Page 29 - Group Insurance and Retirement Benefit IC 83 E- Book
P. 29
THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC SUPERANNUATION SCHEMES
A STUDY of the history of public superannuation schemes reveals that, in general,
steady progress has been, and is being, made ; there is, however, little consistency as
between various branches of the public service. There have already been many post-war
developments, in which there is some evidence of a common pattern, yet in which there
are many startling divergences.
In view of the ever-increasing scope of the public services, it is surely time to give
serious consideration to the question of standardization of such schemes; and the object
of this paper is to suggest possible future developments along these lines.
2. In order to appreciate the problem, it is necessary to consider past trends in public
superannuation and to have some general knowledge of the major schemes at present in
force.
Accordingly outlines the main features of the principal schemes applicable to general
classes of public servants, i.e. where there are no abnormal occupational hazards or other
special features, and where the maximum pension can be secured on completion of 40
years' service.
Deals similarly with schemes applicable to particular classes, such as police and firemen,
where the maximum pension can be secured on completion of only 30 years' service. It
must be emphasized that the Appendices are throughout expressed in general terms only;
for the specific provisions of the various schemes reference must be made to the actual
instruments governing them. These are so numerous that, for reasons of space, it is
impossible to include in this paper a full list of the proper titles,
3. Prior consideration must be given to the Civil Service scheme, which may be regarded
as the foundation of the present system. Its development has been generally logical and
progressive, and little comment is necessary except to point out that it is virtually the one
remaining non-contributory scheme within the public services.
