Page 27 - Federation Magazine: August/September 2015

Pensions ruling could lead to pay-outs number of police officers should affected by the principles set out in this benefit after the Pensions determination. Firefighters’ and police A Ombudsman upheld a complaint pension schemes across the UK will work to following a claim by a retired firefighter. identify such affected individuals and The firefighter, Billy Milne, claimed the ensure that appropriate payments are commutation factors should have been made.” reviewed more frequently which would have Andy Fittes, general secretary of the led to his commuted lump sum being higher Police Federation of England and Wales, has when he retired in 2005. sent a letter to all Police Federation The ruling could have implications for branches giving an update on the issue and officers who have retired under the Police comments on the Treasury statement: “We Pension Scheme 1987. therefore expect the Home Office to apply A HM Treasury spokeswoman has been the principles of the Pension Ombudsman’s quoted as saying: “The Government accepts determination to police officers who retired the Pensions Ombudsman’s determination in from 1 December 2001 to 30 November full and will ensure that the directions made 2006 and to make the necessary payments in relation to Mr Milne are taken forward in to them as soon as possible. I have written due course. to the Home Office in these terms and will Andy Fittes, general secretary of the Police “The Government recognises that there keep you informed of further developments Federation of England and Wales. may be other individuals who are potentially as they happen.” ! " # $ % & ' $ ( ) $ ) % $ $ $ " $ ( ( ! "" " # $ !! " # $ " $ www.westmidspolfed.com federation August/September 2015 27