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The Health and Social Care (Pension Scheme) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2008

Type Ni-Statutory-Rule

Publication 2008-06-17

Last updated 2025-06-18

State In force

Jurisdiction Northern Ireland

Department Government Printer for Northern Ireland

Source legislation.gov.uk

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(b) regulation 112 (effect of re-employment on tier 2 ill-health pensions),

(d) Chapter 7.

(1A) A person who was born on, or after, 1st September 1960 is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme in respect of service in HSC employment on, or after, 1st April 2015.

(1B) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme if that person has had a break in service ending on or after 2nd April 2012, and any of the following apply—

(a) that break in service is for any one period of five years or more;

(b) that person receives a repayment of contributions under regulation 44 in respect of their service before that break (see regulation 21(3)(a));

(c) that person becomes entitled to a repayment of contributions under regulation 44 by virtue of paragraph (2)(a) to (c) of that regulation in respect of their service before that break; or

(c) that person’s rights under this Section of the Scheme in respect of their service before that break have been extinguished under regulation 99 because a transfer value payment is made in respect of them.

(1C) A person who on 1st April 2012 has attained the age of 55 may not contribute or accrue further pensionable service under this Section of the Scheme unless that person either—

(a) is, on 1st April 2015, an active member of this Section of the Scheme in accordance with regulation 21, or

(b) returns to HSC employment on or after 2nd April 2015 in circumstances where paragraph (1B)(a) does not apply.

(1D) Paragraph (1E) applies to a person—

(a) who, on 1st April 2012, has attained the age of 51 years and 7 months but has not attained the age of 55, and

(b) whose eligibility cessation date has not been reached (see paragraph (1F)).

(1E) A person referred to in paragraph (1D) may not contribute or accrue further pensionable service under this Section of the Scheme unless that person either—

(a) is, on 1st April 2015, an active member of this Section of the Scheme in accordance with regulation 21, or

(b) returns to HSC employment on or after 2nd April 2015 in circumstances where paragraph (1B)(a) does not apply.

(1F) For the purposes of paragraph (1D), a person’s eligibility cessation date is to be determined according to the formula—

$$A−(2×T)$where—A is 1st April 2022T is the number of months (rounded up to the nearest whole month) by which the person’s age on 1st April 2012 is less than 55.$

(1G) For the purposes of paragraphs (1C)(b) and (1E)(b), any break in service where the member was in pensionable service in an existing scheme (within the meaning of Schedule 5 to the 2014 Act) is to be disregarded.

(1H) Paragraph (1I) applies to a person who in the opinion of the Department—

(a) was previously an active member of a corresponding 2008 scheme;

(b) the regulations governing that corresponding scheme include provisions pursuant to subsection (5) of section 18 of the 2014 Act that provide for exceptions to subsection (1) of that section, and

(c) pursuant to those provisions, the member would have been eligible to re-join that corresponding scheme if the member had returned to HSC employment for the purposes of that scheme on the day the member commenced HSC employment within the meaning of these Regulations.

(1I) The Department may permit a person referred to in paragraph (1H) to join this Section of the Scheme and, for the purposes of paragraphs (1C) to (1G), the member’s previous pensionable employment under the corresponding scheme referred to in paragraph (1H) will be treated as is it were previous pensionable employment under this Section of the Scheme.

(1J) Paragraph (1K) applies to a person who, in the opinion of the Department—

(a) was previously an active member in respect of service in an existing scheme (within the meaning of Schedule 5 to the 2014 Act),

(b) is not receiving a pension in respect of that service on the relevant day,

(c) the regulations of that existing scheme include provisions pursuant to subsection (5) of section 18 of the 2014 Act that provide for exceptions to subsection (1) of that section,

(d) pursuant to those provisions, the person would have been eligible to be an active member of the existing scheme if the member had returned to employment for the purposes of that scheme on the relevant day, and

(e) the member would, if the member’s previous service in the existing scheme had been previous service under this Section of the Scheme, have been eligible for active membership of this Section of the Scheme on the relevant day pursuant to paragraphs (1A) to (1G).

(1K) The Department may permit a person referred to in paragraph (1J) to join this Section of the Scheme and, for the purposes of paragraphs (1C) to (1G), the member’s previous service as an active member under the existing scheme referred to in paragraph (1J) will be treated as if it were previous service as an active member of this Section of the Scheme.

(1L) For the purposes of paragraphs (1J) and (1K) “the relevant day” is the day the member commences HSC employment for the purposes of these Regulations.

(1M) A person referred to in paragraph (1C), (1E), (1I) or (1K) may elect, using a form provided by the Department, not to make contributions or accrue further service under this Section of Scheme in accordance with whichever of those paragraphs apply, but instead (where eligible) to become an active member of the 2015 Scheme.

(1N) Such an election—

(a) is irrevocable,

(b) must be given to the Department before the date specified by the Department in the election form,

(1O) The date referred to in sub-paragraph (1N)(b) must be a date that is at least three months later than the date on which the Department provided the member with an election form.

(1P) An election shall be effective from the first day of the member’s pensionable employment in the 2008 Section falling on, or after, 1st April 2015, and from that date—

(a) that member is to be treated as if that member had been an active member of the 2015 Scheme; and

(b) contributions made in respect of the member in the 2008 Section shall be treated as if they had been contributions made in respect of that member in the 2015 Scheme.

(1Q) The Department may allow a member to exercise an election after the date specified under sub-paragraph (1N)(b) where the Department considers that the member has not had a reasonable opportunity to consider whether to exercise an election before that date.

(2) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme if the person—

(a) became a pensioner member of the 1995 Section or a corresponding 1995 scheme on, or before, 1st April 2008 (except if paragraph (1)(b)(i) of regulation 21A applies to that person), or

(b) became a pensioner member of the 1995 Section or a corresponding 1995 scheme on, or after, that date (except if paragraph (1)(b)(i) or (ii) of regulation 21A applies to that person or that person became an active member of this Section of the Scheme before reaching normal benefit age for the purposes of the 1995 Section ), or

(i) to whom regulation 21(5)(e), (f), (g) or (h) applies, and

(ii) in respect of whom permission of the Department to rejoin the 1995 Section has not been granted pursuant to regulation 7(3) of that Section (Restrictions on membership).

(3) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme in respect of service in an employment if the person is an active member of a superannuation scheme established under Article 3 or 11 of the Superannuation (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 in respect of service in that employment.

(4) A person who is employed by a GDS provider (other than a dentist performer) is not eligible to be an active member of the Scheme in respect of service in that employment.

(5) A person who holds an honorary appointment and does not at the same time hold any other employment which entitles him to be a member of this Section of the Scheme is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme.

(6) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme in any further employment if the person—

(a) becomes entitled to a tier 2 pension under regulation 52, and

(b) opts to exchange that pension for a lump sum in accordance with regulation 59.

(7) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme in any future employment if the person—

(a) ceases to be entitled to a tier 1 ill-health pension under regulation 52; and

(b) becomes entitled to a tier 2 ill-health pension under that regulation on the date the Department makes a determination under regulation 53(3).

This is subject to paragraph (8).

(8) A person to whom paragraph (7) applies is eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme in any further employment after the first anniversary of that person’s first day of such employment following the date of the Department’s determination under regulation 53.

(9) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme if that person is a person, other than a registered dentist, who is employed as a dental pilot scheme employee otherwise than by a HSC Trust, and who either—

(a) was, immediately prior to the commencement of such employment, a HSC dental employee who was not eligible to join the scheme; or

(b) has not previously been in employment as a HSC dental employee.

(10) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme if that person is a provider of personal dental services under a pilot scheme to whom these Regulations did not apply immediately prior to the commencement of the pilot scheme, other than a registered dentist.

(11) A person is not eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme if that person is employed by a GP Federation but does not assist in the provision of health and personal social services provided by that GP Federation.

Concurrent employments

23

(1) This regulation applies if for any period a person holds two or more employments in respect of which the person is (or apart from this regulation would be) eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme.

(2) The person may only be such a member in respect of so many hours or, as the case may be, sessions in each such employment as, in the opinion of the Department, do not, taken together, exceed a comparable whole-time employment not held concurrently with any other employment.

(3) If the person is such a member in respect of two or more employments which, in the opinion of the Department, when taken together exceed a comparable whole-time employment not held concurrently with any other employment, the person is not eligible to be an active member in respect of any employment (or part of an employment) which exceeds a comparable whole time employment not held concurrently with any other employment.

(4) For the purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3), two or more employments taken together exceed a comparable whole-time employment if the total number of hours or sessions under the employments exceeds the number of hours or sessions that would, in the opinion of the Department, constitute a comparable whole-time employment under which services of the kinds performed in the two or more employments were performed.

(5) For the purposes of this regulation an employment is “whole-time” if it is employment for such number of hours or sessions as in the opinion of the Department amounts to whole-time employment in the case of an employment for services of the kind performed in the two or more employments.

(6) A person may participate in this Section of the Scheme in respect of employment as an officer even if he also participates in Part 3 in respect of concurrent employment as a practitioner.

Joining and leaving the Scheme

Joining the Scheme

24

(1) Subject to paragraph (3), a person in HSC employment who is eligible to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme, becomes such a member, unless absent from work for any reason, on either—

(a) the commencement of the person’s employment; or

(b) where the person has previously opted out of this Section of the Scheme under regulation 25(1) and is a person to whom section 3 or section 5 of the 2008 Act applies—

(i) on that person’s automatic enrolment date, or

(ii) on that person’s automatic re-enrolment date, except where the notice referred to in regulation 25(1) was given within 12 months immediately preceding that date.

(2) A person who is eligible to be such a member by virtue of falling within regulation 21(3)(b) may opt to become such a member by giving notice in writing to the employing authority.

(3) A person who has previously exercised an option to opt out of this Section of the Scheme in accordance with regulation 25(1) in respect of an employment in which that person was an active member, and who remains eligible to be an active member in respect of that employment, may opt to join or re-join this Section of the scheme by giving notice in writing to the employing authority in such form as the Department requires.

(4) A notice under paragraph (3) takes effect—

(a) from the beginning of the first pay period to begin after the notice is received by the employing authority, or

(b) if the notice specifies a date that is the first day of a later pay period, from that date.

(5) A notice under paragraph (3) may not be given by a person who is absent from work for any reason.

(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Opting out of the Scheme

25

(1) A person who is an active member of this Section of the Scheme in any HSC employment may opt at any time to cease to be such a member by giving notice in writing to the person's employing authority.

(2) A person who so opts ceases to be such a member on the date the notice takes effect.

(3) The notice takes effect—

(a) from the beginning of the first pay period to begin after the notice is received by the employing authority, or

(b) if the notice specifies a later date, from the beginning of the first pay period after that in which the specified date falls.

(4) A person to whom paragraph (1)(a) of regulation 24 applies in respect of an employment who gives notice in writing under paragraph (1) of this regulation within one month of the date of commencing that HSC employment, is treated as not having become an active member by virtue of that regulation.

(5) A notice under paragraph (1) shall cease to have effect on the day immediately preceding, as the case may be, the person’s—

(a) automatic enrolment date; or

(b) automatic re-enrolment date: this does not apply where the notice was given within the 12 months immediately preceding that date.

(6) This regulation does not apply to a person to whom sections 3, 5 or 8 of the 2008 Act) and regulations 9 or 15 of the 2010 Regulations) applies (that is, a person who is subject to automatic enrolment or automatic re-enrolment in this Section of the Scheme as a qualifying scheme who does not wish to participate in it): this paragraph does not affect the rights of such a person who subsequently becomes a member of this Section of the Scheme in circumstances where those provisions of the 2008 Act and 2010 Regulations do not apply.

Restriction on further participation in this Section of the Scheme

26

(1) A person who ceases to meet any of conditions A to C in regulation 21 in an employment or is prevented by regulation 22 or 23 from continuing to be an active member in an employment must cease to be an active member of this Section of the Scheme in that employment.

(2) Accordingly—

(a) a person within paragraph (1) may not make any further contributions to this Section of the Scheme under Chapter 3, and

(b) any further service of the person is not pensionable service for the purposes of this Section of the Scheme.

CHAPTER 3 — CONTRIBUTIONS

Basic contributions by members

Contributions by members

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(1) Each active member must make contributions to this Section of the Scheme (“member contributions”) in respect of—

(a) the member’s pensionable pay in accordance with regulation 28 where the member is not a non-GP provider;

(b) the member’s pensionable earnings in accordance with regulation 30 where the member is a non-GP provider.

(2) Member contributions must be made—

(a) until the member completes 45 years’ pensionable service, or

(b) where the notice required by regulation 7(3) has been properly received, until the member ceases officer service.

(3) In the case of a member who is not a non-GP Provider, the member’s employing authority must deduct member contributions from the member’s pensionable pay and pay them to the Department not later than the 19th day of the month following the month in which the pay was paid to the member.

(4) In the case of a member who is a non-GP Provider, the host Board must pay to the Department contributions under this regulation paid to it by the non-GP provider or paid to it by another employing authority not later than the 19th day of the month following the month in which the earnings were paid to the non-GP Provider.

(5) Paragraph (6) applies where a member has failed to pay member contributions or an employing authority has failed to deduct such contributions in accordance with this regulation.

(6) The Department may recover any sum that remains due in respect of contributions referred to in paragraph (5) by deduction from any payment by way of benefits to, or in respect of, the member if—

(a) the member agrees to such a deduction; and

(b) the deduction is to the member’s advantage.

(7) Paragraph (6) is without prejudice to any other method of recovery the Department may have.

(8) A member who is absent from service in circumstances within regulation 9(1) to (3A) , may make contributions to this Section of the Scheme in respect of the member’s pensionable pay or, as the case may be, pensionable earnings in accordance with that regulation and whichever of regulation 28 or 30 applies to that member.

(9) If, apart from this paragraph, the pay or, as the case may be, earnings for a scheme year in respect of a member’s service would not be a whole number of pounds, that pay or, as the case may be, those earnings must be rounded down to the nearest whole pound.

Members' contribution rate

28

(1) Contributions under regulation 27(1)(a) must be paid at the member’s contribution rate for the scheme year in question.

(2) A member’s contribution rate for each scheme year from 2015-2016 is the percentage specified in column 2 of the following table in respect of the corresponding pensionable pay band specified in column 1 of that table into which the member’s pensionable pay falls.

Column 1Pensionable Pay band	Column 2Contribution percentage rate
Up to £15,431	5%
£15,432 to £21,477	5.6%
£21,478 to £26,823	7.1%
£26,824 to £47,485	9.3%
£47,486 to £70,630	12.5%
£70,631 to £111,376	13.5%
£111,377 to any higher amount	14.5%

(2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) The pensionable pay bands and contribution percentage rates shall be determined in accordance with the tables set out in this regulation in respect of each scheme year.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Employees

29

(1) For the purposes of this regulation—

(a) “previous scheme year” means the scheme year immediately preceding the scheme year in respect of which contributions are payable in accordance with this part (“the current scheme year”); and

(b) if a member holds two or more pensionable employments at the same time—

(i) the determinations referred to in paragraphs (4) to (21) shall apply to each such employment separately; and

(ii) each such employment shall be treated separately for the purpose of paying contributions.

(2) For the purposes of determining the relevant annual contribution rate for the current scheme year paragraphs (3) to (15) apply to a member who is in pensionable employment with the same employing authority on both the last day of the previous scheme year and the first day of the current scheme year.

This is subject to paragraphs (16) and (17).

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs (4) to (15)—

(a) a member shall be regarded as being in pensionable employment throughout the previous scheme year regardless of any period in that year during which the member continued to be employed by the same employer but did not make contributions to this Section of the scheme;

(b) for the purposes of calculating the member’s pensionable pay—

(i) contributions for any period referred to in sub-paragraph (a) shall be deemed to have been paid,

(ii) any additional pensionable pay that the member is treated as having received during an absence from work in accordance with regulation 14 shall be included;

(c) the amount of pensionable pay determined in accordance with those paragraphs shall be rounded down to the nearest whole pound.

(4) If a member—

(a) was in pensionable employment with an employing authority on a whole-time basis throughout the previous scheme year;

(b) paid contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate throughout that previous scheme year; and

(5) If a member—

(a) was in pensionable employment with an employing authority on a part-time basis throughout the previous scheme year;

(b) paid contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate throughout that previous scheme year; and

the member shall pay contributions during the current scheme year at the rate specified in column 2 of the table in paragraph (2) of regulation 28 in respect of the amount of pensionable pay referred to in column 1 of that table which corresponds to the amount of the member’s pensionable pay determined by reference to the amount the Department determines would have been paid in respect of a single comparable whole-time employment during the previous scheme year.

(6) If a member—

(a) was in pensionable employment with an employing authority on a combination of a whole-time and part-time basis throughout the previous scheme year;

(b) paid contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate throughout that previous scheme year; and

(i) the member’s pensionable pay received during the previous scheme year in respect of the member’s whole-time employment, and

(ii) the amount the Department determines would have been paid in respect of a single comparable whole-time employment for that period in respect of the member’s part-time employment.

(7) If a member—

(a) was in pensionable employment with an employing authority on a whole-time basis throughout the previous scheme year;

(b) did not pay contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate throughout that previous scheme year; and

$$RPPNDPE×365$where—RPP is the pensionable pay received in respect of that employment for the period commencing on the date the member’s contribution rate last changed in that previous scheme year and ending on the last day of that previous scheme year;NDPE is the number of days of pensionable employment with that employer commencing on the date the member’s contribution rate last changed in that previous scheme year and ending on the last day of that previous scheme year.$

(8) If a member—

(a) was in pensionable employment with an employing authority on a part-time basis throughout the previous scheme year;

(b) did not pay contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate throughout that previous scheme year; and

$$CWTENDPE×365$where—CWTE is the amount the Department determines would have been paid in respect of a single comparable whole-time employment in respect of the member’s part-time employment with that employer for the period commencing on the date the member’s contribution rate last changed in that previous scheme year and ending on the last day of that previous scheme year;NDPE is the number of days of pensionable employment with that employer commencing on the date the member’s contribution rate last changed in that previous scheme year and ending on the last day of that previous scheme year.$

(9) If a member—

(a) was in pensionable employment with an employing authority on a combination of a whole-time and part-time basis throughout the previous scheme year;

(b) did not pay contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate throughout that previous scheme year; and

$$(RPP+CWTE)NDPE×365$where—RPP is the pensionable pay received for the whole-time employment with that employer for the period commencing on the date the member’s contribution rate last changed in that previous scheme year and ending on the last day of that previous scheme year;CWTE is the amount the Department determines would have been paid in respect of a single comparable whole-time employment in respect of the member’s part-time employment with that employer for the period commencing on the date the member’s contribution rate last changed in that previous scheme year and ending on the last day of that previous scheme year;NDPE is the number of days of pensionable employment with that employer for the period commencing on the date the member’s contribution rate last changed in that previous scheme year and ending on the last day of that previous scheme year.$

(10) If a member—

(a) commenced pensionable employment with an employing authority on a whole-time basis during the previous scheme year;

(b) paid contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate from the date that employment commenced to the last day of the previous scheme year; and

$$RPPNDPE×365$where—RPP is the pensionable pay received in respect of that employment during the previous scheme year;NDPE is the number of days of pensionable employment with that employer during the previous scheme year.$

(11) If a member—

(a) commenced pensionable employment with an employing authority on a part-time basis during the previous scheme year;

(b) paid contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate from the date that employment commenced to the last day of the previous scheme year; and

$$CWTENDPE×365$where—CWTE is the amount the Department determines would have been paid for that employment during the previous scheme year in respect of a single comparable whole-time employment;NDPE is the number of days of pensionable employment with that employer during the previous scheme year.$

(12) If a member—

(a) commenced pensionable employment with an employing authority during the previous scheme year and has since been employed on both a whole-time and part-time basis;

(b) paid contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate from the date that employment commenced to the last day of the previous scheme year; and

$$(RPP+CWTE)NDPE×365$where—RPP is the pensionable pay received for the whole-time employment with that employer during the previous scheme year;CWTE is the amount the Department determines would have been paid in respect of a single comparable whole-time employment in respect of the member’s part-time employment with that employer during the previous scheme year;NDPE is the number of days of pensionable employment with that employer during the previous scheme year.$

(13) If a member—

(a) commenced pensionable employment with an employing authority on a whole-time basis during the previous scheme year;

(b) did not pay contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate from the date that employment commenced to the last day of the previous scheme year; and

(14) If a member—

(a) commences pensionable employment with an employing authority on a part-time basis during the previous scheme year;

(b) did not pay contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate from the date that employment commenced to the last day of the previous scheme year; and

(15) If a member—

(a) commenced pensionable employment with an employing authority during the previous scheme year and has since been employed on both a whole-time and part-time basis with that employing authority;

(b) did not pay contributions in respect of that employment at the same percentage rate from the date that employment commenced to the last day of the previous scheme year; and

(16) If, at any time during the current scheme year, a member commences a new employment, the member shall pay contributions in respect of that employment at the rate specified in column 2 of the table in paragraph (2) of regulation 28 in respect of the amount of pensionable pay referred to in column 1 of that table which corresponds to the member’s pensionable pay determined in accordance with paragraph (20).

(17) Subject to paragraph (18), if at any time during the current scheme year, a change is made to a member’s annual rate of pensionable pay or pensionable allowances in respect of an existing employment the member shall pay contributions—

(a) from the first day of the next pay period immediately following the pay period in which the change is made at the rate specified in column 2 of the table in paragraph (2) of regulation 28 in respect of the amount of pensionable pay referred to in column 1 of that table which corresponds to the member’s pensionable pay determined in accordance with paragraph (20); and

(b) as if the member’s employment had commenced on that date.

(18) Paragraph (17) does not apply to a change made to a member’s annual rate of pensionable allowances in respect of an existing employment that is determined by that member’s employer to have been made in respect of—

(a) unplanned changes to that member’s duties; or

(b) changes to that member’s duties that are unlikely to persist for at least 12 months.

(19) If the change to a member’s pensionable pay referred to in paragraph (17) is made in respect of an existing part-time employment, that paragraph shall not apply unless there is a corresponding change to the amount of pensionable pay that would be paid to that member in respect of a whole-time comparable employment.

(20) Where paragraph (16) or (17) apply the Department shall determine the member’s pensionable pay—

(a) by applying the formula—

$$EPPNDPE×365$where—EPP is the estimated pensionable pay that the member’s employing authority estimates will be payable to the member in respect of that employment during the current scheme year;NDPE is the number of days of pensionable employment from the date employment commences to the end of the current scheme year; and$

(b) if the further employment is part-time employment, by determining how much would be paid in respect of a whole-time comparable employment,

with the amount determined under sub-paragraph (a) being the member’s pensionable pay for the purposes of this paragraph if the further employment is whole-time employment and the amount determined under sub-paragraph (b) being the member’s pensionable pay for the purposes of this paragraph if the further employment is part-time employment.

(21) If none of paragraphs (4) to (17) apply—

(a) the Department must determine the amount of the member’s pensionable pay, and in doing so shall, in addition to the matters referred to in paragraph (4) of regulation 28, have regard to the pensionable pay attributable to pensionable employment comparable to the member’s employment, prevailing pay scales and prevailing rates of pensionable allowances; and

(b) the member shall pay contributions at the rate specified in column 2 of the table in paragraph (2) of regulation 28 in respect of the amount of pensionable pay referred to in column 1 of that table which corresponds to the member’s pensionable pay determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (a).

(22) If, during the current scheme year—

(a) a payment is made to a member in respect of work that was undertaken by that member—

(i) during an earlier scheme year, or

(ii) during a period before the percentage rate at which contributions are due from that member changed by virtue of paragraph (16) or (17), or

(iii) in part during the scheme year referred to in head (i) and in part during the period referred to in head (ii);

(b) that member is in pensionable employment with the employing authority making that payment on the day that it is made; and

for all purposes under this Section of the scheme—

(i) that payment shall be treated as if it has been made to the member in respect of work undertaken by that member in the current scheme year, and

(ii) contributions shall be payable in respect of that payment at the rate applicable to the member on the day that the payment is made.

(23) If, during the current scheme year—

(a) a payment is made to a member in respect of work that was undertaken by that member—

(i) during an earlier scheme year, or

(ii) during a period before the percentage rate at which contributions are due from that member changed by virtue of paragraph (16) or (17), or

(iii) in part during the scheme year referred to in head (i) and in part during the period referred to in head (ii);

(b) that member is not in pensionable employment with the employing authority making that payment on the day that it is made; and

for all purposes under this Section of the scheme—

(i) that payment shall be treated as if it has been made to the member in respect of work undertaken by that member in the scheme year in which the member’s pensionable employment with that employing authority ceased, and

(ii) contributions shall be payable in respect of that payment at the rate applicable to the member on the day that the member’s employment ceased.

(24) If, during the current scheme year—

(a) a payment is made to a member that is determined by that member’s employing authority to have been made in respect of work done during unsocial hours;

(b) that payment is made in respect of work undertaken by that member during a period falling within the two calendar months immediately preceding the calendar month in which that payment is made; and

(c) on the day that payment is made that member is in pensionable employment with the employing authority by which that payment is made,

for all purposes under this Section of the scheme—

(i) that payment shall be treated as if it has been made to that member in respect of work undertaken by that member in the current scheme year,

(ii) contributions shall be payable in respect of that payment at the rate applicable to the member on the day that the payment is made.

(25) If, during the current scheme year—

(a) a payment is made to a member that is determined by that member’s employing authority to have been made in respect of work done during unsocial hours;

(b) that payment is made in respect of work undertaken by that member during a period falling within the two calendar months immediately preceding the calendar month in which that payment is made, and

(c) on the day that payment is made that member is not in pensionable employment with the employing authority by which that payment is made,

for all purposes under this Section of the scheme—

(i) that payment shall be treated as if it has been made to that member in respect of work undertaken by that member in the current scheme year,

(ii) contributions shall be payable in respect of that payment at the rate applicable to the member on the day the member’s pensionable employment with that employing authority ceased as determined in accordance with this regulation.

(26) In any case where paragraph (16) applies and it is apparent at the time when the person becomes an active member in an employment under this Part the person’s pensionable pay in that employment includes any amount that is variable, that amount is to be taken as such amount as the employing authority consider appropriate for the current scheme year and, in the case of a member who works part time, is the variable amount that would be paid in respect of a comparable whole time employment.

(27) If a transfer payment from a corresponding health service scheme is accepted in respect of a person, the person is treated for the purposes of this regulation as if—

(a) the person was an active member of this Section of the Scheme during any period during which the person was an active member of that scheme; and

(b) the pay by reference to which the person’s benefits under that scheme were calculated was pensionable pay for the purposes of this Section of the Scheme.

Part-time employees

30

(1) Member contributions payable by a non-GP Provider under regulation 27(1)(b) must be paid at the member’s contribution rate for the scheme year in question.

(2) A member’s contribution rate is the percentage specified in column 2 of the relevant table in paragraph (14) in respect of the corresponding pensionable earnings band specified in column 1 of that table into which the member’s pensionable earnings falls.

(3) The pensionable earnings bands and contribution percentage rates shall be determined in accordance with the relevant table in respect of each scheme year.

(4) Paragraph (5) applies where, in respect of a scheme year, a non-GP provider—

(a) has certified their pensionable earnings in accordance with regulation 136 and forwarded a record of those earnings to the host Board, or

(b) was not required to certify their earnings in accordance with that regulation but the host Board has the figure that represents the non-GP provider’s pensionable earnings for that scheme year.

(5) In the circumstances referred to in paragraph (4), contributions payable for the scheme year in question shall be those specified in column 2 of the relevant table in paragraph (14) in respect of the amount of pensionable earnings referred to in column 1 of that table which corresponds to—

(a) the certified or final pensionable earnings from all non-GP provider sources, and

(b) any additional pensionable earnings the non-GP provider is treated as having received during a break in service in accordance with regulation 14.

(6) If paragraph (4) does not apply to a non-GP provider in respect of a scheme year, that non-GP provider shall pay contributions at the rate in column 2 of the relevant table in paragraph (14), on the basis of whichever of the following the host Board considers the most appropriate in the circumstances—

(a) an amount of the non-GP provider’s earnings that has been agreed between the host Board on the one hand and the non-GP provider on the other hand;

(b) an amount of the non-GP provider’s earnings that corresponds to that non-GP provider’s most recent certified or final pensionable earnings referred to in paragraph (4); or

(c) an amount of such earnings that corresponds to the host Board’s estimate of that non-GP provider’s pensionable earnings from all non-GP provider sources for that year.

Contributions by employing authorities

Contributions by employing authorities: general

31

(1) The employing authority of a member who is an active member of this Section of the Scheme under this Part must contribute to the scheme, in respect of the pensionable pay, or as the case may be, pensionable earnings of that member, at the rate specified in paragraph (4) (“the employer’s standard rate”).

(2) In specifying the employer’s standard rate, the Department must—

(a) obtain the consent of the Department of Finance and Personnel, and

(b) take account of the advice of the Scheme actuary and the cost of providing for any increase in pensions under this Section of the Scheme as a result of orders made under the provisions of the Pensions (Increase) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 and Article 69 of the Social Security Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1975.

(3) If for any period a person holds more than one employment (whether under a contract of service or for services) with an employing authority in respect of which the person is an active member of the Scheme, this regulation and regulation 32 apply in respect of each of those employments as if it were the only employment held.

(4) The employer’s standard rate is 22.5% .

(5) In any particular case the Department may direct that, for the purposes of this Chapter, “employing authority” includes one or more of—

(a) a successor, transmittee or assignee of an employing authority’s business or functions;

(b) the last employing authority of a person to whom these Regulations apply.

(6) If a non-GP provider is—

(a) an employing authority which is a GMS practice or an APMS contractor, or

(b) a shareholder or partner in such an employing authority,

that employing authority shall pay employer’s standard rate contributions to the host Board not later than the 7th day of the month following the month in which the earnings were paid.

Contributions by employing authorities: members becoming entitled to pensions under regulation 55

32

(1) If a pension becomes payable to a member under regulation 55 (early retirement on termination of employment by employing authority), the employing authority must make a contribution to the Department in respect of—

(a) the cost of providing the pension under that regulation for the period between the member leaving the employment in which the member was an active member and reaching the age of 65—

(i) before any part of that pension is exchanged for a lump sum under regulation 58, and

(ii) in the case of a 2008 Section Optant, after that pension is reduced in accordance with regulation 136L;

(b) the cost of providing for any increase in the rate of the benefits referred to in sub-paragraph (a) for that period as a result of orders made under Article 69 of the Social Security Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1975 (so far as not already met by contributions made under regulation 31(1)); and

(c) in the case of a 2008 Section Optant, the additional cost attributable to the early payment of the lump sum to be paid to such an Optant under regulation 136L.

(2) If, on a pension under regulation 55 becoming payable to a member in respect of the termination of the member's employment with an employing authority (“the first authority”), a pension also becomes payable to the member in respect of pensionable service with one or more other employing authorities, the first authority must also make any additional contributions due in accordance with paragraph (1) in respect of that other pension.

(3) An employing authority is not responsible for meeting any costs in respect of the early payment of benefits to the extent that the benefits are attributable to contributions made under regulation 34, 36 or 37.

(4) Any contributions payable under this regulation must be paid—

(a) except in a case within sub-paragraph (b), by a single payment made within one month of the date on which the pension under regulation 55 became payable, or

(b) if the Department agrees, by not more than 5 equal annual instalments, the first of which is to be paid within one month of the date on which the pension under regulation 55 became payable and the others by 31st October in each of the following 4 scheme years.

(4A) Sub-paragraph (b) of paragraph (4) does not apply where the member leaves the employment in which the member was an active member on, or after, 1st April 2013.

(5) The following amounts must be determined by the Department on the advice of the Scheme actuary—

(a) the costs mentioned in paragraph (1),

(b) the amount of the payment mentioned in paragraph (4)(a), and

Guarantees, indemnities and bonds

33

(1) This regulation applies if—

(a) an employing authority fails to pay contributions or has previously failed to do so in accordance with regulation 31 or 32, and

(b) the authority is—

(i) a GMS practice;

(ii) an APMS contractor; or

(iii) an OOH provider; or

(iv) a GP Federation.

(2) The Department may require the employing authority to have in force a guarantee, indemnity or bond which provides for payment to the Department, should that authority fail to meet them, of all future liabilities of the authority (or such liabilities as are specified by the Department) under—

(a) this Part, or

(b) the Health and Personal Social Services (Superannuation) (Additional Voluntary Contributions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 .

(3) The guarantee, indemnity or bond must be in such form, in respect of such an amount and provided by such a person as the Department approves for the purpose.

Additional contributions to purchase additional pensions

Member's option to pay additional periodical contributions to purchase additional pension

34

(1) An active member may opt to make additional periodical contributions by monthly instalments during the contribution option period—

(a) to increase by a specified amount the benefits payable to the member under Chapter 4 (members' retirement benefits) (including if a member dies after a pension becomes payable, the benefits paid to a surviving partner and dependent children at the same rate as the member's pension for three or six months under Chapter 5 (death benefits)), or

(b) to increase by a specified amount those benefits and to increase the benefits otherwise payable in respect of surviving partners and dependent children under Chapter 5 (death benefits) in respect of the member.

(2) A member may exercise the option under paragraph (1) more than once.

(3) If a member exercises an option under paragraph (1), the member's employing authority must—

(a) deduct the member's contributions from the member's earnings, and

(b) pay them to the Department not later than the 19th day of the month following the month in which the earnings were paid.

(4) The annual amount of the periodical contributions payable at the beginning of the contribution option period must not be—

(a) an amount less than the minimum amount, or

(b) an amount other than a multiple of the minimum amount.

(5) In paragraph (4) “the minimum amount” means the amount that would, in accordance with tables prepared for the Department by the Scheme actuary for the scheme year in which the contributions are paid, be the amount of the contributions required to secure an increase in the member's pension of—

(a) £250, or

(b) such other amount as the Department may for the time being determine,

assuming that the contributions are made in accordance with the option for the remainder of the option period.

(6) The tables referred to in paragraph (5)—

(a) may specify different amounts for different descriptions of members, and

(b) may be amended during a scheme year,

but no such amendment affects the contributions payable during that year under any option, except an option under which contributions begin to be paid after the date on which the amendment takes effect.

(7) The total increase in the member's pension as a result of contributions made under this regulation, taken together with any increase as a result of—

(a) contributions made under regulation 36 (member's option to pay additional lump sum contributions to purchase additional pension), or

(b) contributions made under regulation 37 (payment of additional lump sum contributions by employing authority),

may not exceed £5000 or such other amount as the Department may for the time being determine (taking into account any increase in the member's pension as a result of the exercise of an option in accordance with regulations 165 to 174).

(8) In this Part “the contribution option period”, in relation to an option under this regulation, means a period of whole years, that—

(a) is specified in the option,

(b) begins with the pay period in respect of which the first contribution is made under the option,

(d) does not end later than the member's 65th birthday.

(9) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136D.

Effect of member being absent or leaving and rejoining this Section of the Scheme during the contribution option period

35

(1) This paragraph applies if during the contribution option period a member who has exercised the option under regulation 34 is absent from work because of—

(a) illness or injury,

(b) maternity leave,

(d) paternity leave,

(e) parental leave, shared parental leave, ...

(f) a leave of absence of the kind mentioned in regulation 9(3), or

(g) parental bereavement leave.

(2) If paragraph (1) applies—

(a) the contributions under the option continue to be payable unless the member ceases paying contributions under regulation 27, and

(b) where the member does so cease, the member may continue to make contributions in accordance with the option if the member resumes making contributions under regulation 27 before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the member first ceased to pay those contributions.

(3) This paragraph applies if—

(a) a member exercises the option under regulation 34,

(b) the member ceases to be an active member during the contribution option period, and

(c) the member becomes an active member again before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the member ceased to be an active member.

(4) If paragraph (3) applies, the member may continue to make contributions in accordance with the option after becoming an active member again unless a repayment of contributions has been made to the member under regulation 44.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4) it does not matter whether the member has paid any of the repaid contributions back to the Department.

Member's option to pay lump sum contribution to purchase additional pension

36

(1) An active member may opt to make a single lump sum contribution—

(a) to increase by a specified amount the benefits payable to the member under Chapter 4 (members' retirement benefits) (including if a member dies after a pension becomes payable, the benefits paid to a surviving partner and dependent children at the same rate as the member's pension for three or six months under Chapter 5 (death benefits)), or

(b) to increase by a specified amount those benefits and to increase the benefits otherwise payable in respect of surviving partners or dependent children under Chapter 5 (death benefits) in respect of the member.

(2) A member may only make a contribution under this regulation of an amount that is—

(a) not less than the minimum amount, or

(b) in the case of an amount exceeding the minimum amount, a multiple of the minimum amount.

(3) In paragraph (2) “the minimum amount” means the amount that is, in accordance with tables prepared for the Department by the Scheme actuary, the amount of the single contribution required at the time that the option is exercised to secure an increase in the member's pension of—

(a) £250, or

(b) such other amount as the Department may for the time being determine.

(4) A member may exercise the option under paragraph (1) more than once.

(5) If a member exercises an option under paragraph (1)—

(a) the additional contribution is payable by the member to the employing authority—

(i) by deduction from the member's earnings or otherwise, and

(ii) before the end of the period of 1 month beginning with the day on which the member is notified by the Department that the option is accepted, and

(b) the employing authority must pay it to the Department not later than the 19th day of the month following the month in which the earnings were paid or, as the case may be, the authority received payment of the contribution.

(6) The total increase in the member's pension as a result of contributions made under this regulation, taken together with any increase as a result of—

(a) contributions made under regulation 34 (member's option to pay additional periodical contributions to purchase additional pension), or

(b) contributions made under regulation 37 (payment of additional lump sum contributions by employing authority),

(7) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136D.

Payment of additional lump sum contributions by employing authority

37

(1) The employing authority of an active member may opt to make a single lump sum contribution—

(a) to increase by a specified amount the benefits payable to the member under Chapter 4 (members' retirement benefits) (including if a member dies after a pension becomes payable, the benefits paid to a surviving partner and dependent children at the same rate as the member's pension for three or six months under Chapter 5 (death benefits)), or

(b) to increase by a specified amount those benefits and to increase the benefits otherwise payable in respect of surviving partners or dependent children under Chapter 5 (death benefits) in respect of the member.

(2) An employing authority may only make a contribution under this regulation of an amount that is—

(a) not less than the minimum amount (as defined in regulation 36(3)), and

(b) in the case of an amount exceeding the minimum amount, a multiple of the minimum amount (as so defined).

(3) An employing authority may only exercise the option under paragraph (1) with the member's consent, but may exercise it more than once in respect of the same member.

(4) The total increase in the member's pension as a result of contributions made under this regulation, taken together with any increase as a result of—

(a) contributions made under regulation 34 (member's option to pay additional periodical contributions to purchase additional pension), or

(b) contributions made under regulation 36 (member's option to pay lump sum contribution to purchase additional pension),

(5) A contribution under this regulation must be paid by the employing authority to the Department within one month of the date on which the authority gave the Department notice under regulation 38(2).

(6) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136D.

Exercise of options under regulations 34, 36 and 37

38

(1) A member exercising an option under regulation 34 or 36 must do so by giving notice in writing to the employing authority, giving such information as may be required and must, at the same time, provide the Department with a copy of that notice.

(2) An employing authority exercising an option under regulation 37 must do so by giving notice in writing to the Department, giving such information as may be required.

(3) An option under regulation 34, 36 or 37 may not be exercised during a period whilst the member is absent from work for any reason.

(4) For the purposes of this Part—

(a) a member is treated as exercising an option under regulation 34 or 36 on the date on which the employing authority receives the member's notice under paragraph (1), and

(b) an employing authority is treated as exercising an option under regulation 37 on the date on which the Department receives the authority's notice under paragraph (2).

(5) The Department may refuse to accept an option exercised under regulation 34, 36 or 37 and must do so if not satisfied that—

(a) the member is in good health, and

(b) in the case of an option exercised under regulation 34, there is no reason why the member's health should prevent the member from paying the contributions for the whole contribution period.

(6) If the Department refuses to accept such an option—

(a) the Department must give notice in writing of that fact—

(i) in the case of an option exercised under regulation 34 or 36, to the member, and

(ii) in the case of an option exercised under regulation 37, to the employing authority and the member, and

(b) this Part applies as if the option had not been exercised.

(7) This Part also applies as if an option under regulation 36 or 37 had not been exercised if—

(a) in the case of an option under regulation 36, the payment is not received by the employing authority—

(i) before the end of the period of 1 month beginning with the day on which the Department notifies the member of the acceptance of the option, or

(ii) if it is earlier, on or before the member's 65th birthday, and

(b) in the case of an option under regulation 37, the payment is not received by the Department—

(i) before the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which the authority gave the Department notice under paragraph (2), or

(ii) if it is earlier, on or before the member's 65th birthday.

Cancellation of options under regulation 34

39

(1) A member may cancel an option under regulation 34(1) by giving the employing authority notice in writing.

(2) If a member cancels such an option, the additional periodical contributions cease to be payable for the first pay period beginning after the date on which the employing authority receives the notice and all subsequent pay periods.

(3) If it appears to the Department that the requirement in regulation 34(7) (overall maximum) will not be met if the member continues to make periodical contributions under an option exercised under regulation 34, the Department may cancel the option by giving the member notice in writing.

(4) If the Department cancels such an option in accordance with paragraph (3) , the additional periodical contributions cease to be payable for the first pay period beginning after the date specified in the notice and all subsequent pay periods.

(5) If, after the exercise of the option under regulation 34, the Department has reasonable grounds to believe that the member’s health will prevent the member from paying contributions for the whole contribution period, the Department may cancel the option by giving the member notice in writing.

(6) If the Department cancels such an option in accordance with paragraph (5)—

(a) the additional periodical contributions cease to be payable for the first pay period beginning after the date specified in the notice (“date of cancellation”) and all subsequent pay periods; and

(b) any periodical payments made prior to the date of cancellation shall be returned to the member.

Effect of payment of additional contributions under this Chapter

40

(1) This regulation applies if—

(a) an option is exercised by a member under regulation 34 and all the contributions to be made under the option are made,

(b) an option is exercised by a member under regulation 36 or by a member's employing authority under regulation 37 and the lump sum payment is made.

(2) Subject to paragraph (9), the member's pension is increased by the full amount of the increase to be made in accordance with the terms of the option, after the final adjustment in that amount in accordance with regulation 43(revaluation of increases bought under options: members' pensions).

(3) Paragraph (2) is without prejudice to any increase or reduction falling to be made in the total amount of the member's pension under Chapter 4 (members' retirement benefits) or Chapter 10 of this Part as a result of the member becoming entitled to payment of the pension before or after reaching the age of 65 (see regulations 47 to 49 and 136U ).

(4) In the case of an option under regulation 34(1)(b), 36(1)(b) or 37(1)(b), any pension payable under Chapter 5 (death benefits) in respect of the member is increased by the appropriate amount.

(5) In paragraph (4), subject to regulations 41 and 42(3), “the appropriate amount” means—

(a) in the case of a pension under regulation 67 the amount of which is determined under regulation 69 (active members) or regulation 71 (deferred members), 37.5% of the amount of the increase mentioned in paragraph (2) that would have applied in the member's case if the member had become entitled to the increase on the date of death (disregarding paragraph (3)),

(b) in the case of a pension under regulation 67 the amount of which is determined under regulation 70 (pensioner members), 37.5% of the amount of the increase in the member's pension as a result of the option,

(c) in the case of a pension under regulation 74 the amount of which is determined under regulation 76 (active members) or regulation 78 (deferred members), the appropriate fraction (within the meaning of regulation 76 or, as the case may be, regulation 78) of 75% of the amount of the increase mentioned in paragraph (2) that would have applied in the member's case if the member had become entitled to the increase on the date of death (disregarding paragraph (3)), and

(d) in the case of a pension under regulation 74 the amount of which is determined under regulation 77 (pensioner members), the appropriate fraction (within the meaning of that regulation) of 75% of the amount of the increase in the member's pension as a result of the option.

(6) Except as provided in regulation 49, no separate claim is required as respects any additional pension payable by virtue of this regulation.

(7) This regulation is subject to regulation 41.

(8) For the effect of the options under regulation 34 where this regulation does not apply, see regulation 42 (effect of part payment of periodical contributions).

(9) Paragraph (10) applies only to an option under regulations 34(1)(a), 36(1)(a) or 37(1)(a), where a pension is to be paid for either three or six months at the same rate as the member's pension was being paid at the date of that member's death.

(10) Any increase to the member's pension shall be included only in a benefit payable to a surviving partner or a dependent child in respect of the member under these Regulations whilst it is being paid at the rate and for the duration of one of the periods referred to in paragraph (9).

(11) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136D.

Effect of death or early payment of pension after option exercised under regulation 34, 36 or 37

41

(1) If a member in respect of whom an option under regulation 34, 36 or 37 has been exercised dies before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the option was exercised—

(a) an amount equal to the contributions paid under the option must be paid—

(i) in the case of an option under regulation 34 or 36, to the member's personal representatives, and

(ii) in the case of an option under regulation 37, to the employing authority which made the contribution, and

(b) regulation 40 (4) does not apply.

(2) If a member in respect of whom an option under regulation 34 has been exercised dies after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the option was exercised and before the end of the contribution option period, regulation 40 (4) applies as if all contributions due after the date of death had been made.

(3) If a member in respect of whom an option under regulation 34, 36 or 37 has been exercised becomes entitled to a pension under regulation 52 as a result of a claim made before the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the option was exercised—

(a) regulation 40(2) and (4) does not apply, and

(b) an amount equal to the contributions paid under the option must be paid—

(i) in the case of an option under regulation 34 or 36, to the member, and

(ii) in the case of an option under regulation 37, to the employing authority which made the contribution.

(4) If a member in respect of whom an option under regulation 34 has been exercised becomes entitled to a pension under regulation 52 before the end of the contribution option period as a result of a claim made after the end of the period of 12 months beginning with the date on which the option was exercised, regulation 40(2) and (4) applies as if all contributions under the option had been made.

This is subject to regulation 39(5) and (6).

(5) If a member in respect of whom an option under regulation 34, 36 or 37 has been exercised—

(a) becomes entitled to a pension under regulation 48, 54 or 55, or

(b) becomes entitled to a pension under regulation 49 before reaching the age of 65,

the increase in the member's pension under Chapter 4 (members' retirement benefits) which would otherwise be due under regulation 40(2) or regulation 42 is reduced.

(6) The amount of the reduction is such amount as the Department determines, after consulting the Scheme actuary, to be appropriate by reason of the payment of the increase before the member reaches 65.

(7) This regulation is subject to regulation 42.

Effect of part payment of periodical contributions

42

(1) This regulation applies if—

(a) the full number and amount of contributions due under an option under regulation 34 for the whole contribution option period are not made, and

(b) regulation 41(1) to (4) does not apply.

(2) The increase in the member's pension under Chapter 4 (members' retirement benefits) is the appropriate proportion of the increase that would have been made under regulation 40(2) if the full number and amount of contributions had been made (but taking account of regulation 41(5) if that applies).

(3) In the case of an option under regulation 34(1)(b), the increase in any benefit payable under Chapter 5 (death benefits) in respect of the member is the appropriate proportion of the increase that would have been made under regulation 40(4) if the full number and amount of contributions had been made (but taking account of regulation 41(5) if that applies).

(4) For the purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3), the appropriate proportion is calculated in accordance with such method as the Scheme actuary may determine and specify in guidance given to the Department.

(5) In making a determination under paragraph (4), the Scheme actuary must have regard to—

(a) the proportion that the total contributions paid bears to the full amount of contributions due under an option under regulation 34 for the whole contribution option period, and

(b) the preservation requirements.

(6) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136D.

Revaluation of increases bought under options: members’ pensions

43

(1) Where an option under regulation 34, 36 or 37 has been exercised, the final amount of the increase in a member’s pension immediately before the beginning date for that pension shall be determined in accordance with this regulation.

(2) Where the increase in pension is in respect of an option that was exercised less than 2 months before the increase becomes payable, the final amount is calculated in accordance with paragraph (4).

(3) Where the increase in pension is in respect of an option that was exercised 2 or more months before the increase in pension becomes payable, the final amount is calculated in accordance with paragraph (5).

(4) The calculation referred to in paragraph (2) is as follows—

Step 1 – Calculate the basic amount of the increase in accordance with regulations 40 to 42, to find the Step 1 amount.

Step 2 – Add to the Step 1 amount an amount that is equal to any increases that would be due under the Pensions (Increase) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 on a pension of the same amount as the Step 1 amount when it first falls into payment, to find the Step 2 amount.

Step 3 – Divide the Step 2 amount by the Step 1 amount, to find the Step 3 factor.

Step 4 – Divide the Step 1 amount by the Step 3 factor, to find the final amount referred to in paragraph (1).

(5) The calculation referred to in paragraph (3) is as follows—

Step 1 – Calculate the basic amount of the increase in accordance with regulations 40 to 42, to find the Step 1 amount.

Step 2 – Multiply the Step 1 amount by the retail prices index for the second month before the month in which the increase in pension will become payable, to find the Step 2 amount.

Step 3 – Divide the Step 2 amount by the retail prices index for the month in which the option was exercised, to find the Step 3 amount.

Step 4 – Take the greater of the Step 1 amount and Step 3 amount, to find the Step 4 amount.

Step 5 – Add to the Step 4 amount an amount that is equal to any increases that would be due under the Pensions (Increase) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 on a pension of the same amount as the Step 4 amount when it first falls into payment, to find the Step 5 amount.

Step 6 – Divide the Step 5 amount by the Step 4 amount, to find the Step 6 factor.

Step 7 – Divide the Step 4 amount by the Step 6 factor, to find the final amount referred to in paragraph (1).

(6) In this regulation, “the beginning date”, in relation to a pension, means the date on which it is treated as beginning for the purposes of the Pensions (Increase) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 (see section 8(2) of that Act).

Repayment of contributions

44

(1) The contributions made by a member under this Chapter are not repayable in any circumstances except if—

(a) paragraph (2) applies, or

(b) Chapter V of Part IV of the 1993 Act (early leavers: cash transfer sums and contribution refunds) applies and the payment is made in accordance with that Chapter.

(2) This paragraph applies if—

(a) a person who is not a pensioner member ceases to be an active member and does not continue to be, or become, an active member for the purposes of Part 3 within 12 months of ceasing officer service,

(b) the person does not fall within sub-paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of regulation 45(2) (former members entitled to a pension),

(d) the person claims repayment of contributions under this regulation by applying in writing to the Department.

(3) If paragraph (1)(b) applies, the person is entitled to be paid the amount to which the person is entitled under Chapter V of Part IV of the 1993 Act, less—

(a) such part of any contributions equivalent premium paid in respect of the person as is permitted by or under section 57 of the 1993 Act, and

(b) an amount equal to the income tax payable under section 205 of the Finance Act 2004 (short service refund lump sum charge) as a result of the repayment.

(4) If paragraph (2) applies, the person is entitled to be paid an amount equal to the sum of the contributions made by the person under this Chapter, less the amounts mentioned in paragraph (3)(a) and (b).

(5) If a repayment is made under this regulation, the member's rights under this Section of the Scheme are extinguished unless the person or the person's spouse or civil partner is entitled to a guaranteed minimum pension under this Section of the Scheme and a contributions equivalent payment has not been paid.

(6) A person—

(a) who is entitled to a repayment of contributions under this regulation, and

(b) whose pensionable service did not cease because the person's employment was terminated at the person's request,

is entitled to interest on the amount of the repayment unless the person's pensionable service ceased because the person's employment was terminated by reason of misconduct or inefficiency.

(7) Subject to paragraphs (8) and (9), the interest is calculated on a compound basis at the rate of 2.5% per year, with yearly rests, for the period starting on 1st April after the contributions were paid and ending with the day the member leaves pensionable service.

(8) Paragraph (7) does not apply if paragraph (1)(b) applies and the person is entitled to a greater amount of interest under Chapter V of Part IV of the 1993 Act.

(9) So far as the contributions were paid under another scheme and were included in a transfer payment to this Section of the Scheme—

(a) interest for the period before the transfer payment was made is calculated in accordance with the Scheme making the transfer payment (subject to any provision made in any statutory provision applicable to the transfer), and

(b) paragraph (7) does not apply as respects that period.

CHAPTER 4 — MEMBERS' RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Entitlement to pensions

Normal retirement pensions

45

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), regulation 57 (exceptions to requirement that HSC employment must have ceased) and the following provisions of this Part, the general rule is that a member is entitled to a pension payable for life in respect of any period of pensionable service (“the relevant service”) if the member—

(a) has reached the age of 65, and

(b) either—

(i) has ceased to be employed in HSC employment and has claimed payment of the pension, or

(ii) will reach the age of 75 on the next day.

(2) A person to whom paragraph (1) applies is not entitled to a pension under this regulation unless—

(a) the member is entitled to count at least 2 years of qualifying service in respect of the relevant service, or

(b) a transfer value payment has been accepted by the Scheme during the relevant service under Chapter 6 (transfers), otherwise than from an occupational pension scheme,

(c) the member is entitled to a pension under this regulation in respect of any previous period of pensionable service, or

(d) the member has reached the age of 65.

(3) A pension to which a member is entitled under this regulation becomes payable immediately the member becomes entitled to it.

(4) The amount of the annual pension payable under this regulation (disregarding any additional pension) is given by the formula—

$$RP60×LRS365$where—RP is the member's reckonable pay, andLRS is the length of the member's relevant service, expressed in days.$

(5) A claim referred to in paragraph (1)(b)(i) and made in accordance with regulation 125, takes effect from the date the claim is received by the Department.

(6) This regulation does not apply to pensions derived from pension credit rights.

(7) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136L.

Pension credit members

46

(1) The general rule is that a pension credit member is entitled to a pension for life derived from the member's pension credit rights if the member has reached 65 and has claimed payment of the pension.

(2) The pension becomes payable—

(a) when the pension credit member reaches 65, or

(b) if it is later, when the pension sharing order under which the member is entitled to the pension credit takes effect.

This is subject to paragraphs (5) and (8)

(3) The pension must be of such an amount that its value is equal to the member's pension credit, as calculated in accordance with regulations made under paragraph 5(b) of Schedule 5 to the 1999 Order.

(4) A claim under paragraph (1) must be made by notice in writing in such form as the Department requires and takes effect from the date specified in the claim as the date on which the pension is to become payable.

(5) A pension credit member who has not reached the age of 65 is entitled to immediate payment of a reduced pension payable for life if the pension credit member has—

(a) reached the age of 55; and

(b) claimed the payment of the pension.

(6) The amount of the annual pension under paragraph (5)—

(a) is first calculated as mentioned in paragraph (3); and

(b) then that amount is reduced by such amount as the Department determines, after consulting the Scheme actuary, to be appropriate by reason of the payment of the pension before the member reaches 65.

(7) A claim under paragraph (5) must be made by notice in writing in such form as the Department requires and takes effect from the date specified in the claim as the date on which the pension is to become payable.

(8) A pension credit member who has not reached the age of 65 is entitled to immediate payment of a pension payable for life if, in the opinion of the Department, the pension credit member—

(a) meets the ill-health condition specified in paragraph 1 of Schedule 28 to the Finance Act 2004;

(b) had previously been engaged in regular employment but is now permanently incapable of engaging in such employment due to mental or physical infirmity; and

(9) The amount of the pension under paragraph (8) is calculated as specified in paragraph (3).

(10) For the purpose of paragraph (8), the Department may require whatever medical evidence that it considers necessary.

Late payment of pension with actuarial increase

47

(1) This regulation applies if a member becomes entitled to immediate payment of pension under regulation 45 after reaching the age of 65.

(2) So much of the amount of the pension to which the member would otherwise be entitled under that regulation (before any commutation under regulation 58) as is attributable—

(a) to the member's pensionable service before that age, and

(b) to any contributions paid under regulation 34, 36 or 37 before that age,

is increased.

(3) The amount of the increase must be calculated in accordance with guidance and tables provided by the Scheme actuary to the Department for the purposes of this regulation.

(4) In preparing that guidance and those tables the Scheme actuary must use such factors as the Scheme actuary considers appropriate, having regard, in particular, to the period after reaching the age of 65 before the member becomes entitled to immediate payment of the pension and the life expectancy of the member.

(5) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136U.

Early payment of pensions with actuarial reduction

48

(1) A member who has not reached the age of 65 is entitled to immediate payment of a reduced pension payable for life if the member—

(a) has reached the age of 55,

(b) meets the condition in regulation 45(2)(a) or (b),

(d) has claimed payment of the pension.

(2) The amount of the annual pension under this regulation—

(a) is first calculated as mentioned in regulation 45(4) (and, if additional pension is payable, in accordance with regulation 40(2) or 42(2)), and

(b) then that amount is reduced by such amount as the Department determines, after consulting the Scheme actuary, to be appropriate by reason of the payment of the pension before the member reaches 65.

(3) A claim under paragraph (1) must be made by notice in writing in such form as the Department requires and takes effect—

(a) in the case of a deferred member, from the date specified in the claim as the date on which the pension is to become payable,

(b) in the case of an active member or a non-contributing member , from the day immediately following the day on which the member ceased to be employed in HSC employment.

(4) A member shall not be entitled to a pension under this regulation if the Department determines, having taken advice from the Scheme actuary, that the pension, as reduced under paragraph (1), would be insufficient to meet its liability to provide a guaranteed minimum pension.

(5) In the case of a 2008 Section Optant, this regulation is subject to regulation 136L.

Partial retirement (members aged at least 55)

49

(1) An active member of the 2015 scheme may exercise an option under this regulation if—

(a) the member has reached the age of 55 and continues to be employed in the employment in which the member is an active member or where the member has more than one such employment, in at least one of those employments,

(b) the member would be entitled to a pension for life, by virtue of regulation 45 (1)(b)(i) and not regulation 45 (1)(b)(ii), if the member had—

(i) reached the age of 65,

(ii) ceased to be so employed, and

(iii) claimed payment of the pension,

(d) as a result the annual rate of the member's pensionable pay is reduced (disregarding any reduction in pensionable pay resulting from the member entering into a salary sacrifice arrangement) to 90% or less of the amount of the member's pensionable pay during the period of 12 months ending with the option day.

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