The New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme Order (Northern Ireland) 2007

Allocation of pension N.I.

21.—(1) A firefighter member may, in accordance with paragraphs (6) and (7), but subject to—

(a) section 214 of the Finance Act 2004 and paragraphs (4) and (5); and

(b) where he is over 74, to paragraphs 16A to 16C of Schedule 28 to the Finance Act 2004(1),

allocate up to one–third of any pension to which he is entitled or prospectively entitled under this Part.

(2) The persons to whom a portion of a pension may be allocated are—

(a) the firefighter member’s spouse, civil partner or nominated partner; or

(b) with the consent of the Board, any other person who is substantially dependent on the firefighter member.

(3) The Board may withhold consent under paragraph (2)(b) if it is not satisfied that the person is substantially dependent on the firefighter member.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1), the Board shall disregard any increase under article 2 or 3 of [F1 Part 7A of the Compensation Scheme (awards to, or on death of, reservists)] in—

(a) awards to—

(i) reservists; or

(ii) reservists who do not resume service with the Board; and

(b) awards paid under the Compensation Scheme.

(5) Where more than one portion of a particular pension is allocated under this article, the total of the allocated portions of that pension must not exceed the portion of that pension retained by the firefighter member.

(6) The firefighter member must—

(a) satisfy the Board that he is in good health and has a normal life expectancy; and

(b) give the Board written notice of allocation specifying—

(i) the portion;

(ii) the name and address of the intended beneficiary; and

(iii) the sex of the beneficiary.

(7) The notice of allocation, which may be sent by post, must be given—

(a) if the pension is a deferred pension, not earlier than two months before the pension comes into payment;

(b) in any other case, not earlier than two months before the firefighter member’s intended retirement.

(8) Where the Board is satisfied that—

(a) the firefighter member has complied with paragraphs (6) and (7); and

(b) the allocation proposed by him can be made without contravening section 214 of the Finance Act or, as the case may be, paragraphs 16A to 16C of Schedule 28 to that Act,

it shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after receiving the member’s notice of allocation, notify him in writing that it has accepted his proposal.

(9) Where a proposal is accepted, the notice of allocation only takes effect—

(a) if it refers to a deferred pension, where the pension comes into payment within two months of the date of receipt of the notice;

(b) in any other case, where the firefighter member entitled to the pension retires within two months of the date of receipt of the notice.

(10) If a notice of allocation takes effect, it does so on the day on which the pension comes into payment or, as the case may be, on the day on which the member retires.

(11) Where—

(a) a notice of allocation has taken effect;

(b) the pension to which it relates has become payable; and

(c) the beneficiary survives the pensioner,

the Board shall, from the date of the pensioner’s death, pay the beneficiary a pension which is the actuarial equivalent of the allocated portion.

(12) Where more than one portion has been allocated under this article, a separate calculation shall be made under paragraph (13) in respect of each allocation.

(13) The actuarial equivalent of an allocated portion shall be calculated in accordance with tables prepared by the Scheme Actuary and in force when the notice of allocation takes effect; and in the calculation shall be made by reference to the ages of the pensioner and the beneficiary at the date on which the notice of allocation was given.

(14) Where—

(a) a notice of allocation has taken effect; and

(b) the beneficiary pre–deceases the pensioner,

the Board shall pay to the pensioner (distinguishing it from any other pension payable to him) the portion of pension that he had allocated (“the failed allocation pension”).

(15) Where paragraph (14) applies, the pensioner is not entitled to recover from the Board the amount of any deduction made in respect of the failed allocation pension.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Annex Scheme Pt. 3 art. 21(4) substituted (with effect in accordance with art. 1(3) of the amending Rule) by The New Firefighters’ Pension Scheme (Amendment) Order (Northern Ireland) 2008 (S.R. 2008/381), art. 1(3), Sch. para. 4(i)

Commencement Information

I1 ANNEX Scheme art. 21 in operation at 30.3.2007 (with effect in accordance with art. 2(1)), see art. 2(1)

(1)

Paragraphs 16A to 16C were inserted by the Finance Act 2005 (c.7), Schedule 10, paragraph 28.