The Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

Reduction of benefits where lifetime allowance charge payable

181.—(1) This regulation applies if—

(a) an event that is a benefit crystallisation event listed in the table in section 216(1) of the 2004 Act (“the table”) occurs in relation to a member;

(b) the member and the scheme manager are jointly and severally liable in relation to that event; and

(c) no request has been duly made under regulation 180 (payment on behalf of members of lifetime allowance charge) in relation to the event or, if such a request has been made, the scheme manager is prevented from complying with it by paragraph (3) of that regulation.

(2) If this regulation applies—

(a) the scheme manager must pay the tax payable on the event;

(b) if the event is benefit crystallisation event 8 in the table (transfer to qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme), the amount or value of the sums or assets transferred must be reduced; and

(c) in the case of any other event in that table, the amount or value of the benefits payable to or in respect of the member must be reduced.

(3) The amount or value of the reduction—

(a) must be such that it fully reflects the amount of tax so paid; and

(b) in the case of any reduction to pension benefits, must be calculated according to actuarial guidance.