Explanatory Note
(This note is not part of the Order.)
This Order corresponds to an Order (S.I. 2004/262) made by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under sections 148(3) and (4) and 189(1), (4) and (5) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992. It directs that the earnings factors relevant to the calculation of the additional pension in the rate of any long-term benefit or of any guaranteed minimum pension, or to any other calculation required under Part III of the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993, are to be increased for the tax years specified in the Schedule to this Order by the percentage of their amount specified in that Schedule. The percentages for the tax years from and including 2000-2001 are also relevant for the revaluation of state scheme pension debits and credits in accordance with sections 45B(6), 55A(5) and 55B(6) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992 (“the 1992 Act”). The percentage for the tax year 2003-2004 is 3·8 per cent., and those for earlier tax years have been increased so that the earnings factors for those years are revalued at 2003-2004 earnings levels.
The Order also provides for the rounding of fractional amounts for earnings factors relevant to the calculation of the additional pension in the rate of any long-term benefit. Rounding for the purpose of the calculation of any guaranteed minimum pension is not required by virtue of section 23(2) of the 1992 Act.