The Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions (Amendment) Regulations 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These regulations further amend the Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions Regulations 1988 (the principal regulations), principally so as to enable women members to make additional payments to secure that service before 17th May 1990 will count in the calculation of widowers' benefits jointly with their service after that date which already counts automatically.

Regulation 6 inserts into the principal regulations a new regulation G6 which provides accordingly. An election to pay additional contributions must be made within a limited period (paragraphs (2) and (3)), and must specify whether they are to be paid as a lump sum or periodically (paragraph (5)). Paragraph (4) provides that the amounts to be paid are those calculated in accordance with the Table in paragraph (18), except where the allowable amounts are restricted by Inland Revenue practice (paragraphs (6) to (11)). Paragraphs (12) and (13) contain provision as to the frequency and duration of periodical payments. Where a lump sum is paid, or periodical payments continue for the full period or are interrupted by death or disablement, the full period of service resulting from the election counts (paragraphs (14) to (16)). Where there is an early discontinuance of payments in other circumstances, the period counting is proportionately reduced (paragraph (17)).

Regulations 8 to 11 make related amendments to the benefit calculation provisions in Schedule C to the principal regulations.

The remaining amendments are unrelated. Regulations 3, 4 and 7 cater for increases made in certain maxima by the Occupational Pension Schemes (Preservation of Benefit) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991 (S.R. 1991 No. 37) and for any future increases in them. Regulation 5 augments the increased pension payable during the first 13 weeks of widowhood by adding to it the equivalent of any replacement allowances in lieu of the former housing or similar allowances that had been payable to the deceased.