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The Police Pensions Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

Type Ni-Statutory-Rule

Publication 2015-03-02

Last updated 2026-02-01

State In force

Jurisdiction Northern Ireland

Department Government Printer for Northern Ireland

Source legislation.gov.uk

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(3) The annual rate of a surviving adult's lower tier ill-health pension is an amount equal to 50% of the annual rate of P's lower tier ill-health pension.

(4) The annual rate of a surviving adult's enhanced upper tier ill-health pension is an amount equal to 50% of the annual rate of P's enhanced upper tier ill-health pension.

(5) The annual rate of a surviving adult's added pension is an amount equal to 50% of the annual rate of retirement added (all beneficiaries) pension calculated without subtracting the early payment reduction (if any);

(6) In accordance with section 7(4) of the 1971 Act, for the purposes of this regulation there is to be disregarded any increase in the annual rate of a pension since the beginning date for that pension.

Annual rate of surviving adult's pensions payable on death of deferred member

139

(1) This regulation applies on the death of a deferred member of this scheme.

(2) The annual rate of a surviving adult's earned pension is an amount equal to 50% of the sum of the provisional amount of deferred earned pension specified in the deferred member's account.

(3) The annual rate of a surviving adult's added pension is an amount equal to 50% of the provisional amount of deferred added (all beneficiaries) pension specified in the deferred member's account.

(4) In this regulation “deferred earned pension” means —

(a) deferred standard earned pension; and

(b) deferred club transfer earned pension (if any).

Annual rate of surviving adult's pensions payable on death of active member

140

(1) This regulation applies on the death of an active member of this scheme who has at least 2 years qualifying service.

(2) The annual rate of a surviving adult's earned pension is an amount equal to 50% of the annual rate of ill-health pension under this scheme that would have been payable to the member on the date of the member's death had the member met the upper tier threshold.

(3) The annual rate of a surviving adult's added pension is an amount equal to 50% of the amount of retirement added (all beneficiaries) pension that would have been specified in the member's retirement account had the member become entitled to such a pension on the date of the member's death.

Reduction in pensions in cases of wide age disparity

141

(1) This regulation applies if, on the death of a member of this scheme, a surviving adult's pension becomes payable to a surviving adult who is more than 12 years younger than the member.

(2) The annual rate of the surviving adult's pension is reduced by the lower of—

(a) 50% of the amount of the annual rate of the pension calculated under regulation 138,139 or 140; and

$2.5 × ( N − 12 ) %$

CHAPTER 3 — Pensions for eligible children

Meaning of “eligible child's pension”

142

In these Regulations, “eligible child's pension” means any of the following pensions payable to an eligible child under this Chapter—

(a) a child's earned pension;

(b) a child's lower tier ill-health pension;

(d) a child's added pension.

Meaning of “eligible child”

143

(1) In these Regulations, “eligible child”, in relation to a deceased member of this scheme, means a person mentioned in paragraph (2) who meets one of the conditions in paragraph (3)—

(2) The persons are—

(a) a natural child of a member born before the member's death;

(b) a natural child of a member born after member's death if the child's mother was pregnant with the child at the date of the member's death;

(d) any other child or young person who, in the opinion of the scheme manager, at the date of the member's death, was substantially dependent on the member financially or because of physical or mental impairment.

(3) The conditions are—

(a) that the person is under 19 years;

(b) that the person is under 23 years and in full-time education or full time vocational training on a course of at least one year's duration;

(c) that the person is under 23 and, in the opinion of the scheme manager unable to engage in any regular employment because of physical or mental impairment;

(d) that in the opinion of the scheme manager—

(i) the person is dependent on the member at the date of the member's death because of physical or mental impairment;

(ii) the person is unable to engage in any regular employment because of that impairment; and

(iii) that impairment is likely to be permanent.

Eligible child's pension

144

(1) This regulation applies if a member of this scheme dies leaving an eligible child.

(2) An eligible child's pension is only payable in respect of such periods or periods during which a child or young person is an eligible child.

(3) An eligible child's pension is not payable in respect of any period before a child's birth.

(4) An eligible child's pension is payable in respect of an eligible child as follows—

(a) a child's earned pension is payable if the member was entitled to the payment for life of a retirement earned pension as at the date of the member's death or the member would have become entitled to such a pension had the member not died;

(b) a child's lower tier ill-health pension is payable if a lower tier earned pension was payable to the member as at the date of the member's death;

(c) a child's enhanced upper tier ill-health pension is payable if an enhanced upper tier ill-health pension was payable to the member as at the date of the member's death;

(d) a child's added pension is payable if the member was entitled to the payment for life of a retirement added (all beneficiaries) pension as at the date of the member's death or would have become entitled to such a pension had the member not died.

(5) Part 6 of Schedule 4 (transitional provisions) provides for payment of an eligible child's pension in respect of a transition member with continuity of service—

(a) who dies as an active member of this scheme; and

(b) who has at least 2 years' qualifying service.

Annual rate of eligible child's pension

145

(1) The annual rate of an eligible child's pension is determined by reference to the annual rate of the corresponding surviving adult's pension (disregarding any reduction falling to be made under regulation 141 (wide age disparity)) whether or not a surviving adult's pension is payable on the death of the member.

(2) For the purposes of this regulation, the corresponding surviving adult's pensions are—

(a) for a child's earned pension, a surviving adult's earned pension;

(b) for a child's lower tier ill-health pension, a surviving adult's lower tier ill-health pension;

(c) for a child's enhanced upper tier ill-health pension, a surviving adult's enhanced upper tier top up ill-health pension; and

(d) for a child's added pension, a surviving adult's added pension.

(3) If an eligible child's pension is payable in respect of one or 2 eligible children, the annual rate of an eligible child's pension is equal to 50% of the annual rate of the corresponding surviving adult's pension; and

(4) If an eligible child's pension is payable in respect of 3 or more eligible children, the annual rate of eligible child's pension payable to each eligible child is equal to the appropriate fraction of 50% of the annual rate of the corresponding surviving adult's pension.

(5) In this regulation, “the appropriate fraction” means

$$2 Y$where—Yis the number of eligible children in respect of whom the annual rate of an eligible child's pension is calculated.In calculating the annual rate of eligible child's pension payable on the death of a pension debit member of this scheme, the reduction of the pension debit member's benefits under article 28 of the 1999 Order is disregarded.$

CHAPTER 4 — Payment of pensions for surviving adults and eligible children

Payment of pensions under this Part

146

(1) A surviving adult's pension is payable in respect of each month as from the day after the day on which the member dies.

(2) An eligible child's pension is payable—

(a) in respect of each month as from the day after the date of a member's death; or

(b) for an eligible child born after the member's death, in respect of each month as from the day on which that child is born.

(3) An eligible child's pension payable in respect of an eligible child aged under age 18 must be paid—

(a) if the child is in the care of the member's surviving adult, to the surviving adult (unless the scheme manager directs otherwise); and

(b) in any other case, to a person determined by the scheme manager.

(4) A person who receives a sum under paragraph (3) must apply that sum for the benefit of the child.

Suspension and recovery of pensions paid under this Part

147

(1) This regulation applies if—

(a) on a member's death a pension is paid under this Part; and

(b) it later appears to the scheme manager that the member or the person to whom the pension was paid made a false declaration or deliberately suppressed a material fact in connection with the claim for payment.

(2) The scheme manager may—

(a) cease paying the pension; and

(b) recover any payment of the pension.

(3) Paragraph (2) does not affect any other right the scheme manager has to recover a payment or overpayment.

Provisional payment of eligible child's pensions: later adjustments

148

(1) This regulation applies where—

(a) an active member, deferred member or pensioner member of this scheme has died.

(b) a pension is paid in respect of one or more persons under this Part on the basis that they were eligible children at the date of the member's death and that there were then no other eligible children; and

(i) a person in respect of whom an eligible child's pension was paid was not an eligible child on the date of death;

(ii) on that date one or more other persons was an eligible child; or

(iii) a child who was born after the member's death is an eligible child.

(2) The scheme manager may adjust the amount of pension payable in respect of each eligible child to take account of the matters in paragraph (1)(c).

(3) Paragraph (2) does not affect any right of the scheme manager has to recover a payment or an overpayment.

Adjustment of benefits to comply with the 2004 Act where members die over 75

149

(1) This regulation applies if—

(a) a member of this scheme dies after reaching the age of 75; and

(b) apart from this regulation, any part of a pension to which any person becomes entitled under this Part on the death would not qualify as a dependants' scheme pension for the purposes of section 167 of the 2004 Act (the pension death benefit rules) (see paragraphs 16 to 16C of Schedule 28 to that Act).

(2) The benefit payable to the person may be adjusted in any way as determined by the scheme manager so that it qualifies as a dependants' scheme pension for the purposes of section 167 of the 2004 Act.

Guaranteed minimum pensions for surviving spouses and civil partners

150

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a person (P) who is the surviving spouse or civil partner of a deceased active, deferred or pensioner member has a guaranteed minimum under section 13 of the 1993 Act in relation to the member's benefits under this scheme.

(2) Nothing in these Regulations permits or requires anything that would cause requirements under the 1993 Act that relate to such a person or that relate to the rights of such a person not to be met in relation to P;

(3) Nothing in these Regulations prevents anything from being done which is necessary or expedient for the purpose of meeting such requirements in the case of P;

(4) The following paragraphs are without prejudice to the generality of paragraphs (2) and (3).

(5) If apart from this regulation a pension would be payable to P under this Part—

(a) a pension the weekly rate of which is equal to the guaranteed minimum is payable to P for life; or

(b) pensions the aggregate weekly rate of which is equal to the guaranteed minimum are so payable.

(6) If apart from this regulation the weekly rate of a pension payable to P under this Part would be less than the guaranteed minimum, the pensions payable are increased to the amount specified in paragraph (5).

(7) Paragraphs (5) and (6) do not apply to a pension that is—

(a) forfeited as a result of a conviction for treason; or

(b) forfeited under regulation 206 where the relevant offence within the meaning of that regulation is an offence under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 or an applicable offence under the National Security Act 2023 .

CHAPTER 5 — Nominations for lump sum death grants

Nominations for lump sum death grants

151

(1) A member of this scheme may nominate an individual to receive a lump sum death grant.

(2) A nomination may only be made by giving a signed notice to the scheme manager in a form the scheme manager requires.

(3) A member may revoke or alter a nomination by giving a further signed notice to the scheme manager in a form the scheme manager requires.

(4) On receipt of a notice under this regulation, the scheme manager must send the member a written notification of its receipt.

Invalid nominations of individuals

152

(1) If the nomination of an individual is invalid, any lump sum death grant that would have been payable to the individual is payable to the member's legal personal representative.

(2) A nomination of an individual is invalid if—

(a) the individual predeceases the member; or

(b) the individual is convicted of the offence of murder of the member.

(3) The scheme manager may determine that the nomination of an individual is invalid if the individual is convicted of manslaughter of the member or any other offence (apart from murder) of which the unlawful killing or wounding of the member is an element.

Recovery of payment if nomination found to be invalid

153

(1) The scheme manager may recover a lump sum death grant paid to any person if the person's nomination is subsequently found to be invalid.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not affect any other right the scheme manager has to recover a payment or an overpayment.

CHAPTER 6 — Payment of lump sum death grants

Payment of lump sum death grants: general

154

(1) A lump sum death grant is payable in respect of—

(a) an active member of this scheme who dies; or

(b) a pension credit member of this scheme who dies before any benefits attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit become payable.

(2) A lump sum death grant is payable whether or not a surviving adult's pension or death gratuity is payable in respect of the member.

(3) A lump sum death grant is not payable in respect of a member who dies after reaching 75 (see regulation 157 for payment of a pension instead of a lump sum who have reached 75).

Persons who may be paid lump sum death grant

155

(1) The scheme manager must pay a lump sum death grant to any surviving spouse or surviving civil partner of the member, unless immediately before the member's death—

(a) the member and the spouse or civil partner were separated by an order or decree of a competent court; and

(b) the member was not required by the order to contribute, and was not in fact regularly contributing—

(i) to the support of the spouse or civil partner; or

(ii) to the support of a child of the spouse or civil partner.

(2) If a lump sum death grant is not paid under paragraph (1), the scheme manager may in its discretion pay a lump sum death grant to any surviving adult partner of the member, if the surviving adult partner—

(a) claims payment of a surviving adult's pension; and

(b) satisfies the scheme manager that at the time of the member's death—

(i) the circumstances in paragraph (1)(a)(i)to (iii) of regulation 134 (meaning of surviving adult partner) continued to subsist; and

(ii) the member and the surviving adult partner had cohabited for at least 2 years.

(3) The scheme manager may in its discretion accept a shorter period of cohabitation if satisfied in the particular circumstances of the case that the member and P would have cohabited as partners for at least 2 years had the member not died.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5A), if a lump sum death grant is not paid under paragraph (1) or (2), the scheme manager may in its discretion pay a lump sum death grant to a person nominated under regulation 151 (nominations for lump sum death grants) if the nomination has effect at the date of the member's death.

(5) Subject to paragraph (5A), if a lump sum death grant is not paid under paragraph (1), (2) or (4), the scheme manager may in its discretion pay a lump sum death grant to the member's legal personal representative.

(5A) Unless paragraph (5B) applies, the scheme manager must pay a grant to a person of the description in paragraph (2) if a grant was paid to a different person under paragraph (4) or (5) before this paragraph came into operation.

(5B) This paragraph applies where the scheme manager is of the opinion that the person of the description in paragraph (2) has benefited from all the grant paid under paragraph (4) and (5).

(5C) The amount of a grant payable under paragraph (5A) is an amount up to the amount calculated under regulation 160, but the scheme manager may pay such lower amount as it considers appropriate in all the circumstances, if it is of the opinion that the person has benefited from some of the grant paid under paragraph (4) or (5).

Pension protection lump sum death benefit

156

(1) A lump sum death grant is treated for the purposes of the 2004 Act as a pension protection lump sum death benefit if and to the extent that—

(a) the member has given written notice to the scheme manager that the lump sum death grant is to be so treated; and

(b) the lump sum death grant meets all the conditions required by the 2004 Act for it to be treated as a pension protection lump sum death benefit t (see paragraph 14 of Part 2 ( lump sum death benefit rule) of Schedule 29 to the 2004 Act) .

(2) The scheme manager may deduct tax from the lump sum death grant if the scheme manager is liable for tax under section 206 (special lump sum death benefits charge) of the 2004 Act in respect of a pension protection lump sum death benefit.

Payment of pension instead of lump sum death grant for members who have reached 75

157

(1) This regulation applies if an active member dies after reaching 75.

(2) The scheme manager must pay a pension under this regulation to any surviving spouse or surviving civil partner of the member.

(3) If there is no surviving spouse or surviving civil partner, the scheme manager must pay a pension to —

(a) a surviving adult partner of the member; or

(b) a person nominated by the member under regulation 151; or

(4) The restrictions in regulation 154 (payment of lump sum death grant: general) relating to payment of a lump sum death grant also apply to payment of a pension under this regulation.

(5) A pension payable under this regulation is payable in respect of each month as from the date of the member's death for the 5 year period beginning with the date of death.

(6) The amount of each payment must be equal to the sum of—

(a) the amount of pension that would have been payable to the member had the member—

(i) became entitled to payment of the pension on the due date of death; and

(ii) lived until the end of the 5 year period beginning with the date of death; and

(b) any increases in the annual rate of that pension under the 1971 Act during the 5 year period.

CHAPTER 7 — Amount of lump sum death grant

Meaning of “final pay”

158

(1) In these Regulations, “final pay” in relation to a continuous period of pensionable service under this scheme (“period of service”) means the greater of the following amounts—

(a) the amount of a member's pensionable earnings payable in respect of the 12 months ending with the last day of pensionable service;

(b) the amount of a member's pensionable earnings payable in respect of any scheme year in the 10 scheme years immediately before the last active scheme year (“the earnings year”).

(2) For the purpose of determining which of the amounts mentioned in paragraph (1) is the greater—

(a) if the member's period of service was less than 12 months, the amount in paragraph (1)(a) is an amount equal to the member's annualised final pay; and

(b) the amount in paragraph (1)(b) is adjusted for inflation in accordance with paragraph (3).

(3) The amount of pensionable earnings payable in respect of the earnings year is adjusted for inflation by increasing it by the same amount as that by which the annual rate of a pension of an amount equal to the amount of pensionable earnings would have been increased under the 1971 Act by the day following the last day of pensionable service if—

(a) that pension was eligible to be so increased; and

(b) the beginning date for that pension was the first day of the next scheme year after the earnings year.

(4) For the purpose of this regulation—

(a) in respect of a period of assumed pay under this scheme, “pensionable earnings” means the member's assumed pay; and

(b) if the member is a transition member with continuity of service, “pensionable earnings” in respect of any period includes the member's pensionable earnings under the existing police pension scheme before the transition date for that member.

Meaning of “annualised final pay”

159

(1) This regulation applies for the purpose of regulation 158(2)(a) (meaning of “final pay”).

(2) If the member's period of service was less than 12 months, the member's annualised final pay is—

$$FP × 365 N$where—FPis the amount of the member's pensionable earnings payable in respect of that period of service; andNis the number of days in that period.$

(3) But if the period of service includes the day 29th February, paragraph (1) has effect with the substitution for “366” of “365”.

(4) For the purpose of this regulation—

(a) in respect of a period of assumed pay under this scheme, “pensionable earnings” means the member's assumed pay; and

(b) if the member is a transition member with continuity of service, “pensionable earnings” in respect of any period includes the member's pensionable earnings under the existing police pension scheme before the transition date for that member.

Amount of lump sum death grant payable on death of active member

160

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a continuous period of pensionable service under this scheme (“period of service”).

(2) If the member is a transition member with continuity of service, the period of service includes the member's period of pensionable service under the existing police pension scheme before the transition date for that member.

(3) The amount of the lump sum death grant payable in respect of a person (P) who dies as an active member is—

(a) if P's period of service was at least 12 months—

$P's final pay × 3$

(b) if P's period of service was less than 12 months—

$P's annualised final pay × 3$

Amount of lump sum death grant payable on death of pension credit member

161

(1) This regulation applies if a pension credit member of this scheme dies before any benefits derived from a pension credit have become payable to the member.

(2) The amount of the lump sum death grant is equal to—

$annual rate of pension × 3$

where—

Amount payable under court order to former spouse or civil partner

162

(1) This regulation applies if on or after the death of a member of this scheme the scheme manager is required under a court order to pay any part of a lump sum death grant to the member's former spouse or civil partner.

(2) The amount of the lump sum death grant is first determined as if no such order had been made, and then this Part applies as if the amount of the lump sum death grant were reduced by the amount payable under the court order.

CHAPTER 8 — Death gratuities

Application of Chapter

163

This Chapter applies in relation to the sum of all benefits paid or payable in respect of the member's continuous period of pensionable service under this scheme (“the period of service”).

Death gratuities - dependants

164

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a pensioner member or deferred member of this scheme who dies if—

(a) the death results from an injury received in the execution of duty; or

(b) the member dies within 2 years of becoming entitled to the member's retirement pension.

(2) The scheme manager may in its discretion grant a gratuity to any person who at the date of the member's death was in the opinion of the scheme manager—

(a) wholly or partly financially dependent on the member; or

(b) wholly or partly dependent on the member because of physical or mental impairment.

(3) The total amount of any gratuities granted under this regulation must not exceed the sum of all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member under this scheme.

Death gratuity – estate

165

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a member of this scheme—

(a) who dies as an active member; or

(b) who dies as a deferred member or a pension member of this scheme if the death results from an injury received in the execution of his duty; or

(2) If the sum of the amounts in paragraph (3) is less than the sum of all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member under this scheme, the scheme manager must pay to the member's legal personal representative a gratuity equal to the difference.

(3) The amounts are—

(a) any amount of pension or lump sum paid to the member in relation to the period of service, together with any increase under the 1971 Act;

(b) the capitalised value (determined by the scheme manager, having regard to actuarial tables) of any surviving adult's pension or eligible child's pension granted in respect of the member's death;

(d) any gratuity granted under regulation 164 (dependants) in respect of the member's death.

(4) For the purpose of an appeal to the Department under regulation 206 (Appeals to the Department), a claim for payment of a gratuity under this regulation is taken to be made on the date of the member's death.

CHAPTER 9 — Prevention of duplication of benefits

Payment of one benefit only in respect of deceased member

166

(1) This regulation applies for the purpose of determining benefits payable to a surviving adult or eligible children (P) in respect of a member's continuous period of pensionable service under this scheme.

(2) P is not entitled to be paid in respect of the member's period of service both—

(a) a surviving adult's pension on or an eligible child's pension; and

(b) an award under the Injury Benefits Regulations.

(3) P may choose which of the benefits in paragraph (2) the person wishes to receive.

(4) If P chooses which benefit P wishes to be paid, the scheme manager must pay P that benefit.

(5) If P does not choose which benefit P the person wishes to be paid the scheme manager must pay P—

(a) the benefit which is for the time being greater; or

(b) if the amount of both benefits is the same, that amount.

PART 10 — Contributions

Amount of pensionable earnings

167

(1) For the purpose of this Part, the amount of a member's pensionable earnings for any period is determined in accordance with this regulation.

(2) The amount of pensionable earnings for any pay period for a person who falls within regulation 4(1)(a) or (c) in full time service as a member of the police service means the rate of pay to which the member is entitled as such a member in that pay period, account being taken of any retrospective increase in that rate.

(3) The amount of pensionable earnings for any pay period for a person who falls within regulation 4(1)(a) or (c) in part-time service is the amount of pensionable earnings that would be payable to that member in that pay period if the member were in full-time service.

(4) For a member who falls within regulation 4(1)(b) the amount of pensionable earnings for any pay period is determined in accordance with regulation 30(1)(c).

(5) Unless paragraph (6), (7) or (8) applies, the amount of the member's pensionable earnings during any period of assumed pay is equal to the member's assumed pay.

(6) For any period of assumed pay under regulation 31(2)(a) (assumed pay-reduced pay), the amount of the member's pensionable earnings is equal to the member's reduced pay while on sick leave, paid adoption leave, paid maternity leave, paid paternity leave, paid parental leave, paid maternity support leave or paid adoption support leave.

(7) For any period of assumed pay under regulation 31(2)(b) or (c) (assumed pay-statutory pay), the amount of the member's pensionable earnings is the amount statutory pay actually paid to or for the member in respect of the period of adoption leave, maternity leave, parental leave, paternity leave, maternity support leave or adoption support leave.

(8) For any period of assumed pay under regulation 31(2)(d) (assumed pay - permanent service), if the service pay is less than the rate of pay (account being taken of any retrospective increase in that rate) to which the member was entitled at the beginning of the period of permanent service, the amount of the member's pensionable earnings is equivalent to that rate of pay.

(9) Paragraphs (5), (6) and (7) do not apply to a member who falls within regulation 4(1)(b) or (d).

Annualised rate of pensionable earnings

168

(1) For the purpose of this Part a member's annualised rate of pensionable earnings is calculated in accordance with this regulation.

(2) Where a member's pensionable earnings for a scheme year are payable to the member in 12 instalments, the member's annualised rate of pensionable earnings is calculated as follows, rounded down to the nearest whole pound—

$$12 P$where P is the amount of a payment of the member's pensionable earnings.$

(3) Where a member's pensionable earnings for a scheme year are payable to the member otherwise than in 12 instalments, the member's annualised rate of pensionable earnings is calculated as follows, rounded down to the nearest whole pound—

$$P × 365 N$where—P is the amount of a payment of the member's pensionable earnings; andN is the number of days in the relevant pay period.$

(4) For the purpose of paragraph (3) the relevant pay period is—

(a) for the first payment of pensionable earnings, the period beginning on the member's first day of pensionable service and ending on the day before the day that this payment of pensionable earnings is made; or

(b) otherwise the period beginning on the day the previous payment of pensionable earnings was made and ending on the day before the day that this payment of pensionable earnings is made.

(5) If the scheme year in which the payment of pensionable earnings is made includes 29th February, paragraph (3) has effect with “366” substituted in place of “ 365 ”.

Rate of member's contributions

169

(1) An active member of this scheme must pay contributions to this scheme (“member contributions”) on the member's pensionable earnings for each pay period at a rate determined under this regulation (“member contributions rate”).

(2) The member contributions rate during a scheme year mentioned in the table is the percentage set out in column 2... of the table which applies to a member's annualised rate of pensionable earnings calculated in relation to each payment of the member's pensionable earnings.

(3) Column 2 sets out the member contributions rate that applies for payment of ill-health benefits under this scheme (“full member contributions rate.”)

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

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The member contributions rate which applies to a member's pensionable earnings is the rate which applies when the payment of pensionable earnings is made.

(5) For the purpose of paragraph (6), for any pay period in respect of which the member is taken to receive assumed pay, the assumed pay is taken to be paid the payment of the member's pensionable earnings for that pay period would have been made had the circumstances in regulation 31(2) (assumed pay) which apply to the member not applied.

Column 1Annualised rate of pensionable earnings	Column 2Member contribution rate
Less than £60,000	13.66%
£60,000 or more	14.00%

Payment of member contributions

170

(1) Member contributions for each period are to be deducted by the member's employer in respect of the member's pensionable earnings for that pay period.

(2) A member's employer may make contributions on the member's behalf in circumstances determined by the scheme manager.

Option to pay member contributions for period of unpaid leave

171

(1) This regulation applies in respect of an active member of this scheme who returns from a period of—

(a) unpaid adoption leave;

(b) unpaid maternity leave;

(d) unpaid maternity support leave;

(e) unpaid adoption support leave; or

(f) unpaid sick leave.

(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), unpaid leave does not include any leave in respect of which statutory pay is payable under the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992.

(3) The member may by written notice to the scheme manager opt to pay the amount of contributions that would have been payable for the period of unpaid leave.

(4) A member may exercise this option in relation to one or more periods of unpaid sick leave if—

(a) each period of unpaid sick leave does not exceed 6 months; and

(b) the total period of unpaid sick does not exceed 12 months.

(5) The option must be exercised by the earlier of —

(a) the end of the 3 month period beginning with the day on which the member returns to work; and

(b) the member's last day of pensionable service under this scheme.

(6) On receipt of a notice under paragraph (3) the scheme manager must calculate the amount of contributions payable and give the member a notice stating that amount.

(7) For the purpose of calculating the amount of contributions payable, the annual rate of the member's pensionable earnings is taken to be the rate that applied immediately before the commencement of the period of unpaid leave.

Payment of member contributions for unpaid leave

172

(1) Within 6 months after receiving the notice under regulation 171(6) (“payment period”), the member must pay to the scheme manager the full amount stated in the notice.

(2) If the member leaves eligible service before the full amount is paid, the member must pay the balance within 2 months of leaving eligible service, as long as this falls within the payment period.

(3) The amount may be paid by—

(a) a lump sum payment made by the member; or

(b) instalments deducted by the member's employer from the member's pay.

(4) If the full amount is not paid by the end of the payment period, the scheme manager taking into account the unpaid amount must determine the period of unpaid leave in respect of which the member is taken to receive pensionable earnings.

(5) The member is taken to have paid the full amount if—

(a) the member dies within the payment period; or

(b) the member dies before the end of the 3 month period beginning with the day on which the member returns to work.

Employer contributions

173

(1) The employer of an active member of this scheme (“the employer”) must pay contributions to this scheme in respect of the member at the rate of 46.6 % of the member's annualised rate of pensionable earnings (“employer contributions”).

(2) Employer contributions must be paid at the intervals the scheme manager, in accordance with actuarial guidance, may for the time being determine.

(3) In addition, the employer must pay the following charges to this scheme at the rate and at the intervals the scheme manager may for the time being determine—

(a) annual administration charges;

(b) any other administrative charges.

Deduction of payments for added pension under Schedule 3

174

Schedule 3 has effect for the purpose of enabling deductions of payments for added pension.

Refund of all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member

175

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a continuous period of pensionable service under this scheme (“period of service”).

(2) If paragraph (3) applies, the scheme manager must refund all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member in relation to the period of service.

(3) This paragraph applies if—

(a) the member opted out under regulation 28 (opting out before the end of 3 months); or

(b) the member's pensionable service ceases and—

(i) the member has less than 2 years' qualifying service; and

(ii) if a transfer payment has been received by this scheme in relation to the member, it was from another occupational pension scheme.

(4) Member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member are not refundable if—

(a) a transfer payment has been made in respect of the member's accrued rights to benefits under this scheme; or

(b) a retirement pension has become payable to the member in respect of the period of service.

(5) If paragraph (3)(b) applies, the member is entitled to be paid an amount equal to the sum of all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member, less an amount equal to the income tax payable under section 205 (short service refund lump sum charge) of the 2004 Act as a result of a refund of those contributions and payments.

(6) If all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member are refunded under this regulation, the member's rights under this scheme in relation to the period of service are extinguished.

Member repays refund of contributions on rejoining this scheme

176

(1) This regulation applies to a member who—

(a) was in pensionable service under this scheme (“earlier period of service”);

(b) received a refund under regulation 175 (refund of all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member) in relation to that earlier period of service; and

(2) If within 6 months after re-joining this scheme (or any longer time the scheme manager determines) the member repays to the scheme manager the amount of the refund received under regulation 172 the active member's account must be adjusted to specify the amount of accrued earned pension as at the last day of pensionable service for the earlier period of service.

PART 11 — Transfers

CHAPTER 1 — Preliminary

Application of Part

177

This Part—

(a) supplements the rights conferred by or under Chapter 4 of Part 4 of the 1993 Act (transfer values) and is without prejudice to that Chapter; and

(b) supplements the rights conferred by or under Chapter 5 of that Part (early leavers: cash transfer sums and contribution refunds and is without prejudice to that Chapter.

Interpretation of Part

178

In this Part—

“cash equivalent” in relation to benefits under this scheme other than accrued earned pension, means an amount calculated in accordance with regulations made under section 93 (calculation of cash equivalents) of the 1993 Act ;

“club scheme” means a registered occupational pension scheme (other than a connected scheme) that has agreed to make and receive club transfer value payments under the club transfer arrangements;

“club transfer” means a transfer to or from this scheme under the club transfer arrangements;

“club transfer arrangements” means arrangements approved by the scheme manager as providing reciprocal arrangements between this scheme and other registered occupational pension schemes for making and receiving club transfer value payments;

“club transfer value”, in relation to accrued earned pension under this scheme or under another club scheme, means an amount calculated by the scheme manager—in accordance with the club transfer arrangements; andby reference to the guidance and tables provided by the Government Actuary for this purpose that are in use on the date used for the calculation;

“club transfer value payment” means payment of a club transfer value;

“guarantee date” has the meaning given in regulation 181 (statement of entitlement);

“guaranteed cash equivalent”, in relation to benefits under this scheme other than accrued earned pension, means the cash equivalent of those benefits as at the guarantee date, as specified in a statement of entitlement;

“sending scheme” means a club scheme which pays a club transfer value;

“statement of entitlement”, in relation to the accrued rights to benefits under this scheme of a “deferred member”, means a statement by the scheme manager at the guarantee date setting out —the cash equivalent of benefits under this scheme other than accrued earned pension; andthe club transfer value of accrued earned pension under this scheme.

“transfer payment” means a transfer value payment or a club transfer value payment;

“transfer value” means—for accrued rights to benefits under this scheme(other than rights to accrued earned pension), an amount equal to—the guaranteed cash equivalent of those benefits; orthe guaranteed cash equivalent together with any increase payable under regulation 183 (calculating amount of transfer value or club transfer value); andfor accrued rights to benefits under another pension scheme (other than rights to accrued club transfer earned pension),an amount —determined by the scheme actuary of that scheme; andspecified in a statement of accrued rights provided by the scheme manager of that scheme; and

“transfer value payment” means a payment of a transfer value.

CHAPTER 2 — Transfers out

Transfer payments made to other schemes or pension arrangements

179

(1) Subject to regulation 184 (request for transfer out after member repays to scheme manager a refund received under regulation 183), a transfer payment may only be made in respect of the accrued rights to benefits of a deferred member of this scheme.

(2) A transfer payment may only be made to—

(a) a registered pension scheme that is not a connected scheme; or

(b) a pension arrangement that is a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme for the purposes of Part 4 of the 2004 Act (see section 169(2) of that Act).

(3) A transfer payment may not be made in respect of rights that are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit.

(4) A member may only require the scheme manager to use a transfer payment in a way specified in section 91(2) of the 1993 Act.

(5) A member may only require the scheme manager to make a club transfer value payment in the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which the member becomes eligible to be an active member of the club scheme to which the payment is to be made.

(6) If section 92(2) of the 1993 Act applies, benefits attributable to the following may be excluded from the transfer payment—

(a) the member's accrued rights to a guaranteed minimum pension; or

(b) the member's accrued rights attributable to service in contracted-out employment (within the meaning of Part 3 of that Act) on or after 6 April 1997.

Application for a statement of entitlement

180

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a deferred member of this scheme (P) who requires a transfer payment to be made in respect of P's accrued rights to benefits under this scheme.

(2) Before requesting the transfer payment, P must apply for a statement of entitlement by written notice to the scheme manager.

(3) P may withdraw the application by written notice to the scheme manager at any time before the statement is provided.

(4) P may make a second application by written notice to the scheme manager in the period of 12 months beginning with the date of the first application .

Statement of entitlement

181

(1) The scheme manager must specify in the statement of entitlement the date by reference to which the cash equivalent or club transfer value is calculated (“guarantee date”).

(2) Unless paragraph (4) applies, the guarantee date must fall within both the following periods—

(a) the 3 months beginning with the date of the member's application for the statement of entitlement (“the 3 month period”); and

(b) the 10 days ending with the date on which the member is provided with that statement (“the 10 day period”).

(3) In counting the 10 day period, Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Good Friday are excluded.

(4) The scheme manager may specify in the statement of entitlement a guarantee date that falls within the 6 months beginning with the date of the member's application for the statement of entitlement if, for reasons beyond the control of the scheme manager, the information needed to calculate the amount of the cash equivalent or club transfer value cannot be obtained before the end of the 3 month period.

Request for transfer payment to be made

182

(1) A deferred member of this scheme who is provided with a statement of entitlement may request a transfer payment to be made in respect of the member's accrued rights to benefits under this scheme.

(2) The request for the transfer payment must—

(a) be made by written notice to the scheme manager;

(b) specify the pension scheme or other pension arrangement to which the transfer payment is to be made; and

(3) The member by written notice to the scheme manager may withdraw the request at any time before the transfer payment is made.

(4) The member may not withdraw the request if an agreement for the use of the whole or part of the transfer payment has already been entered into with a third party.

Calculating the amount of a transfer value or club transfer value

183

(1) If a transfer value is paid later than 6 months after the guarantee date, the amount of the guaranteed cash equivalent must be increased in accordance with regulations made under section 93 of the 1993 Act.

(2) If a club transfer value is paid later than 6 months after the guarantee date, the amount of the club transfer value as specified in the statement of entitlement must be increased if necessary so that it is equal to the amount it would have been if the guarantee date had been the date on which the payment is made.

(3) If the transfer value or club transfer value is less than the minimum transfer value, the amount of the transfer value or club transfer value must be increased so that it is equal to the amount of the minimum transfer value.

(4) In this regulation, “minimum transfer value” means the total of—

(a) the sum of all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member; and

(b) the sum of all transfer payments received by this scheme in relation to the member.

Request for transfer out after member repays to scheme manager a refund received under regulation 183

184

(1) This regulation applies to a member who—

(a) receives a refund under regulation 175 (refund of all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member); and

(b) enters new pension arrangements with a new employer.

(2) The member may request a transfer payment to be made under this Chapter to the new pension arrangements in respect of the member's accrued rights to benefits under this scheme if the member repays to the scheme manager the amount refunded under regulation 175 and any interest payable under paragraph (3)—

(a) within 12 months of entering a new club scheme (or any longer period the scheme manager determines); or

(b) within 6 months of entering any other pension arrangements (or any longer period the scheme manager determines).

(3) Interest is payable on the amount refunded under regulation 175 if the member repays that amount more than a year after the member receives the refund.

(4) For the purpose of paragraph (3), interest is calculated at the rate of 5% year, compounded with yearly rests.

Effect of transfers-out

185

If a transfer payment is made under this Chapter in respect of a member's accrued rights to benefits under this scheme, those rights are extinguished.

CHAPTER 3 — Transfers in

Application of Chapter

186

This Chapter applies in relation to an active member of this scheme (P) who has accrued rights under another pension scheme.

Interpretation of Chapter

187

In this Chapter—

“club transfer statement” means a statement under regulation 192 of the amount of club transfer earned pension;

“transfer date” means the earlier of—if the scheme manager has provided a transfer statement or a club transfer value statement, the last day of the period of 2 months beginning with the date of the statement; andthe day on which the transfer payment is received by the scheme manager;

“transfer payment request” means a request to the scheme manager under this Chapter that a transfer payment be accepted from another pension scheme;

“transfer statement” means a statement under regulation 189(2).

Request for acceptance of a transfer payment

188

(1) P may by written notice to the scheme manager request that a transfer payment be accepted in respect of some or all of P's accrued rights to benefits under another pension scheme.

(2) A transfer payment request—

(a) must specify—

(i) the pension scheme from which the transfer payment is to be made; and

(ii) the anticipated amount of the transfer payment;

(b) must meet any other conditions the scheme manager requires; and

(c) subject to paragraph (3), must be made during the period of 12 months beginning with P's first day of eligible service.

(3) The scheme manager may treat a transfer payment request as having been made earlier than it was if the scheme manager considers it reasonable to do so in the circumstances.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), on receiving a transfer payment request, the scheme manager may accept the transfer payment if the conditions(if any) that the scheme manager required are met.

(5) The scheme manager may not accept a transfer payment if—

(a) it would be applied in whole or in part in respect of—

(i) the member's entitlement to a guaranteed minimum pension; or

(ii) the entitlement of the member's spouse or civil partner to a guaranteed minimum pension; and

(b) it is less than the amount required for that purpose, as calculated by the scheme managerin accordance with actuarial guidance and actuarial tables prepared for the purposes of this paragraph.

Transfer statement

189

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a request for a transfer value payment to be accepted from another pension scheme.

(2) The scheme manager may require that, before making a transfer payment request, P must ask the scheme manager to provide a statement of the amount of transferred pension that P will be entitled to count under regulation 190 (amount of transferred pension) if the transfer date falls within the period of 2 months beginning with the date of that statement.

(3) The amount specified in the transfer statement must be an amount calculated by the scheme manager in accordance with actuarial guidance and actuarial tables by reference to—

(a) factors relating to P's circumstances as at the end of that 2-month period; and

(b) any other factors as at the date of the statement that the scheme actuary considers should apply.

Amount of transferred pension

190

(1) This regulation applies in relation to any transfer value payment received in relation to P from another pension scheme.

(2) For the scheme year in which the transfer date falls, the amount of transferred pension P is entitled to count in respect of the transfer payment is—

(a) the amount specified in the transfer statement; or

(b) if such a statement is not provided, an amount calculated by the scheme manager in accordance with actuarial guidance and actuarial tables by reference to any factors as at the transfer date that the scheme actuary considers should apply.

(3) The amount of transferred pension P is entitled to count in a scheme year must not be more than 50% of P's annual rate of pensionable earnings as at the day P becomes an active member of this scheme.

Club transfer statement

191

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a request by P for a club transfer value payment to be accepted from another club scheme.

(2) The scheme manager may require that, before making the transfer payment request, P must ask the scheme manager to provide a statement of the amount of club transfer earned pension that P will be entitled to count under regulation 192 (amount of club transfer earned pension) if the transfer date falls within the period of 2 months beginning with the date of that statement.

(3) The amount of club transfer earned pension specified in the statement must be calculated by the scheme manager in accordance with actuarial guidance and actuarial tables by reference to—

(a) factors relating to P's circumstances as at the end of that 2-month period; and

(b) any other factors as at the date of the statement that the scheme actuary considers should apply.

(4) The statement must specify the basis on which an amount of accrued earned pension is revalued under the sending scheme while a member is in pensionable service under that scheme.

Amount of club transfer earned pension

192

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a club transfer value payment received from another club scheme in relation to P.

(2) For the scheme year in which the transfer date falls, the amount of club transfer earned pension P is entitled to count in respect of a club transfer value payment is—

(a) the amount specified in the club transfer value statement; or

(b) if such a statement is not provided, an amount calculated by the scheme manager in accordance with actuarial guidance and actuarial tables by reference to any factors as at the transfer date that the scheme actuary considers should apply.

CHAPTER 4 — England and Wales and Scotland transfers

Interpretation

193

In this Chapter, “another police pension scheme” means a police pension scheme other than this scheme.

Transfers out

194

(1) This regulation applies if a person—

(a) ceases to be an active member of this scheme; and

(b) begins pensionable service under another police pension scheme.

(2) This regulation does not apply if—

(a) the person begins pensionable service under another police pension scheme after a gap in service exceeding 5 years;

(b) all member contributions and payments for added pension made by the member under this scheme have been refunded under regulation 175; or

(3) On the first day of pensionable service in another police pension scheme, the member's accrued rights to benefits under this scheme become the member's accrued rights to benefits under the other police pension scheme.

Transfers in

195

(1) This regulation applies if a person—

(a) ceases to be an active member of another police pension scheme; and

(b) begins pensionable service under this scheme.

(2) This regulation does not apply if—

(a) the person begins pensionable service under this scheme after a gap in service exceeding 5 years;

(b) a repayment of contributions has been made to the person under the other police pension scheme; or

(3) On the first day of pensionable service in this scheme, the member's accrued rights to benefits under the other police pension scheme become the member's accrued rights to benefits under this scheme.

PART 12 — Actuarial valuations and employer cost cap

Appointment of scheme actuary and actuarial valuations

196

(1) The Department must appoint an individual (the “scheme actuary”) to provide a consulting service on actuarial matters in relation to this scheme and any connected scheme.

(2) The scheme actuary is responsible for—

(a) carrying out valuations of this scheme and any connected scheme; and

(b) preparing reports on the valuations.

(3) Before appointing an individual as scheme actuary the Department must be satisfied that the individual is appropriately qualified to carry out valuations of this scheme and any connected scheme in accordance with the Department of Finance and Personnel directions.

(4) The scheme administrator is responsible for providing the scheme actuary with any data that the scheme actuary requires in order to carry out a valuation and preparing a report on the valuation.

(5) A valuation of this scheme and any connected scheme and the preparation of a report on the valuation must be carried out in accordance with the Department of Finance and Personnel directions.

(6) Valuations of this scheme must be carried out within a time-frame which enables requirements in the Department of Finance and Personnel directions regarding dates applicable to the valuation to be met.

Employer cost cap

197

(1) The employer cost cap for this scheme is 13.1% of pensionable earnings of members of this scheme.

(2) In the circumstances specified in paragraph (4), the Department must consult such persons (or those appearing to the Department to represent such persons) as appear to the Department likely to be affected by any steps that will be taken, with a view to reaching agreement on the steps required to achieve the target cost for this scheme.

(3) If, following such consultation, agreement is not reached the fraction of the member's pensionable earnings specified in regulation 55 (amount of pension for a scheme year) as the amount of standard earned pension for a scheme year must be adjusted for pensionable earnings after the date of the adjustment, so that the target cost for this scheme is achieved.

(4) The circumstances are that the cost of this scheme goes beyond the margin either side of the employer cost cap for this scheme specified in regulations under section 12(5)(a) of the Act.

(5) In this regulation—

“cost of this scheme” means the cost of this scheme calculated following a valuation in accordance with regulation 196 and

“target cost for this scheme” means the target cost for this scheme specified in regulations under section 12(5)(b) of the Act.

PART 13 — Supplementary

CHAPTER 1 — Dual capacity members

Meaning of “dual capacity member”

198

(1) A person (P) is a dual capacity member of this scheme if—

(a) P is a member of this scheme in 2 or more of the following capacities—

(i) an active member;

(ii) a deferred member;

(iii) a pensioner member;

(b) P is both a pension credit member of this scheme and a member of this scheme in one or more of the following capacities—

(i) an active member;

(ii) a deferred member;

(iii) a pensioner member;

(d) P is a pension credit member of this scheme entitled to 2 or more pension credits.

(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1)(a) and (b)—

(a) in determining whether a person who is an active member is also a pensioner member, the fact that the person is an active member and the person's rights in that capacity are to be disregarded; and

(b) in determining whether a person who is an active member or pensioner member is also a deferred member, the fact that the person is an active member or pensioner member and the person's rights in that capacity are to be disregarded.

Payment of benefits to or in respect of a dual capacity member

199

(1) If a person is a dual capacity member of this scheme—

(a) the benefits that are payable to or in respect of the member in respect of each of the member's capacities are treated separately for the purposes of these Regulations; and

(b) the amounts payable to or in respect of the member in each of the member's capacities are determined accordingly.

(2) In relation to payment of death benefits, paragraph (1) does not prevent the calculation under regulation 160 (amount of lump sum death grant payable on death of active member) of a lump sum death grant payable on the death of an active member of this scheme being made by reference to amounts that are relevant to the member in another capacity.

CHAPTER 2 — Payment of benefits: general

Reduction in pension debit member's benefits

200

(1) The benefits to which a pension debit member is entitled under Part 7 are subject to the reduction to be made under article 28 of the 1999 Order.

(2) Member contributions and payments for added pension refunded under Part 10 to a pension debit member are subject to the reduction to be made under article 28 of the 1999 Order.

Late payment of retirement index adjustment or retirement PIA index adjustment

201

Nothing in these Regulations requires any part of a pension attributable to a retirement index adjustment or retirement PIA index adjustment to be paid before the end of the last active scheme year.

Commutation of small pensions

202

(1) This regulation applies if—

(a) the pension entitlement of a single capacity member or the pension entitlement of a single capacity member's beneficiary does not exceed the small pensions commutation maximum; or

(b) the total pension entitlement of a dual capacity member or the total pension entitlement of a dual capacity member's beneficiary does not exceed the small pensions commutation maximum.

(2) Unless the member has reached the member's state pension age, this regulation does not apply if—

(a) the pension entitlement of the member or the member's beneficiary under paragraph (1)(a) is equal to or exceeds the member's guaranteed minimum; or

(b) the total pension entitlement of the member or the member's beneficiary under paragraph (1)(b) is equal to or exceeds the member's guaranteed minimum.

(3) The scheme manager may pay the member or the member's beneficiary a lump sum of an amount advised by the scheme actuary as representing the cash value of the pension if—

(a) the member or the member's beneficiary consents to receipt of a lump sum in place of the pension; and

(b) the requirements of the commutation provisions that apply in the circumstances are met.

(4) The payment of a lump sum under this regulation in place of a pension discharges all liabilities under this scheme in respect of that pension.

(5) In this regulation—

“the commutation provisions” means the provisions permitting the commutation of pensions set out in—... regulation 2 of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Assignment, Forfeiture, Bankruptcy etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland)1997 ;paragraph 7 of Schedule 29 (authorised lump sums – supplementary) to the 2004 Act (which defines trivial commutation lump sums for the purposes of Part 4 of that Act ) and, in relation to a pension payable under Part 9 (death benefits), paragraph 20 of that Schedule (which defines trivial commutation lump sum death benefit for the purposes of Part 4 of that Act) ; andregulation 3(2)(b) of the Pension Sharing (Pension Credit Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland)2000

“single capacity member” means a member of this scheme who is not a dual capacity member; and

“the small pensions commutation maximum” means the amount that is permitted to be commuted having regard to the commutation provisions that apply in the circumstances.

CHAPTER 3 — Guaranteed minimum pensions

Interpretation and application

203

(1) This Chapter does not apply to—

(a) a pension that is forfeited—

(i) as a result of a conviction for treason; or

(ii) under regulation 209 (forfeiture: offences committed by members), in a case where the relevant offence within the meaning of that regulation is an offence under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 or an applicable offence under the National Security Act 2023

(b) a pension that is commuted under regulation 130 (option for pension credit member to commute whole pension: serious ill-health); or

(2) But if any other provision of this scheme is inconsistent with this Chapter, this Chapter prevails.

(3) In this Chapter—

(a) “GMP age”—

(i) for a man, means 65; and

(ii) for a woman, means 60; and

(b) references to the amount of a pension are to its amount after the subtraction of the commutation amount (if any).

Guaranteed minimum under section 10 of the 1993 Act

204

(1) This regulation applies in relation to a member of this scheme (P) who has a guaranteed minimum under section 10 of the 1993 Act (earner's guaranteed minimum) in relation to benefits under this scheme—

(2) Nothing in these Regulations permits or requires anything that would cause requirements under that Act in relation to such a member and such a member's rights under a scheme not to be met in relation to P;

(3) Nothing in these Regulations prevents anything from being done which is necessary or expedient for the purpose of meeting such requirements in relation to P.

(4) The following provisions are without prejudice to the generality of paragraphs(2) and (3).

(5) Paragraph (6) applies if apart from this regulation—

(a) a pension would not be payable to P under this scheme; or

(b) the weekly rate of the pensions payable would be less than the guaranteed minimum.

(6) A pension at a weekly rate equal to the guaranteed minimum is payable to P for life from—

(a) the date on which P reaches GMP age; or

(b) the date on which pensions the aggregate weekly rate of which is equal to the guaranteed minimum are so payable.

(7) A pension is not payable under paragraph (6) until P leaves eligible service if, after reaching GMP age, P continues in eligible service.

(8) A pension is not payable under paragraph (6) until P leaves employment if—

(a) after reaching GMP age, P continues in employment that is not eligible service; and

(b) P consents to a postponement of P's entitlement under paragraph (6).

(9) If P continues in employment for 5 years after reaching GMP age and does not then leave employment, P is entitled from the end of that period to so much of P's pension under Parts 7 and 8 as equals P's guaranteed minimum (or, as the case may be, to so much of P's pensions under Parts 7 and 8 as together have a weekly rate equal to P's guaranteed minimum), unless P consents to a further postponement of P's entitlement under paragraph (6).

(10) In the circumstances provided for in paragraph (7), (8) or (9), the amount of the guaranteed minimum to which P is entitled under paragraph (6) is increased in accordance with section 11 of the 1993 Order(increase of guaranteed minimum where commencement of guaranteed minimum pension postponed).

(11) Paragraph (12) applies if P has a guaranteed minimum under section 10 of the1993 Act in relation to the whole or part of a pension as a result of receipt by this scheme of a transfer payment from another pension scheme in respect of which the member had such a guaranteed minimum.

(12) If P becomes entitled to the payment for life of a pension under Parts 7 and 8 before reaching GMP age, the weekly rate of the pension, so far as attributable to the transfer payment, must not be less than the guaranteed minimum, multiplied by such factor as is indicated in actuarial tables for a person of P's age and sex at the date on which the pension becomes payable.

Contracting-out rights

205

(1) This regulation applies if —

(a) P has ceased to be in employment that is contracted-out employment, within the meaning of Part 3 of the 1993 Act (certification of pension schemes and effects on members' state scheme rights and duties), by reference to this scheme; and

(b) paragraph (2) applies

(2) This paragraph applies if either—

(a) a transfer payment in respect of all P's rights to benefits under this scheme, except P's rights in respect of P's guaranteed minimum or rights under section 5(2B) of the 1993 Act (requirements for certification of schemes: general) (“the person's contracting-out rights”) has been made; or

(b) P has no rights to benefits under this scheme apart from the person's contracting-out rights.

(3) If this regulation applies—

(a) from the date on which Preaches GMP age, P is entitled to a pension payable for life at a weekly rate equal to the person's guaranteed minimum, if any; and

(b) from the date on which Preaches normal pension age under this scheme P is entitled to a lump sum and pension in respect of P's rights under section 5(2B) of the 1993 Act.

(4) Despite paragraph (3) P is not to be regarded as a pensioner member of this scheme for the purpose of Part 9 (death benefits).

CHAPTER 4 — Appeals in relation to the payment of benefits

Appeals to the Department

206

(1) This regulation applies to a member of the police service who falls within regulation 4(1).

(2) The member or a person claiming payment of a benefit in respect of the member may, subject to regulation 207 (limitation on appeals), appeal to the Department if the member or person claiming payment in respect of the member is aggrieved by any of the following decisions—

(a) the refusal of the scheme manager to pay a benefit which the member has claimed payment of or is taken to have claimed payment of under these Regulations;

(b) the refusal of the scheme manager to pay a benefit which the person has claimed payment of or is taken to have claimed payment of under these Regulations;

(c) the refusal of the scheme manager to pay a benefit the entitlement to which arises on the fulfilment of conditions under these Regulations which do not include a claim for payment;

(d) a decision by the scheme manager to refuse to accept a claim for payment of a benefit larger than the benefit granted to or in respect of the member;

(e) a decision by the police pension authority acting in exercise of its functions as scheme manager under regulation 73 (permanent medical unfitness) as to whether a refusal to accept medical treatment is reasonable;

(f) a decision by the scheme manager under regulation 113 (cancellation of ill-health pension: failure to receive appropriate medical treatment) as to whether a refusal to accept medical treatment is reasonable;

(g) a decision by the scheme manager under regulation 105 (reduction of pension in case of default) to reduce the amount of pension payable to the member.

(3) Regulation 222 (procedure on appeals to the Department) sets out the procedure for appeals under this regulation to the Department.

Limitation on appeals against decision of scheme manager

207

(1) A person may not appeal under regulation 206 (appeals to the Department) against anything done by the scheme manager or the police pension authority acting in exercise of its functions as scheme manager under a power conferred by these Regulations which is expressly stated to be a power in respect of which the scheme manager or the police pension authority acting in exercise of its functions as scheme manager may exercise in their discretion.

(2) Subject to an appeal tribunal or court referring a medical decision for reconsideration under Schedule 1, in any proceedings under regulation 206 (appeals to the Department) the appeal tribunal is bound by a final decision of a medical authority under Schedule 1.

CHAPTER 5 — Forfeiture and set-off

Pension supervising authority

208

(1) For the purpose of this Chapter, the table in this regulation specifies the pension supervising authority for a member of the police service in Northern Ireland.

(2) The pension supervising authority may require the scheme manager to withhold benefits payable to a member under this Chapter.

Member of the police service	Pension supervising authority
a member of the police service who falls within Regulation 4(1);	the Board
a member of the police service engaged on relevant service under section 27 of the 1998 Act.	the Board

Forfeiture: offences committed by members

209

(1) If a member is convicted of a relevant offence, the pension supervising authority may to the extent the pension supervising authority considers appropriate require the scheme manager to withhold benefits payable under this scheme to or in respect of the member.

(2) Paragraph (3) applies if benefits are to be withheld as a result of an offence falling within paragraph (b) of the definition of “relevant offence”.

(3) The scheme manager may only withhold that part of a person's pension that exceeds any guaranteed minimum to which the person is entitled under—

(a) section 10 of the 1993 Act (earner's guaranteed minimum); or

(b) section 13 of that Act (minimum pension for surviving spouses and civil partners).

(3A) The pension supervising authority may to the extent that in its discretion it thinks fit restore to the member or apply for the benefit of an eligible child or surviving adult of the member any amount of pension that has been forfeited under this regulation.

(4) In this regulation—

“forfeiture certificate” means a certificate given by the Department stating that the Department considers that the offence—has been gravely injurious to the interests of the State; oris liable to lead to serious loss of confidence in the public service; and

“relevant offence” means—one or more offences under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 , or under section 18 of, or listed in section 33(3)(a) of, the National Security Act 2023, for which the member has been sentenced on the same occasion to—a term of imprisonment of at least 10 years; or2 or more consecutive terms of imprisonment which add up to at least 10 years;an offence committed in connection with service as a member of the police service and in respect of which the Department has issued a forfeiture certificate.

Forfeiture: offences committed by a member's beneficiary

210

(1) If the beneficiary of a deceased member of this scheme is convicted of a relevant criminal offence, the pension supervising authority may to the extent the pension supervising authority considers appropriate, require the scheme manager to withhold benefits payable to the beneficiary in respect of the member.

(2) The scheme manager may withhold benefits but may only withhold that part of a pension that exceeds any guaranteed minimum to which the beneficiary is entitled under section 13 of the 1993 Act.

(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(3) If the scheme manager withholds all of the benefits payable to a beneficiary, Part 9 (death benefits) applies as if the beneficiary had died before the member.

(4) In this regulation—

“beneficiary” in relation to a deceased member of this scheme, means surviving adult or eligible child of the member,”

(a) the murder of the member;

(b) the manslaughter of the member; or

Forfeiture: relevant monetary obligations and relevant monetary losses

211

(1) If a member (P) owes a relevant monetary obligation or has caused a relevant monetary loss, the pension supervising authority may, to the extent the pension supervising authority considers appropriate, require the scheme manager to withhold benefits payable to P under this scheme.

(2) The scheme manager may withhold benefits but may only withhold that part of P's pension that exceeds any guaranteed minimum to which P is entitled under section 10 of the 1993 Act.

(3) The scheme manager may not withhold more than the lesser of—

(a) the amount of the relevant monetary obligation or relevant monetary loss; and

(b) the value of P's entitlement to benefits.

(4) The scheme manager may only withhold benefits if—

(a) there is no dispute as to the amount of the relevant monetary obligation or relevant monetary loss; or

(b) the relevant monetary obligation or relevant monetary loss is enforceable as follows—

(i) under an order of a competent court;

(ii) in consequence of an award of an arbitrator; or

(iii) in Scotland, in consequence of an award of an arbiter appointed (failing agreement between the parties) by the sheriff.

(5) In this regulation—

“relevant monetary obligation” means a monetary obligation which—was incurred to the Department or P's employer (if different);was incurred after P became an active member of this scheme;arose out of P's criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission; andarose out of or was connected with the eligible service in respect of which P is a member of this scheme; and

“relevant monetary loss” means a monetary loss which—was caused to this scheme; andarose as a result of P's criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission.

Set-off

212

(1) The pension supervising authority may require the scheme manager to set off a relevant monetary obligation against a member's entitlement to benefits under this scheme.

(2) In this regulation, a “relevant monetary obligation” is a monetary obligation owed by a member (P), which satisfies the conditions in paragraph (3), (4) or (5).

(3) The conditions are that the monetary obligation—

(a) was incurred to the Department or P's employer (if different);

(b) was incurred after P became an active member of this scheme; and

(4) The conditions are that the monetary obligation—

(a) was incurred to this scheme; and

(b) arose out of P's criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission.

(5) The conditions are that the monetary obligation—

(a) was incurred to this scheme; and

(b) arose out of a payment made to P in error by the scheme manager.

(6) Paragraph (7) applies if a set-off is to be applied as a result of P owing a relevant monetary obligation which satisfies the conditions in paragraph (3).

(7) Where this paragraph applies, the scheme manager may not apply a set-off against that part of P's entitlement to benefits that represents transfer credits within the meaning of article 121 (interpretation of Part 2) of the 1995 Order (other than prescribed transfer credits for the purpose of article 89(5)(d) of the 1995 Order (exceptions from the inalienability of occupational pensions).

(8) The scheme manager may only apply a set-off against that part of a member's pension that exceeds any guaranteed minimum to which the member is entitled under section 10 of the 1993 Act.

(9) The value of the set-off applied must not exceed the lesser of—

(a) the amount of the relevant monetary obligation; and

(b) the value of P's entitlement to benefits.

(10) The scheme manager may only set off a relevant monetary obligation against P's entitlement to benefits if—

(a) there is no dispute as to the amount of the relevant monetary obligation; or

(b) the relevant monetary obligation is enforceable—

(i) under an order of a competent court;

(ii) in consequence of an award of an arbitrator; or

(iii) in Scotland, in consequence of an award of an arbiter appointed (failing agreement between the parties) by the sheriff.

Forfeiture and set-off: procedure

213

(1) If the pension supervising authority proposes to require the scheme manager to withhold benefits or apply a set-off against a person's entitlement to benefits, the pension supervising authority must notify the person of the proposal in writing.

(2) If the scheme manager withholds benefits under regulation 211(forfeiture: relevant monetary obligations and relevant monetary losses) or applies a set-off against an entitlement to benefits under regulation 212 (set-off), the scheme manager must give the member a certificate showing—

(a) the amount withheld or set off; and

(b) the effect of the withholding or set-off on the member's benefits under this scheme.

Forfeiture: appeals to the Department

214

(1) If the pension supervising authority proposes to require the scheme manager to withhold any benefits payable to or in respect of a member of the police service (“the member”), the member or a person claiming payment of a benefit for or inrespect of the member may, subject to regulation 207 (limitations on appeals), appeal against the proposal to the Department,

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