system under review through the annual Budget process, in the context of the wider public finances.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-05-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-05-15T15:57:50.547Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-05-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) removing and (b) raising the lifetime pension cap for public sector employees.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4633", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Paul Girvan"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South Antrim"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Paul Girvan"} ], "uin" : "252614"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1104961", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1104961/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Departments responsible for the Police, Firefighters\u2019, NHS, Local Government and Armed Forces pension schemes have made the necessary regulatory changes arising from the Walker v. Innospec Limited judgment. Departments responsible for the Teachers\u2019 and Civil Service pension schemes are in the process of doing so.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2019-03-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2019-03-28T13:18:27.827Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2019-03-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 19 April 2018 to Question 135229 on Public Sector: Pensions, what progress has been made by responsible Departments in implementing the necessary regulatory changes arising from the Walker v. Innospec Limited judgement.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4486", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Hannah Bardell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Livingston"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Hannah Bardell"} ], "uin" : "236560"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1011549", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1011549/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
The Budget allocated extra funding to the reserve for 2019-20 to cover an expected £4.7 billion of unforeseen additional costs arising from the ongoing valuations of public service pension schemes. The Treasury is currently working with departments to confirm departmental allocations of this funding.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-11-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-11-26T13:37:51.06Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-21", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how much he has allocated to the Home Office for 2019-20 to cover changes in relation to quadrennial valuations of the public service pension schemes.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Louise Haigh"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sheffield, Heeley"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Louise Haigh"} ], "uin" : "194173"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1006980", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1006980/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
As set out in my written statement HCWS945 and in my\u200e Answer of 31 October 2018 to Question 186391, the actuarial valuation of the scheme, carried out by the Government Actuary's Department, is ongoing. The statement set out proposed amendments to the directions to be used in the valuations. The Government Actuary's Department is undertaking ongoing valuations based on these directions. The final directions will be published before the end of the year.<\/strong><\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-11-19", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-11-19T12:59:57.047Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-14", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 9 November 2018 to Question 186391 on Public Sector: Pensions, when the Government's Actuary Department completed its analysis of the police service pension scheme which led to the revaluations communicated in the Statement of 6 September 2018 on quadrennial valuations of the public service pension schemes.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Louise Haigh"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sheffield, Heeley"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Louise Haigh"}
], "uin" : "191452"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/999736", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/999736/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The valuations of Public Service Pensions Schemes are ongoing. The Treasury is undertaking work with departments and devolved administrations to agree the allocation of the additional funding.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-11-06", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-11-06T15:21:29.31Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to Budget 2018, paragraph 1.60, if he will publish a breakdown of the £4.7 billion of extra DEL allocated to the reserves to cover additional costs arising from the reduction in the discount rate for employer contributions to public sector pension schemes.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4607", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Stephanie Peacock"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Barnsley East"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Stephanie Peacock"}
], "uin" : "187161"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/999290", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/999290/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Budget 2016 identified expected pressures on employer contributions to public service pensions of £2 billion. The Home Office communicated with the National Police Chiefs Council on the issue shortly after Budget 2016, explaining the need to consider the matter within the wider context of the imminent scheme valuation. The scheme valuation, carried out by the Government Actuary\u2019s Department, is ongoing. Budget 2018 confirmed additional funding for expected costs in excess of the level envisaged at Budget 2016. Government will review police spending power and further options for reform at the provisional police funding settlement in December.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-11-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-11-09T14:09:24.743Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-10-31", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 31 October 2018 to Question 184429 on Public Sector: Pensions, whether the effect on budges of the previously envisaged cost was communicated to police forces in advance of the Written Statement of 6 September 2018 on quadrennial valuations of the public service pension schemes.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Louise Haigh"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sheffield, Heeley"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Louise Haigh"}
], "uin" : "186391"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/995589", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Treasury"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/995589/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The current quadrennial valuations of the public service pension schemes are ongoing. At Budget 2016 we identified likely pressures on employer contributions to public service pensions of £2 billion. The valuations indicate that there will be additional costs to employers, above the level previously envisaged. The Budget confirms that additional funding of £4.7 billion has been allocated to the reserve to cover these expected additional costs.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4097", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Elizabeth Truss"}
}
, "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "South West Norfolk"}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Elizabeth Truss"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-10-31", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-10-31T13:11:02.893Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "14"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Treasury"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-10-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Public Sector: Workplace Pensions"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when his Department completed the quadrennial valuations of the public service pension schemes; and when the change in cost was communicated to police forces.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4473", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Louise Haigh"}
}
, "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Sheffield, Heeley"}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Louise Haigh"}
], "uin" : "184429"}
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