The Federation has warned the Government that the unexpected publication of new guidelines regarding unfair discrimination caused by the 2015 pensions reforms must not further delay the settlement of pension claims by retired and serving members.
Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) has issued new guidelines advising public sector pension remedy claimants and schemes to halt claims until new legislation had been created to reduce the potential for tax consequences.
Previous Government advice made it clear Federation members who moved to reformed pension schemes on or after 1 April 2015 and retired were entitled to be treated as a member of their legacy scheme for the remedy period, if they wished.
However, the new HMT and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) advice on drafting the remedy through the McCloud Bill has now described the uncertainties caused by the Government’s original guidelines as ‘considerably greater than was previously thought’.
The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) continues to be of the view that those who have suffered unlawful discrimination should have this rectified and should not suffer any further detriment due to the time lag while the remedy is designed and implemented.
“The implementation of the immediate detriment guidance, which Staffordshire were undertaking, may cause challenges for the Government but it is unacceptable that the solution is for those who have suffered discrimination to be further disadvantaged before the situation is remedied,” says Glyn Pattinson, secretary of Staffordshire Police Federation.
“It’s far from ideal and just adds to the uncertainty for colleagues.”
Find out more on the Police Federation of England and Wales website.
