Public service pension age – the Labour Government’s reforms

Reforms introduced by the Labour Government increased the normal pension age for new entrants to most public schemes, although not for existing members. In the schemes for the NHS, teachers’ and civil servants, for example, the normal pension age was set at 65 for new entrants compared to 60 for existing members. In addition, “cap and share” arrangements were introduced, with the aim of ensuring that increases in the cost of pension benefits (due to, for example, rising longevity) that were identified at scheme valuations would in future be shared between employers and employees, up to an agreed cap on employer contributions.

This note looks at reforms introduced by the Labour Government to increase the age at which public service pensions can be drawn. A separate note – SN 6581 Public service pension age – 2015 onwards – looks at reforms introduced by the Coalition Government.