Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill 2024-25
A bill briefing on the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [HL] 2024-25.
Provides an overview of the development of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme to 2010
Civil service pensions - reforms to 2010 (555 KB , PDF)
The Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) introduced in 1972 (now known as the classic scheme) is a final salary scheme, with an accrual rate of 1/80th of pensionable pay for each year of service (plus a lump sum of three times the annual pension) and a normal pension age of 60. In 2000, the Cabinet Office proposed reforms to the scheme, arguing that pension arrangements should offer the “best possible value to employers and staff relative to cost”.
From October 2002, the premium scheme was introduced for new entrants. It has an accrual rate of 1/60th (with the option to take part as a tax-free lump sum). Members pay a higher rate of contributions than those in classic but the scheme offers improved survivors benefits, for unmarried partners, for example.
Further reforms followed and in July 2007, a new scheme – nuvos – was introduced for new entrants. This provides benefits based on career average rather than final salary and has a normal pension age of 65. Pension provision for existing staff continued broadly on the existing terms, with some new features. An agreement was reached to share future cost pressures (due, for example, to increasing longevity) on a 50:50 basis between employers and staff, subject to a cap on employer contributions.
This note looks at the development of the scheme to 2010. The current Government’s reforms are discussed in Library Note SN 6744 Civil service pensions – current reforms.
Civil service pensions - reforms to 2010 (555 KB , PDF)
A bill briefing on the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 (Extension) Bill [HL] 2024-25.
What 'statutory public inquiries' are, how they operate and summary details on the progress of active statutory inquiries
This Commons Library briefing paper outlines the role that select committees play in assessing the suitability of the Government’s favoured candidates for a number of public appointments. It sets out the guidance for their operation before summarising key hearings of interest, where a committee has raised doubts about the suitability of a candidate. It also includes information about the introduction of the present system of pre-appointment hearings and highlights research about their effectiveness.