PART 1Introductory provisions
Citation and commencementI11
These Regulations—
a
may be cited as the Police Pensions (Remediable Service) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023; and
b
come into operation on 1st October 2023.
InterpretationI22
1
In these Regulations—
“the 1988 Regulations” means the Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions Regulations 19885, and “the 1988 scheme” means the pension scheme established by those Regulations;
“the 1999 Order” means the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 19996
“the 2009 Regulations” means the Police Pension (Northern Ireland) Regulations 20097, and “the 2006 scheme” means the pension scheme established by those Regulations;
“the 2015 Regulations” means the Police Pensions Regulations (Northern Ireland) 20158;
“PSPJOA 2022” means the Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022;
“the PSP(NI) Directions 2023” means the Public Service Pensions (Exercise of Powers, Compensation and Information) Directions (Northern Ireland) 2023;
“deferred choice decision” has the meaning given in regulation 12(1);
“deferred choice decision-maker” means the person who may make a deferred choice decision under regulation 12(2);
“deferred choice member” means a member with remediable police service who is not an immediate choice member;
“eligible child” means, in relation to—
- a
the 1988 scheme, a person in respect of whom a child’s allowance is payable under that scheme;
- b
the 2006 scheme, a person in respect of whom a child survivor’s pension is payable under that scheme;
- c
the reformed scheme, an eligible child within the meaning of regulation 143 of the 2015 Regulations;
- a
“end of the section 10 election period”, in relation to a deferred choice member, means the time determined in accordance with—
- a
where the member is the deferred choice decision-maker, regulation 13(3)(b);
- b
where a person other than the member is the deferred choice decision-maker, regulation 14(2)(b);
- a
“immediate choice decision” has the meaning given in regulation 8(1);
“immediate choice decision-maker” means the person who may make an immediate choice decision under regulation 8(2);
“immediate choice member” means a member with remediable police service who, immediately before 1st October 2023, was deceased or entitled to the present payment of a pension, other than a deferred choice pension under the 1988 scheme, the 2006 scheme or the reformed scheme and “deferred choice pension” means a pension the rate of which—
- a
is not determined (by any extent) by reference to the member’s remediable service, and
- b
is not affected by the coming into force of section 2(1) of PSPJOA 2022;
- a
the “legacy scheme”, in relation to a member, means whichever of the 1988 scheme or the 2006 scheme is the relevant Chapter 1 legacy scheme9 for the member, and “legacy scheme benefits” means benefits calculated in accordance with that scheme;
“member” means an active, deferred, deceased or pensioner, but not a pension credit, member of a police pension scheme10;
“opted-out service election” has the meaning given in regulation 6(1);
“police pension scheme” means the 1988 scheme, the 2006 scheme or the reformed scheme;
“the reformed scheme” means the pension scheme established by the 2015 Regulations, and “reformed scheme benefits” means new scheme benefits11 under the reformed scheme;
“remediable police service” means, in relation to a member, the member’s remediable service12 in an employment or office that is pensionable service13 under a police pension scheme;
“remedy member” means a deferred choice member or an immediate choice member;
“section 6 election” has the meaning given in regulation 8(1)(a);
“section 10 election” has the meaning given in regulation 12(1)(a).
2
For the purposes of these Regulations, a reference in PSPJOA 2022 to section 2(1) of that Act coming into operation is to be understood as a reference to that section coming into operation in relation to members of the police pension scheme.
3
A term used in these Regulations which—
a
is defined in, or for the purposes of, a provision in Chapter 1 of Part 1 of PSPJOA 2022, and
b
is not defined differently in these Regulations,
has the meaning given in, or for the purposes of, that provision.
4
A term used in these Regulations which—
a
is defined in the 1988 Regulations, the 2009 Regulations or the 2015 Regulations (“the relevant Regulations”), and
b
is not defined differently—
i
in these Regulations, or
ii
in, or for the purposes of, a provision in Chapter 1 of Part 1 to PSPJOA 2022,
has, in relation to the scheme established by the relevant Regulations, the meaning given in those Regulations.
5
In these Regulations, a reference to a provision of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 is a reference to that provision as amended from time to time.
6
The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 applies to these Regulations as it applies to an Act of the Assembly14.
DelegationI33
1
Subject to the exceptions in regulation 3(2), the scheme manager may delegate any functions of the scheme manager under these Regulations, including this power to delegate.
2
The scheme manager may not delegate any functions of the scheme manager under regulations 59, 62 and 63.
PART 2Remediable service statements
Requirement relating to remediable service statementsI44
1
The scheme manager must provide a remediable service statement in respect of each remedy member (“M”) in accordance with—
a
section 29 of PSPJOA 2022,
b
any Treasury directions made under section 29(6) of that Act15, and
c
this regulation.
2
A remediable service statement must be provided in respect of M—
a
on or before the relevant date16,
b
where M is, in relation to their remediable police service, for the time being—
i
an active member, at least once in each year ending with the anniversary of the relevant date;
ii
a deferred member, within three months of receipt of a written request by the member17, and
c
where M is a deferred choice member, as soon as is reasonably practicable following receipt of notification—
i
under regulation 13(2) that M intends to claim benefits in relation to M’s remediable police service, or
ii
that M has died.
3
The remediable service statement must be provided—
a
to M, or
b
where
i
M is deceased, and
ii
the eligible decision-maker is a person other than the scheme manager,
to the person who is for the time being the eligible decision-maker in relation to M’s remediable police service under the Schedule.
4
The remediable service statement must include—
a
where the scheme manager has determined that any information to be provided in connection with M’s remediable police service must be communicated in a particular form and manner, information about that form and manner;
b
where M is an immediate choice member, information about the irrevocability of an immediate choice decision;
c
where M is a deferred choice member, information about the circumstances in which a deferred choice decision is revocable, and the circumstances in which it is irrevocable;
d
where M is a person described in regulation 55(1), information about—
i
how and when an election may be made under regulation 55(2),
ii
the consequence of making, or not making, an election under regulation 55(2), and
iii
the irrevocability of an election under regulation 55(2).
5
For further provision about—
a
what a remediable service statement must include, see—
i
section 29(5) of PSPJOA 2022;
ii
direction 20(1) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023;
b
when a remediable service statement must be combined with a benefit information statement provided under section 14 of the 2014 Act, see direction 20(2) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.
PART 3Decisions about the treatment of remediable police service
CHAPTER 1Opted-out service elections
Application and interpretation of Chapter 1I55
1
This Chapter applies to and in respect of a member (“M”) with opted-out service in an employment or office in relation to M’s legacy scheme18.
2
In this Chapter—
“opted-out service decision-maker” means the person who may make an opted-out service election in accordance with regulation 6(2);
“relevant opted-out service” means the service referred to in paragraph (1).
Election in relation to opted-out serviceI66
1
An election (an “opted-out service election”) may be made in relation to M’s relevant opted-out service in accordance with this Chapter and section 5 of PSPJOA 2022.
2
An opted-out service election may be made—
a
by M, or
b
where M is deceased, by the eligible decision-maker determined in accordance with the Schedule.
3
Where a person (“P”) other than the scheme manager is the opted-out service decision-maker, an opted-out service election may only be made after the scheme manager determines an application which is—
a
made by or on behalf of M,
b
in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager,
c
received by the scheme manager during the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which a remediable service statement is provided in relation to M under regulation 4(2)(a), and
d
accompanied by such information—
i
which is information within P’s possession, or
ii
which P may reasonably be expected to obtain,
that the scheme manager may by written notice require P to provide in relation to the decision which caused the service in question to become opted-out service.
4
As soon as is reasonably practicable after receipt of an application, the scheme manager must—
a
determine whether an opted-out service election may be made in relation to M, and
b
notify the person who made the application whether such an opted-out service election may be made.
5
The scheme manager must refuse an application unless both of the following conditions are met—
a
the decision by virtue of which M’s service became opted-out service was communicated to the scheme manager on or after 12th March 2012, and
b
the decision by virtue of which M’s service became opted-out service was made pursuant to a relevant breach of a non-discrimination rule19.
6
But the scheme manager must not refuse an application where the decision by virtue of which M’s service became opted-out service was communicated to the scheme manager during the period—
a
beginning on the day six months before M would have (but for the opt-out decision) become a member of the reformed scheme, and
b
ending at the end of 28th February 2022.
7
Where the scheme manager is the opted-out service decision-maker, the scheme manager must, as soon as is reasonably practicable after determining that they are the opted-out service decision-maker, determine whether to make an opted-out service election in relation to M.
8
An opted-out service election to be made by—
a
a person other than the scheme manager is made when the person confirms that an opted-out service election is to be made following receipt of the notification mentioned in paragraph (4)(b);
b
the scheme manager is made at the time determined by the scheme manager.
9
See section 5(2) to (4) of PSPJOA 2022 about the effect, timing and irrevocability of an opted-out service election.
CHAPTER 2Immediate choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits
Application and interpretation of Chapter 2I77
1
This Chapter applies in respect of the remediable police service of an immediate choice member (“M”).
2
Where M has remediable police service in multiple employments or offices, this Chapter applies separately in relation to the remediable police service in each employment or office.
Immediate choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits: generalI88
1
A decision (“an immediate choice decision”) may be made in accordance with this Chapter—
a
to make an election (“a section 6 election”) by virtue of section 6 of PSPJOA 2022 in relation to M’s remediable police service, or
b
that no section 6 election is to be made in relation to that service.
2
An immediate choice decision may be made—
a
by M, or
b
where M is deceased, by the eligible decision-maker determined in accordance with the Schedule.
3
An immediate choice decision made by—
a
a person other than the scheme manager is made when it is received by the scheme manager in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager;
b
the scheme manager is made at a time determined by the scheme manager.
4
An immediate choice decision may only be made before the end of the section 6 election period20.
5
An immediate choice decision is irrevocable.
6
An immediate choice decision to make a section 6 election takes effect as a section 6 election (see sections 6(5) and (7), 7(1)(b) and 9 of PSPJOA 2022 about the effect of a section 6 election).
7
Paragraph (8) applies where—
a
immediately before 1st October 2023, M has remediable police service in the reformed scheme (“reformed scheme service”), and
b
an immediate choice decision is made that no section 6 election is to be made in relation to M’s remediable police service.
8
Where this paragraph applies, section 6(4) of PSPJOA 2022 does not apply in relation to M’s reformed scheme service (and, accordingly, section 2(1) of PSPJOA 2022 has effect in relation to M’s reformed scheme service for the purposes mentioned in section 2(3)(b) of that Act from the time the immediate choice decision mentioned in paragraph (7)(b) is made).
9
The following provisions of PSPJOA 2022 have effect in relation to an immediate choice decision that no section 6 election is to be made as they have effect in relation to a section 6 election—
a
section 6(7) (section 6 election has effect in respect of all remediable service in the employment or office);
b
section 7(1)(b) (provision about when a section 6 election is to be treated as having taken effect);
c
section 9 (provision about persons with remediable service in more than one Chapter 1 legacy scheme).
Immediate choice decision: additional requirementsI99
1
This regulation applies where the immediate choice decision-maker (“D”) is a person other than the scheme manager.
2
An immediate choice decision may not be made unless a remediable service statement has been provided in accordance with regulation 4(2)(a).
3
An immediate choice decision is to be treated as having been made only if D provides any information specified in a written request from the scheme manager that is—
a
information in D’s possession, or
b
information which D can reasonably be expected to obtain.
Immediate choice decision: deemed section 6 electionI1010
Where—
a
the end of the section 6 election period in relation to M has passed,
b
no immediate choice decision has been communicated to the scheme manager, and
c
it appears to the scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, that the value of reformed scheme benefits payable if a section 6 election is made is greater than the value of legacy scheme benefits payable if a section 6 election is not made,
a section 6 election is treated as having been made immediately before the end of the section 6 election period.
CHAPTER 3Deferred choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits
Application and interpretation of Chapter 3I1111
1
This Chapter applies in respect of the remediable police service of a deferred choice member (“M”).
2
Where M has remediable police service in multiple employments or offices, this Chapter applies separately in relation to the remediable police service in each employment or office.
Deferred choice decision for reformed scheme or legacy scheme benefits: generalI1212
1
A decision (a “deferred choice decision”) may be made —
a
to make an election (“a section 10 election”) by virtue of section 10 of PSPJOA 2022 in relation to M’s remediable police service, or
b
that no section 10 election is to be made in relation to that service.
2
A deferred choice decision may be made—
a
by M, or
b
where M is deceased, by the eligible decision-maker determined in accordance with the Schedule.
3
A deferred choice decision made by—
a
a person other than the scheme manager is made when it is received by the scheme manager in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager;
b
the scheme manager is made at a time determined by the scheme manager;
4
A deferred choice decision may only be made before the end of the section 10 election period.
5
A deferred choice decision to make a section 10 election takes effect as a section 10 election (see sections 10(4) and (5), 11(3)(b), (4) and (7) and 13 of PSPJOA 2022 about the effect of a section 10 election).
6
Where the deferred choice decision is that no section 10 election is to be made, the benefits payable to or in respect of M, so far as they are determined by reference to M’s remediable police service, are legacy scheme benefits.
7
The following provisions of PSPJOA 2022 have effect in relation to a decision that no section 10 election is to be made as they have effect in relation to a section 10 election—
a
section 10(5) (section 10 election has effect in respect of all remediable service in the employment or office);
b
section 11(3)(b), (4) and (7) (provision about when a section 10 election take effect, and the effect of lapse or revocation of a section 10 election);
c
section 13 (persons with remediable service in more than one Chapter 1 legacy scheme).
8
No benefits are payable under the legacy scheme in respect of M’s pensionable service under that scheme unless—
a
a deferred choice decision is made in relation to M’s remediable police service,
b
a section 10 election is deemed to have been made under regulation 16 in relation to that service,
c
M has notified the scheme manager that they intend to claim benefits under a police pension scheme in respect of their remediable police service and it was not reasonably practicable for the scheme manager to provide a remediable service statement in respect of M in accordance with regulation 4(2)(c)(i) before the date on which such benefits become payable, or
d
M is deceased.
9
Where M is a person described in paragraph (8)(c) or (d), the scheme manager may, before a deferred choice decision is made or a section 10 election is deemed to have been made in relation to M’s remediable police service, pay to any person (“the beneficiary”) who is, or is to be, entitled to receive benefits in relation to M’s pensionable service such benefits (whether by way of lump sum or otherwise) to which the beneficiary would be entitled if no section 10 election is made, or deemed to be made, in relation to M’s remediable police service.
10
The scheme manager may not pay benefits under paragraph (9) which are determined by reference to any voluntary contribution21 paid by M pursuant to an arrangement which commenced during the period of M’s remediable police service.
11
Where, at the operative time—
a
the aggregate of the lump sum or pension benefits that have been paid pursuant to paragraph (9) to a beneficiary, exceeds
b
the aggregate of the lump sum or pension benefits to which (after taking into account the effect, if any, of paragraph (6) of this regulation or section 10(4) of PSPJOA 2022) the beneficiary is entitled under a police pension scheme in respect of M’s pensionable service,
the beneficiary must pay an amount equal to the difference to the scheme.
12
Where, at the operative time—
a
the amount mentioned in paragraph (11)(a), is less than
b
the amount mentioned in paragraph (11)(b),
the scheme manager must pay an amount equal to the difference to the beneficiary.
13
In this regulation “the operative time” means—
a
if, in relation to M’s remediable police service—
i
a deferred choice decision is made, or
ii
a section 10 election is deemed to have been made,
the time the decision or election is made;
b
otherwise, the end of the section 10 election period in relation to M.
Deferred choice decision to be made by MI1313
1
This regulation applies where M is the deferred choice decision-maker.
2
M must notify the scheme manager in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager that M intends to claim benefits in relation to M’s remediable police service—
a
during the period between 6 and 3 months before the date M intends such benefits to become payable, or
b
during such other period that the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances.
3
A deferred choice decision may only be made during the period—
a
beginning on the date a remediable service statement is issued under regulation 4(2)(c)(i), and
b
ending—
i
at the end of the day 12 weeks after that date;
ii
subject to paragraph (5), at the end of such other day as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances; or
iii
if earlier than the time which applies by virtue of paragraph (i) or (ii), at the end of the day before benefits become payable in relation to M’s remediable police service.
4
The end of the period during which a deferred choice decision may be made must not be more than one year before the day on which it is reasonably expected that, if a section 10 election were made, reformed scheme benefits would become payable to or in respect of M.
5
A deferred choice decision made by M may be revoked—
a
up to 10 working days before benefits become payable in relation to M’s remediable police service, and
b
by M communicating to the scheme manager notice of the revocation in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager.
6
Where the scheme manager receives notice that M has died before any benefits have become payable in relation to M’s remediable police service—
a
any deferred choice decision made by M lapses, and
b
any period that has begun (whether or not it has also ended) in accordance with paragraph (3) is to be treated as never having begun (or ended).
Deferred choice decision to be made by a person other than MI1414
1
This regulation applies where a person other than M is the deferred choice decision-maker.
2
A deferred choice decision may only be made during the period—
a
beginning, where the deferred choice decision-maker is—
i
a person other than the scheme manager, on the date a remediable service statement is issued under regulation 4(2)(c)(ii);
ii
the scheme manager, on the date the scheme manager receives notice that M has died, and
b
ending—
i
at the end of the day 12 weeks after that date;
ii
except where the scheme manager is the deferred choice decision-maker, at such other time as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances; or
iii
if earlier than the time which applies under paragraph (i) or (ii), immediately after a deferred choice decision is made.
3
A deferred choice decision made by a person other than M is irrevocable.
Deferred choice decision: additional requirementsI1515
Where the deferred choice decision-maker (“D”) is a person other than the scheme manager, a deferred choice decision is to be treated as having been made only if D provides any information specified in a written request from the scheme manager that is—
a
information in D’s possession, or
b
information which D can reasonably be expected to obtain.
Deferred choice decision: deemed section 10 electionI1616
Where—
a
the end of the section 10 election period in relation to M has passed,
b
no deferred choice decision has been made, and
c
it appears to the scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, that the value of reformed scheme benefits payable if a section 10 election is made is greater than the value of legacy scheme benefits payable if a section 10 election is not made,
a section 10 election is treated as having been made immediately before the end of the section 10 election period.
PART 4Provision about divorce and dissolution arrangements
CHAPTER 1Pension credit and pension debit members
SECTION 1Application and interpretation of Chapter 1
Application and interpretation of Chapter 1I1717
1
This Chapter applies in relation to—
a
a pension credit member (“C”),
b
the corresponding pension debit member (“D”), and
c
the pension sharing order by virtue of which C became a pension credit member in relation to D’s remediable police service (the “relevant pension sharing order”).
2
In this Chapter—
“appropriate person” means—
- a
D, or
- b
where D is deceased, D’s personal representatives;
- a
“C” means the pension credit member mentioned in paragraph (1)(a);
“cash equivalent” means an amount calculated in accordance with regulations made under Article 27 of the 1999 Order;
“corresponding pension debit member” means the remedy member referred to in sub-paragraph (c) of the definition of “pension credit member”;
“D” means the corresponding pension debit member mentioned in paragraph (1)(b);
“pension credit member” means a member of a police pension scheme who has rights under the scheme—
- a
which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit22;
- b
which arise by virtue of a pension sharing order with a transfer day on or after 1st April 2015, and
- c
the value of which was determined (to any extent) by reference to the value of benefits payable in respect of the remediable police service of a remedy member;
- a
“pension sharing order” means the order or provision by virtue of which Article 26 of the 1999 Order applies in relation to a pension credit member and the corresponding pension debit member;
“relevant pension sharing order” has the meaning given in paragraph (1)(c);
“remediable relevant benefits” means the benefits or future benefits described in Article 26(4) and (5) of the 1999 Order to which D is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights;
“remediable shareable rights” means D’s shareable rights secured by virtue of D’s remediable police service during the period beginning on 1st April 2015 and ending on the earlier of—
- a
the day before the transfer day, or
- b
the last day of D’s remediable police service;
- a
“shareable rights” has the meaning given in Article 24(2) of the 1999 Order;
“transfer day” means the day on which the relevant pension sharing order takes effect;
“valuation day” has the meaning given in Article 26(7) of the 1999 Order.
SECTION 2Pension sharing orders: information provided before 1st October 2023
Application and interpretation of Section 2I1818
1
This Section applies where, before 1st October 2023, the scheme manager has provided information for the purpose of determining amounts under Article 26 of the 1999 Order in respect of a remedy member’s remediable police service.
2
In this Section—
“alternative amount” has the meaning given in regulation 19;
“alternative reduction amount” and “alternative reduction amounts” have the meanings given in, respectively, regulation 22(3) and (4);
“alternative scheme”, in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that does not relate to mixed service, means—
- a
where the initial scheme is D’s legacy scheme, the reformed scheme;
- b
where the initial scheme is the reformed scheme, D’s legacy scheme;
- a
“C’s pension account” has the meaning given in regulation 21(4);
“initial amount” means the total amount determined for the purposes of the relevant pension sharing order under Article 26(2) and (3) of the 1999 Order in relation to D’s remediable shareable rights;
“initial reduction amount” means the amount by which D’s remediable relevant benefits were reduced pursuant to the relevant pension sharing order;
“initial scheme”, in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that does not relate to mixed service, means the police pension scheme in respect of which an initial amount or an initial reduction amount was determined;
“remediable credit adjustment” has the meaning given in regulation 20(2).
3
for the purposes of this Section, a relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service if it specifies an appropriate amount in accordance with Article 26(2) or (3) of the 1999 Order by reference to the value of remediable relevant benefits to which D is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights secured in both D’s legacy scheme and the reformed scheme (and, accordingly, a relevant pension sharing order does not relate to mixed service if it specifies an appropriate amount by reference to remediable shareable rights secured in only one of those schemes).
Meaning of “alternative amount”I1919
1
“Alternative amount” means—
a
in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that does not relate to mixed service where an initial amount was determined under—
i
Article 26(2) of the 1999 Order in relation to a percentage value to be transferred from the initial scheme, the amount that would have been determined applying the relevant percentage value under that section on the valuation day if the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the alternative scheme;
ii
Article 26(3) of the 1999 Order in relation to an amount to be transferred from the initial scheme, the amount equal to the implied percentage of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day determined as if the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the alternative scheme;
b
in relation to a relevant pension sharing order that relates to mixed service, the greater of—
i
the legacy scheme amount, and
ii
the reformed scheme amount.
2
In paragraph (1)(b)—
“legacy scheme amount” means, where the initial amount was determined in relation to—
- a
a percentage value to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount that would have been determined applying—
- i
in relation to pre-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the legacy scheme percentage value, and
- ii
in relation to post-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the reformed scheme percentage value,
under Article 26(2) the 1999 Order on the valuation day if all of the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the legacy scheme;
- i
- b
an amount to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount equal to the implied percentage of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day determined as if all the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the legacy scheme;
- a
“reformed scheme amount” means, where the initial amount was determined under Article 26(2) of the 1999 Order in relation to—
- a
a percentage value to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount that would have been determined applying—
- i
in relation to pre-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the legacy scheme percentage value, and
- ii
in relation to post-taper date remediable relevant benefits, the reformed scheme percentage value,
under Article 26(2) of the 1999 Order on the valuation day if all of the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the reformed scheme;
- i
- b
an amount to be transferred from both the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme, the amount equal to the implied percentage of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day determined as if all the remediable relevant benefits had been secured in the reformed scheme.
- a
3
In this regulation—
“implied percentage”, in relation to the value of benefits under a police pension scheme, means the percentage that an initial amount determined under Article 26(3) of the 1999 Order represented of the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits under that scheme on valuation day;
“legacy scheme percentage value” means the percentage value specified in a relevant pension sharing order in relation to D’s legacy scheme for the purpose of determining an amount under Article 26(2) of the 1999 Order;
“post-taper date remediable relevant benefits” means remediable relevant benefits to which a corresponding pension debit member (“D”) is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights secured by virtue of D’s remediable police service after D’s tapered protection closing date;
“pre-taper date remediable relevant benefits” means remediable relevant benefits to which D is entitled by virtue of remediable shareable rights secured by virtue of D’s remediable police service on or before D’s tapered protection closing date;
“reformed scheme percentage value” means the percentage value specified in a relevant pension sharing order in relation to the reformed scheme for the purpose of determining an amount under Article 26(2) of the 1999 Order;
“relevant percentage value” means—
- a
where the relevant pension sharing order specifies a percentage value in relation to only the initial scheme for the purpose of determining an amount under Article 26(2) of the 1999 Order, that percentage value;
- b
otherwise, the percentage value that is specified in relation to the alternative scheme;
- a
“tapered protection closing date”, in relation to D, has the meaning given in paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to the 2015 Regulations.
Information provided before 1st October 2023: calculating a remediable credit adjustmentI2020
1
The scheme manager must determine the alternative amount in relation to C’s pension credit—
a
as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023, and
b
having consulted the scheme actuary.
2
Where—
a
the alternative amount is greater than the initial amount, or
b
the relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service and the alternative amount is lower than the initial amount,
C’s pension account is subject to an adjustment (a “remediable credit adjustment”) equal to the difference.
3
The scheme manager must, by the end of 30th September 2024, provide C with a statement setting out—
a
the alternative amount,
b
any remediable credit adjustment, and
c
where regulation 21(4)(b) applies in relation to C, an explanation of the request that may be made in accordance with regulation 21(5) and the consequences of making, or not making, such a request.
Information provided before 1st October 2023: applying a remediable credit adjustmentI2121
1
This regulation applies where C’s pension account is subject to a remediable credit adjustment.
2
The scheme manager must adjust C’s pension account by an amount equal to the remediable credit adjustment.
3
An adjustment made under paragraph (2) has effect as if it had been made on the transfer day.
4
“C’s pension account” means, where C has, in relation to the relevant pension sharing order—
a
a pension credit in only one police pension scheme, C’s pension credit member account under that scheme;
b
a pension credit in the legacy scheme and the reformed scheme—
i
the pension account identified by C in a request made in accordance with paragraph (5), or
ii
if no request is made in accordance with paragraph (5), C’s pension account under the legacy scheme.
5
A request is made in accordance with this paragraph if—
a
it is made in writing to the scheme manager for the purpose of paragraph (4)(b),
b
it is in a form determined by the scheme manager,
c
it unambiguously identifies only one of C’s pension accounts, and
d
it is received by the scheme manager by—
i
the end of the day 6 months after the date the statement required by regulation 20(3) was provided to C, or
ii
the end of such later day that the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances.
6
A request made in accordance with paragraph (5) is irrevocable.
7
Section 14(3) to (6) of PSPJOA 2022 applies in relation to C as it applies in relation to a member described in section 14(1) as if—
a
a reference to a Chapter 1 legacy scheme were a reference to the police pension scheme in which C has a pension credit;
b
a reference to M’s remediable service in an employment or office were a reference to C’s pension credit;
c
a reference to the effect, if any, of sections 2(1) and 6(4) were a reference to the effect, if any, of this regulation;
d
the term “operative time” means the time at which the adjustment mentioned in paragraph (2) is made (disregarding paragraph (3).
Information provided before 1st October 2023: recalculating D’s reduction of benefitI2222
1
This regulation applies where D’s remediable relevant benefits have been reduced by an initial reduction amount.
2
The scheme manager must determine the alternative reduction amount or, where the relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service, the alternative reduction amounts, in relation to D’s remediable relevant benefits—
a
as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023, and
b
having consulted the scheme actuary.
3
Where the relevant pension sharing order does not relate to mixed service, the “alternative reduction amount” is such amount as the scheme manager considers appropriate having regard to—
a
the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day as if they had been secured in the alternative scheme,
b
the percentage value or the amount to be transferred specified in the relevant pension sharing order, and
c
the provisions of Article 26 and 28 of the 1999 Order.
4
Where the relevant pension sharing order relates to mixed service, the “alternative reduction amounts” are such amounts as the scheme manager considers appropriate having regard to—
a
the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day as if they had all been secured in —
i
the legacy scheme, and separately
ii
the reformed scheme, and
b
the matters mentioned in paragraph (3)(b) and (c).
SECTION 3Information provided on or after 1st October 2023
Application and interpretation of Section 3I2323
1
This Section applies where, on or after 1st October 2023, the scheme manager provides information for the purpose of determining amounts under Article 26 of the 1999 Order in respect of a remedy member’s remediable police service.
2
In this Section—
“alternative reduction amount” has the meaning given in regulation 25(3);
“appropriate amount” means an amount calculated for the purposes of Article 26(1) of the 1999 Order;
“immediate choice pensioner member” means an immediate choice member who is, immediately before these Regulations come into operation, a pensioner member in relation to their remediable police service;
“legacy scheme cash equivalent” has the meaning given in regulation 24(2)(a);
“reformed scheme cash equivalent” has the meaning given in regulation 24(2)(b).
Information provided on or after 1st October 2023: calculation of pension credits and debitsI2424
1
This regulation applies where D is—
a
a deferred choice member and no pension benefits have become payable in relation to D’s remediable police service, or
b
an immediate choice pensioner member and—
i
the end of the section 6 election period in relation to D has not passed, and
ii
no immediate choice decision has been made in relation to D’s remediable police service.
2
For the purpose of calculating the appropriate amount, the scheme manager must determine—
a
the cash equivalent of D’s remediable relevant benefits on the valuation day as if those remediable relevant benefits were in D’s legacy scheme (“the legacy scheme cash equivalent”), and
b
the cash equivalent of those benefits on valuation day as if they were in the reformed scheme (“the reformed scheme cash equivalent”).
3
For the purpose of calculating the pension credit and the pension debit, the scheme manager must use the greater of—
a
the legacy scheme cash equivalent, or
b
the reformed scheme cash equivalent.
Information provided on or after 1st October 2023: recalculating D’s reduction of benefitI2525
1
This regulation applies where D’s remediable relevant benefits are to be reduced in relation to a pension debit calculated under regulation 24(3).
2
The scheme manager must determine the alternative reduction amount in relation to D’s remediable relevant benefits—
a
as soon as reasonably practicable after the transfer day, and
b
having consulted the scheme actuary.
3
The “alternative reduction amount” is such amount as the scheme manager considers appropriate having regard to—
a
the cash equivalent of the remediable relevant benefits on valuation day as if they had been remediable relevant benefits secured in—
i
where the pension debit mentioned in paragraph (1) was calculated on the basis of the legacy scheme cash equivalent, the reformed scheme;
ii
where the pension debit was calculated on the basis of the reformed scheme cash equivalent, the legacy scheme;
b
the percentage value or the amount to be transferred specified in the relevant pension sharing order, and
c
the provisions of Article 26 and 28 of the 1999 Order.
CHAPTER 2Arrangements on divorce: annulment or dissolution other than a pension sharing order
Arrangements other than a pension sharing order: calculating the value of pension benefitsI2626
1
This regulation applies where—
a
the value of the remediable rights of a member (“M”) must be determined for the purpose of proceedings connected to M’s divorce, annulment or the dissolution of M’s civil partnership,
b
the divorce, annulment or dissolution is to take effect—
i
on or after 1st October 2023, and
ii
before the earlier of—
aa
a decision taking effect in relation to M’s remediable police service, or
bb
the end of the relevant election period, and
c
the value of M’s remediable rights is not to be subject to a pension sharing order.
2
The value of M’s remediable rights for the purpose of the proceedings is the greater of those rights valued by the scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, as if they were—
a
secured in M’s legacy scheme, or
b
secured in the reformed scheme.
3
In this regulation—
“decision” means an immediate choice decision or a deferred choice decision;
“pension sharing order” means an order or provision by virtue of which Article 26 of the 1999 Order applies in relation to M’s remediable rights;
“relevant election period” means, where M is—
- a
a deferred choice member, the section 10 election period in relation to M;
- b
an immediate choice member, the section 6 election period in relation to M;
- a
“remediable rights” means the rights secured by virtue of M’s remediable police service.
PART 5Voluntary contributions
Treatment of reformed scheme added pension paymentsI2727
1
This regulation applies in relation to a remediable added pension payment made by a remedy member (“M”
).
2
The scheme manager must, as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023 and having consulted the scheme actuary, determine the “compensatable amount”, being an amount by way of compensation which is equal to—
a
the aggregate of all of M’s remediable added pension payments, less
b
an amount in respect of the value of tax relief in accordance with directions 5(5) to (9) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.
3
Where a determination is made in accordance with direction 5(8) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the following apply—
a
direction 5(10) (provision of explanation);
b
direction 5(11) and (12) (appeals).
4
The scheme manager owes to M or, where M is deceased, M’s personal representatives the compensatable amount.
5
The rights to benefits that would otherwise have been secured by the remediable added pension payment are extinguished.
6
Where a person has received any pension benefits under the reformed scheme by virtue of rights secured by a remediable added pension payment, that person owes to the scheme manager an amount equal to the aggregate of all such pension benefits.
7
In this regulation, “remediable added pension payment” means—
a
a periodical payment for added pension made under an arrangement pursuant to Part 3 of Schedule 3 to the 2015 Regulations which commenced during the period of M’s remediable police service;
b
a lump sum payment for added pension made pursuant to Part 4 of Schedule 3 to the 2015 Regulations during the period of M’s remediable police service.
Treatment of legacy scheme added years paymentsI2828
1
This regulation applies in relation to a remediable added years payment made by a remedy member (“M”
).
2
The scheme manager must, as soon as reasonably practicable after 30th September 2023 and having consulted the scheme actuary, determine the “compensatable amount”, being an amount by way of compensation which is equal to—
a
the aggregate of all of M’s remediable added years payments, less
b
an amount in respect of the value of tax relief in accordance with directions 5(5) to (9) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.
3
Where a determination is made in accordance with direction 5(8) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the following apply—
a
direction 5(10) (provision of explanation);
b
direction 5(11) and (12) (appeals).
4
Where, by virtue of a section 6 election (including a deemed section 6 election) or a section 10 election, the benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable police service are reformed scheme benefits—
a
the scheme manager owes M or, where M is deceased, M’s personal representatives the compensatable amount, and
b
the rights to benefits that would otherwise have been secured by the remediable added years payment are extinguished.
5
In this regulation, a “remediable added years payment” means a payment to secure increased benefits under the Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions (Purchase of Increased Benefits) Regulations 198823 or Part 5 of the 2009 Regulations which is—
a
a lump sum payment made during the period of M’s remediable police service,
b
a periodical contribution made pursuant to an arrangement which commenced during the period of M’s remediable police service, or
c
a lump sum payment or a periodical contribution made pursuant to a remediable arrangement under regulation 29.
Remediable arrangements to pay voluntary contributions to secure legacy scheme added yearsI2929
1
This regulation applies to a remedy member (“M”) who—
a
is not a deceased member, and
b
was, immediately before 1st April 2022, not a full protection member of the 1988 scheme or the 2006 scheme within the meaning of paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to the 2015 Regulations.
2
M may elect to enter into an arrangement (a “remediable arrangement”) to pay voluntary contributions to M’s legacy scheme for added benefits in accordance with—
a
where M’s legacy scheme is—
i
the 1988 scheme, the Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions (Purchase of Increased Benefits) Regulations 1988;
ii
the 2006 scheme, Part 5 of the 2009 Regulations, and
b
this regulation.
3
M may only enter into a remediable arrangement—
a
in respect of a period of M’s remediable police service,
b
if the scheme manager is satisfied that it is more likely than not that, but for a relevant breach of a non-discrimination rule, M would, during the period of M’s remediable police service, have entered into the same or a similar arrangement,
c
before—
i
the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which a remediable service statement is first provided in respect of M, or
ii
such later time as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances, and
d
after an application made in accordance with paragraph (4) is approved by the scheme manager.
4
An application is made in accordance with this paragraph where—
a
it is in writing in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager,
b
it is accompanied by any information the scheme manager reasonably requires to be provided for the purposes of—
i
determining the matters mentioned in paragraph (3)(b);
ii
complying with any requirement imposed by the Royal Ulster Constabulary Pensions (Purchase of Increased Benefits) Regulations 1988 or (as the case may be) Part 5 of the 2009 Regulations in connection with making an election to pay voluntary contributions for added benefits, and
c
it is received by the scheme manager—
i
before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day on which a remediable service statement is first provided in respect of M, or
ii
such later time as the scheme manager considers reasonable in all the circumstances.
5
Where M enters into a remediable arrangement, M owes to the scheme manager an amount equal to—
a
the aggregate of the voluntary contributions which M would have owed had M entered into the remediable arrangement at the time M would have entered into the same or a similar arrangement but for a relevant breach of a non-discrimination rule, less
b
tax relief amounts calculated in accordance with direction 12(2) to (7) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.
6
Where a determination is made in accordance with direction 12(6) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the following apply—
a
direction 12(8) (provision of explanation);
b
direction 12(9) and (10) (appeals).
Disapplication of restriction on lump sum payments for reformed scheme added pensionI3030
Paragraph 5(5) of Schedule 3 to the 2015 Regulations does not apply in relation to an option to make a lump sum payment for added pension that was exercised by a remedy member during the period beginning on 1st April 2022 and ending at the end of 31st March 2023.
PART 6Transfers
CHAPTER 1General
Interpretation of Part 6I3131
1
In this Part—
“public service pension scheme” means—
- a
a Chapter 1 scheme24;
- b
a judicial scheme within the meaning of section 70(1) of PSPJOA 2022;
- c
a local government scheme within the meaning of section 86(1) of PSPJOA 2022;
- a
“receiving scheme”, in relation to a remediable value, means the scheme to which the remediable value was, or is to be, paid;
“remediable club transfer value”, in relation to a member, means the payment or acceptance by the scheme manager of—
- a
a transfer value payment under interchange arrangements in accordance with Part F of the 1988 Regulations;
- b
a transfer value payment under the public sector transfer arrangements in accordance with regulation 12 or 74 of the 2009 Regulations;
- c
a club transfer value payment under Part 11 of the 2015 Regulations,
so far as the transfer value relates to the member’s remediable rights;
- a
“remediable rights”, in relation to a member, means the member’s rights to benefits under a public service pension scheme secured by virtue of the member’s remediable service;
“remediable transfer value”, in relation to a member, means the payment or acceptance by the scheme manager of a transfer value other than a remediable club transfer value under—
- a
Part F of the 1988 Regulations;
- b
regulation 12 or 74 of the 2009 Regulations;
- c
Part 11 of the 2015 Regulations,
so far as the transfer value relates to the member’s remediable rights;
- a
“remediable value” means, except in Chapter 4, a remediable club transfer value or a remediable transfer value;
“sending scheme”, in relation to a remediable value, means the scheme which paid, or is to pay, the remediable value.
2
In this Part, the overall rights in relation to a remediable value in the legacy scheme are—
a
where the member’s legacy scheme would have permitted the transfer in of the entire remediable value (including, where relevant, any payment accepted under regulation 34(3) or any adjustment accepted under regulation 39(2)) had the transfer taken place immediately before 1st April 2022, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme;
b
otherwise, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if that portion of the remediable value that the legacy scheme would have permitted to be transferred in had been transferred into that scheme, together with—
i
where the member has service in an employment or office on or after 1st April 2022 which is pensionable service under the reformed scheme (“relevant reformed scheme service”), the rights to reformed scheme benefits if the remaining portion of the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme;
ii
where the member does not have relevant reformed scheme service, the right to payment of an amount by way of compensation equal to the value of rights to reformed scheme benefits if the remaining portion of the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme.
3
Where a provision of this Part requires the scheme manager to calculate a club transfer value or a transfer value (including a remediable club transfer value or a remediable transfer value) in relation to rights secured in a police pension scheme, that value is to be calculated in accordance with—
a
the provisions of the police pension scheme which apply to the calculation of values of that type, and
b
the guidance and tables provided for the purpose of calculating such values that were, or are, in use on the date used for the calculation of the value which was originally secured rights under a police pension scheme.
Transferred out remediable service statementsI3232
Where a remedy member has transferred any rights in respect of remediable service out of a police pension scheme, the scheme manager must provide a transferred out remediable service statement in accordance with direction 6(2) to (4) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 (and direction 6(4) applies as if the reference to “any provision made by virtue of section 29(1) of PSPJOA 2022” were a reference to regulation 4).
CHAPTER 2Transfers on a cash equivalent basis
SECTION 1Transfers before 1st October 2023
Transfers out before 1st October 2023I3333
1
This regulation applies in relation to a member (“M”) in respect of whom the scheme manager paid a remediable transfer value before 1st October 2023.
2
The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must calculate the transfer value of M’s remediable rights as if they were secured in—
a
M’s legacy scheme;
b
the reformed scheme.
3
The scheme manager must notify the receiving scheme of the results of the calculation mentioned in paragraph (2).
4
Where—
a
the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2) (“x”) is greater than
b
the amount of the remediable transfer value (“y”),
the scheme manager must take reasonable steps to pay the receiving scheme an amount (“the remediable amount”) equal to x - y.
5
A payment made under paragraph (4) is subject to the same conditions as the remediable transfer value.
6
Where—
a
paragraph (4) applies, and
b
the scheme manager, having taken reasonable steps, is unable to make the payment required by that paragraph,
the scheme manager owes M or, where M is deceased, M’s personal representative an amount by way of compensation equal to x – y (“the compensatable amount”) reduced in accordance with paragraph (7).
7
Where, if the compensatable amount was paid immediately after the requirement to pay it arose, the payment—
a
would be a payment described in regulation 6 of the Registered Pension Schemes (Authorised Payments) Regulations 200925 (“the RPS Regulations”) as if regulation 6(1)(a) of those Regulations were omitted, the compensatable amount is to be reduced by the amount equal to the income tax that would be chargeable on it as if regulation 3(b) of the RPS Regulations applied to it;
b
would not be a payment so described, the compensatable amount is to be reduced by an amount equal to the income tax that would be charged on the amount if it were taxed as pension income under Part 9 of the Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 200326.
Transfers in before 1st October 2023I3434
1
This regulation applies in relation to each payment of a remediable transfer value in respect of a member (“M”) which was accepted by the scheme manager before 1st October 2023.
2
The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must determine M’s—
a
overall rights in relation to the remediable transfer value in the legacy scheme;
b
benefits if the remediable transfer value, together with any payment accepted under paragraph (3), were applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.
3
Where the sending scheme was a public service pension scheme, the scheme manager may accept a payment—
a
in respect of the remediable rights to which the remediable transfer value relates, and
b
which is made by the sending scheme pursuant to, or to provision made under, PSPJOA 2022.
4
A payment accepted under paragraph (3) is to be used for the purpose of determining M’s benefits under a police pension scheme on the same terms as the remediable transfer value.
SECTION 2Transfers on or after 1st October 2023
Application of Section 2I3535
This Section applies in respect of a member (“M”) who is—
a
a deferred choice member, and no pension benefits have become payable in relation to M’s remediable police service, or
b
an immediate choice member, and—
i
the end of the section 6 election period has not passed in relation to M, and
ii
no immediate choice decision has been made in relation to M’s remediable police service.
Transfers out on or after 1st October 2023I3636
1
This regulation applies to a remediable transfer value to be paid in relation to M by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023.
2
The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must calculate the transfer value of M’s remediable rights as if those rights had been in—
a
M’s legacy scheme;
b
the reformed scheme.
3
The amount of the remediable transfer value is the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2).
Transfers in from a public service pension scheme on or after 1st October 2023I3737
1
This regulation applies in relation to a remediable transfer value—
a
which is accepted by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023, and
b
where the sending scheme is a public service pension scheme.
2
The scheme manager, having consulted the scheme actuary, must determine—
a
M’s overall rights in relation to the remediable transfer value in the legacy scheme;
b
M’s benefits if the remediable transfer value were applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.
CHAPTER 3Transfers on a club basis
SECTION 1Club transfers before 1st October 2023
Club transfers out before 1st October 2023I3838
1
This regulation applies in relation to each member (“M”) in respect of whom a remediable club transfer value was paid by the scheme manager before 1st October 2023.
2
The scheme manager must calculate the following amounts—
a
the club transfer value of M’s rights under a police pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in M’s legacy scheme;
b
the club transfer value of M’s rights under a police pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in the reformed scheme.
3
The scheme manager must provide to the receiving scheme the result of the calculations mentioned in paragraph (2).
4
Where the receiving scheme is a local government scheme (within the meaning of section 86(1) of PSPJOA 2022) and—
a
the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2) (“x”) is greater than
b
the amount of the remediable club transfer value (“y”),
the scheme manager must pay the receiving scheme an amount equal to x - y.
5
A payment made under paragraph (4) is subject to the same conditions as the remediable club transfer value.
Club transfers in before 1st October 2023I3939
1
This regulation applies in relation to each remediable club transfer value in respect of a member (“M”) which was accepted by the scheme manager before 1st October 2023.
2
The scheme manager may accept an adjustment in the value of a remediable club transfer value—
a
in respect of the remediable rights to which the remediable club transfer value relates, and
b
which is made by the sending scheme pursuant to, or to provision made under, PSPJOA 2022.
3
An adjustment accepted under paragraph (2) is to be used for the purpose of determining M’s benefits under a police pension scheme on the same terms as the remediable club transfer value.
4
The scheme manager must determine—
a
M’s overall rights in relation to the remediable transfer value in the legacy scheme;
b
M’s benefits if the remediable club transfer value, together with any adjustment accepted under paragraph (2), were applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.
SECTION 2Club transfers on or after 1st October 2023
Application of Section 2I4040
This Section applies in respect of a deferred choice member (“M”) where no pension benefits have become payable in relation to M’s remediable service.
Club transfers out on or after 1st October 2023I4141
1
This regulation applies in relation to a remediable club transfer value to be paid in respect of a member by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023.
2
The scheme manager must calculate the following amounts—
a
the club transfer value of M’s rights under a police pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in M’s legacy scheme;
b
the club transfer value of M’s rights under a police pension scheme as if M’s remediable rights had been secured in the reformed scheme.
3
The amount of the remediable club transfer value is the greater of the amounts calculated under paragraph (2).
4
The scheme manager must provide to the receiving scheme the result of the calculations mentioned in paragraph (2).
Club transfers in on or after 1st October 2023I4242
1
This regulation applies in relation to a remediable club transfer value which is accepted by the scheme manager on or after 1st October 2023.
2
The scheme manager must determine—
a
M’s overall rights in relation to the remediable club transfer value in the legacy scheme;
b
M’s benefits if the remediable club transfer value was applied in respect of rights in the reformed scheme.
SECTION 3Variation of the club transfer application period
Variation of the club transfer application periodI4343
Regulation 188(2)(c) of the 2015 Regulations applies in relation to—
a
a remedy member who is not a full protection member within the meaning of paragraph 1 of Schedule 4 to those Regulations, and
b
a transfer payment request for a remediable club transfer value in respect of such a member,
as if for “P’s first day of eligible service” there were substituted “1st October 2023”
.
CHAPTER 4Treatment of rights secured by virtue of a remediable value
Application and interpretation of Chapter 4I4444
1
This regulation applies in relation to a remediable value.
2
In this Chapter, “remediable value” means the following accepted by the scheme manager in respect of a member (“M”)—
a
a remediable transfer value, together with any payment accepted under regulation 34(3);
b
a remediable club transfer value, together with any payment accepted under regulation 39(2).
Remediable value treated as being in the legacy schemeI4545
1
This regulation applies where—
a
a remediable value was accepted into the reformed scheme by the scheme manager in respect of M during the period of M’s remediable police service, and
b
the benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable police service are, by virtue of the operation of these Regulations or PSPJOA 2022, legacy scheme benefits.
2
The remediable value—
a
is not, and is treated as never having been, accepted into the reformed scheme, and
b
is treated as being, and as always having been, accepted in M’s legacy scheme.
3
Paragraph (1) has effect—
a
for the purposes of determining which police pension scheme is (or at any time was) required to pay benefits to or in respect of the remediable value, and
b
subject to regulation 46, for all other purposes.
Treatment of rights to benefits secured by virtue of a remediable valueI4646
1
Paragraphs (2) and (4) apply where a remediable value is treated as being accepted into M’s legacy scheme by virtue of regulation 45.
2
The scheme manager must confer rights to benefits under the legacy scheme in relation to the remediable value that are equivalent to—
a
where M’s legacy scheme would have permitted the transfer in of the entire remediable value had the transfer taken place immediately before 1st April 2022, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted;
b
otherwise—
i
where M has relevant reformed scheme service (within the meaning of regulation 31(2)(b)(i)), the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if that portion of the remediable value that the legacy scheme would have permitted to be transferred in were transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted, together with the rights to reformed scheme benefits if the remaining portion of the remediable value had been transferred into the reformed scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted;
ii
where M does not have relevant reformed scheme service, the rights to legacy scheme benefits that would have been secured if that portion of the remediable value that the legacy scheme would have permitted to be transferred in were transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year in which the remediable value was accepted.
3
Where paragraph (2)(b)(ii) applies, the scheme manager owes to M or, where M is deceased, to M’s personal representatives an amount by way of compensation equal to the value of rights to reformed scheme benefits that would have been secured if the portion of the remediable value that M’s legacy scheme would not have permitted to be transferred in had been transferred into the reformed scheme.
4
The rights to benefits that would otherwise have been secured by the remediable value are extinguished.
5
Paragraph 6 applies where—
a
the benefits payable to or in respect of M’s remediable police service are reformed scheme benefits by virtue of a section 6 election or a section 10 election (including, in either case, a deemed election), and
b
the rights to benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable value would otherwise be legacy scheme benefits.
6
Where this paragraph applies, the scheme manager must, having consulted the scheme actuary, where the remediable value is a remediable transfer value, vary the value of those rights so that they are of an equivalent value to rights M would have secured under the reformed scheme if the remediable value had been transferred into that scheme in the same relevant pension year that the remediable value was accepted.
7
In this regulation, “relevant pension year” has the meaning given by direction 5(16)(c)(i) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.
Benefits already paid in relation to transferred in remediable rightsI4747
1
Paragraph (2) applies in relation to any benefits (“the paid benefits”) that the reformed scheme has at any time paid to a person (“P”) so far as—
a
they are calculated by reference to a remediable value, and
b
they are benefits that, as a result of regulation 45(2)(a), P was not entitled to receive from the scheme.
2
The paid benefits are to be treated for all purposes—
a
as not having been paid to P by the reformed scheme, but
b
as having been paid to P instead by the legacy scheme.
Pension benefits and lump sum benefits in relation to a remediable valueI4848
1
This regulation applies in relation to any benefits that have been in relation to a remediable value accepted in relation to an immediate choice member.
2
Where, at the operative time—
a
the aggregate of benefits that (after taking into account the effect, if any, of regulation 47) have been paid under the legacy scheme to any person (“the beneficiary”) in respect of M’s transferred in remediable rights, exceeds
b
the aggregate of the benefits to which (after taking into account the effect, if any, of regulation 45 in relation to the rights) the beneficiary is entitled under the scheme in respect of the rights,
the beneficiary must pay an amount equal to the difference to the scheme.
3
Where, at the operative time—
a
the amount mentioned in paragraph (2)(a), is less than
b
the amount mentioned in paragraph (2)(b),
the scheme manager must pay an amount equal to the difference to the beneficiary.
4
In this regulation, “the operative time” means—
a
if an immediate choice decision is made in relation to M’s remediable police service, the time the decision is made;
b
otherwise, the end of the section 6 election period in relation to M.
PART 7Provision about special cases
CHAPTER 1Ill-health retirement
Application and interpretation of Chapter 1I4949
1
This Chapter applies in relation to an immediate choice member (“M”) who, during the period beginning on 1st April 2015 and ending on 31st March 2022, became entitled to—
a
an ill-health award under regulation B327 of the 1988 Regulations;
b
an ill-health pension under regulation 26 of the 2009 Regulations;
c
an ill-health pension under regulation 100 of the 2015 Regulations.
2
In this Chapter—
“1988 IHR member” means a member described in paragraph (1)(a);
“2006 IHR member” means a member described in paragraph (1)(b);
“2015 IHR member” means a member described in paragraph (1)(c);
“alternative scheme” means, in relation to—
- a
a 1988 IHR member or a 2006 IHR member, the reformed scheme;
- b
a 2015 IHR member, the member’s legacy scheme;
- a
“ill-health benefits” means benefits payable by virtue of an entitlement mentioned in paragraph (1);
“police pension authority” has the meaning given in regulation 71 of the 2015 Regulations;
“remediable ill-health benefits” means ill-health benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable police service;
“selected medical practitioner” means a duly qualified medical practitioner appointed by the police pension authority.
M’s entitlement to ill-health benefits to be treated as equivalent in M’s alternative schemeI5050
1
For the purposes of PSPJOA 2022 and these Regulations, M is to be treated as meeting the requirements for an equivalent ill-health award in M’s alternative scheme.
2
No question relating to M’s entitlement to ill-health benefits that has been decided following referral to a selected medical practitioner is to be re-opened by virtue of any provision of PSPJOA 2022 or of these Regulations.
3
In this regulation—
“equivalent ill-health award in M’s alternative scheme” means—
- a
where M is entitled to an ill-health award under regulation B3 of the 1988 Regulations, a lower tier award under the reformed scheme;
- b
where M is entitled to—
- i
a lower tier award under the 2006 scheme, a lower tier award under the reformed scheme;
- ii
an upper tier award under the 2006 scheme, an upper tier award under the reformed scheme;
- i
- c
where M is entitled to—
- i
a lower tier award under the reformed scheme, and—
- aa
M’s legacy scheme is the 1988 scheme, an award under regulation B3 of the 1988 Regulations;
- bb
M’s legacy scheme is the 2006 scheme, a lower tier award under that scheme;
- aa
- ii
an upper tier award under the reformed scheme and M’s legacy scheme is the 2006 scheme, an upper tier award under that scheme;
- i
- a
“lower tier award” means, in relation to—
- a
the 2006 scheme, an award determined in accordance with regulation 26(3) of the 2009 Regulations;
- b
the reformed scheme, an ill-health pension payable under regulation 100(3)(a) of the 2015 Regulations;
- a
“upper tier award” means, in relation to—
- a
the 2006 scheme, an award determined in accordance with regulation 26(4) of the 2009 Regulations;
- b
the reformed scheme, an ill-health pension payable under regulation 100(3)(b) of the 2015 Regulations.
- a
Deciding whether a 1988 IHR member is entitled to an upper tier awardI5151
1
This regulation applies where—
a
M is a 1988 IHR member, and
b
the question of whether M is permanently medically unfit for engaging in any regular employment within the meaning of Part 6 of the 2015 Regulations has not been referred to a selected medical practitioner.
2
The police pension authority must refer the following questions to a selected medical practitioner—
a
whether M was, at the time of the original decision or at any time during the relevant period, medically unfit for engaging in any regular employment, and
b
whether that medical unfitness was likely to be permanent.
3
The selected medical practitioner must—
a
examine or interview M if the selected medical practitioner thinks it is necessary to do so to decide either of the questions referred under paragraph (2),
b
decide the questions referred under paragraph (2), and
c
give the police pension authority and M a report and certificate containing a decision on those questions.
4
Regulation 80(2) of, and Schedule 1 to, the 2015 Regulations applies to the report and certificate mentioned in paragraph (3)(c) as they apply in relation to the report and certificate mentioned in regulation 79(2)(c) of those Regulations.
5
For the purpose of deciding the questions in paragraph (2)—
a
the selected medical practitioner may only have regard to information that was available or could have been produced during the relevant period;
b
the following provisions of the 2015 Regulations apply as they apply for the purpose of deciding a question under Part 6 of those Regulations—
i
regulation 73(2) to (4) (receipt of appropriate medical treatment);
ii
regulation 74(3)(c) and (d) (criteria for deciding whether a member is permanently medically unfit for engaging in any regular employment).
6
Where the selected medical practitioner decides both of the questions referred under paragraph (2) in the affirmative, M is to be treated for the purposes of PSPJOA 2022 and of these Regulations as meeting the requirements for an upper tier award in the reformed scheme (as defined in regulation 50(3) of these Regulations).
7
Schedule 1 to the 2015 Regulations applies in relation to a report and certificate containing a decision of the selected medical practitioner in accordance with this regulation as it applies in relation to a report and certificate by the selected practitioner containing a medical decision in accordance with those Regulations.
8
In this regulation—
“medical unfitness” has the meaning given in regulation 72(1) of the 2015 Regulations;
“original decision” means the decision under Part H of the 1988 Regulations by virtue of which M was deemed permanently disabled;
“progressive medical condition” means a medical condition which —
- a
of its nature, could have been expected, as at the time of M’s retirement, to affect M with increasing severity, and
- b
is a progressive medical condition within the meaning given by regulation 110(6) of the 2015 Regulations.
- a
“relevant period” means the period—
- a
beginning with the time of the original decision, and
- b
ending on the earlier of—
- i
except where the original decision attributed M’s permanent disablement a progressive medical condition, five years after the time of the original decision;
- ii
the beginning of the day on which M reaches 60 years of age;
- iii
the time when an immediate choice decision or a deferred choice decision is made, or deemed to be made, in relation to M’s remediable police service.
- i
- a
CHAPTER 2Miscellaneous special cases
Protection of the amount of pension payable to an eligible childI5252
1
This regulation applies where—
a
immediately before 1st October 2023, benefits are in payment to an eligible child (“E”) in respect of the remediable police service of a deceased member,
b
there is a surviving adult (“S”) in relation to the deceased member,
c
S does not have parental responsibility for E, and
d
S makes an immediate choice decision which would (disregarding this regulation) result in a decrease in the amount of benefits payable to E in relation to M’s remediable police service.
2
Where this regulation applies—
a
E does not owe the scheme manager a liability under section 14(3) of PSPJOA 2022 in respect of benefits received in relation to M’s remediable police service, and
b
the amount of benefits payable continues to be the amount that was payable before the election was made.
Payment of annual allowance tax charges and provision of informationI5353
Where a remedy member is unable to give an effective notice to the scheme administrator under section 237B(3) of the FA 200428 in relation to an in-scope tax year (within the meaning of direction 7(7) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023) because of the time limit in section 237BA29 has passed, direction 7(2) to (6) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 applies in relation to the remedy member.
Elections for non-pensionable payment instead of temporary payI5454
1
This regulation applies in relation to a remedy member (“M”) who—
a
in accordance with a determination made under regulation 26 of the Police Service of Northern Ireland Regulations 200530, made an election (an “NPP election”) to receive a non-pensionable payment instead of any temporary increase in pay in respect of their remediable police service to which M would otherwise have been entitled in accordance with a determination under that regulation, or
b
was entitled to make an NPP election, but did not.
2
Where—
a
an NPP election was made, the relevant decision-maker may elect for M’s remediable police service to be treated as if no NPP election was made (and never had been made) in relation to that service;
b
no NPP election was made, the relevant decision maker may elect for M’s remediable police service to be treated as if an NPP election was made (and always had been made) in relation to that service.
3
An election under paragraph (2) has effect for the purposes of determining—
a
the value of rights to benefits that M secured by virtue of M’s pension contributions,
b
the amount of any pension benefits or lump sum benefits that are (or at any time were) payable under a police pension scheme to or in respect of M, and
c
the amount of pension contributions that were payable under a police pension scheme in relation to M’s remediable police service.
4
Where M is—
a
an immediate choice member, an election under paragraph (2) may only be made—
i
in the same form and manner, and at the same time, as any immediate choice decision in relation to M’s remediable service, and
ii
where the immediate choice decision is that the benefits payable in relation to M’s remediable police service are the benefits under M’s alternative scheme,
b
deferred choice member, an election under paragraph (2) may only be made—
i
in a form and manner determined by the scheme manager, and
ii
before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which a remediable service statement is provided under regulation 4(2)(a) in relation to M’s remediable police service.
5
Where an election is made under paragraph (2)—
a
the scheme manager must, having consulted the scheme actuary, vary the value of M’s remediable rights under the legacy scheme so that they are equivalent to the value of rights that would have been secured by M’s pension contributions taking into account paragraph (3)(a);
b
where M is an immediate choice member—
i
section 14(3) to (6) of PSPJOA 2022 applies in relation to M taking into account paragraph (3)(b), and
ii
section 15(3) and (4) of PSPJOA 2022 applies in relation to M taking into account paragraph (3)(c);
c
where M is a deferred choice member, section 16(3) and (4) of PSPJOA 2022 applies in relation to M—
i
taking into account paragraph (3)(c), and
ii
as if the references to the coming into force of section 2(1) included references to the time when the election under paragraph (2) was made.
6
An election under paragraph (2) is irrevocable.
7
In this regulation—
“M’s alternative scheme” means, where M was at the time of making the NPP election in pensionable service under—
- a
the legacy scheme, the reformed scheme;
- b
the reformed scheme, the legacy scheme;
- a
“relevant decision-maker” means—
- a
where M is an immediate choice member, the immediate choice decision-maker in relation to M;
- b
where M is a deferred choice member, the deferred choice decision-maker in relation to M;
- a
“remediable rights” means rights secured by virtue of pension contributions paid in relation to M’s remediable police service.
PART 8Immediate detriment cases
Treatment of immediate detriment casesI5555
1
This regulation applies in relation to a person’s (“A’s”) remediable police service where an immediate detriment remedy has been obtained in relation to that service by virtue of either of the conditions in section 32(2) and (3) (the “relevant condition”) of PSPJOA 2022 having been met.
2
These Regulations and sections 2 to 30 of PSPJOA 2022 apply in relation to A’s remediable police service as they apply in relation to an immediate choice member in respect of whose remediable police service an immediate choice decision has been made that no section 6 election is to be made.
3
Any amount paid by way of benefits or compensation pursuant to the agreement or (as the case may be) determination by virtue of which the relevant condition has been met is to be treated for the purposes of section 14 of PSPJOA 2022 as—
a
a lump sum benefit, if the amount was paid by way of a lump sum;
b
a pension benefit, if the amount was paid otherwise than by way of a lump sum.
PART 9Liabilities and payment
CHAPTER 1Application of Part 9
Application of Chapters 1, 2 and 3I5656
Chapters 1, 2 and 3 apply in relation to a relevant amount31 owed in respect of the remediable police service of a remedy member.
CHAPTER 2Interest, compensation and netting off
InterestI5757
1
The scheme manager must calculate interest on a relevant amount described in direction 15 of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 in accordance with the provisions of directions 14 and 15 which apply to that description of relevant amount.
2
in relation to a relevant amount not described in direction 15 of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, the scheme manager must determine whether interest is paid and, if so, what rate of interest applies and how it is calculated.
3
The following provisions of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 apply in relation to a determination under paragraph (2) as it were a determination under direction 16(1) of those Directions—
a
direction 16(2) (provision of explanation);
b
direction 16(3) and (4) (appeals).
Indirect compensationI5858
1
2
M is not to be paid an amount under section 24 of PSPJOA 2022 by way of compensation in respect of the relevant loss.
3
Instead, the amount of benefit payable under a police pension scheme is to be increased to reflect the amount of the relevant loss in such manner as determined by the scheme manager in accordance with direction 10(2) to (4) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023.
Applications for compensation or indirect compensationI5959
1
This regulation applies in relation to—
a
the payment of a relevant amount by way of compensation under section 23(1) of PSPJOA 2022;
b
the increase of benefits by way of indirect compensation under regulation 58.
2
The relevant amount is not payable, or (as the case may be) the benefits are not to be increased, except where—
a
an application is made in accordance with direction 18(1) and (2) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023,
b
the application is accompanied by such information that the scheme manager by written notice require the person making the application (“P”) to provide in relation to the proposed compensation which is—
i
information within P’s possession, or
ii
information which P may reasonably be expected to obtain, and
c
the scheme manager makes a determination in accordance with direction 18(3) of those Directions.
3
The following apply in relation to a determination under direction 18(3) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023—
a
direction 18(4) (provision of explanation);
b
direction 18(5) and (6) (appeals).
Netting offI6060
1
This regulation applies where—
a
relevant amounts owed by and to a person (“P”) fall to be paid at the same time or similar times, and
b
the scheme manager has—
i
determined the interest (if any) that is to be paid in the relevant amounts in accordance with regulation 57, and
ii
reduced the relevant amounts by tax relief amounts in accordance with regulation 61.
2
The scheme manager may determine, in accordance with direction 19(2) to (5) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, that the relevant amounts (and any interest on them) must be aggregated and that the difference must be paid by P to the scheme or (as the case may be) by the scheme to P.
3
The following provisions of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 apply to a determination under paragraph (2) as if it were a determination under direction 19(1) of those Directions—
a
direction 19(6) (provision of information);
b
direction 19(7) and (8) (appeals).
CHAPTER 3Reduction and waiver of liabilities
Requirement to reduce liabilities by tax relief amountsI6161
1
This regulation applies where—
a
a person owes a liability to pay pension contributions in relation to the remediable police service of a remedy member, or
b
the scheme manager owes a liability to pay compensation in relation to such service, under section 15, 16 or 17 of PSPJOA 2022.
2
The scheme manager must reduce the liability by tax relief amounts—
a
determined in accordance with direction 4(5) to (9) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023, and
b
before the liability is netted off in accordance with regulation 60.
3
The following provisions of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 apply where the scheme manager makes a determination under direction 4(8)—
a
direction 4(10) (provision of explanation);
b
direction 4(11) and (12) (appeals).
Power to reduce or waive amounts owed by a person to the scheme managerI6262
1
The scheme manager may reduce or waive an amount owed by a person to the scheme under—
a
section 14, 15, 16 or 17 (“the corrections provisions”) of PSPJOA 2022, or
b
these Regulations.
2
When reducing or waiving an amount under paragraph (1), the scheme manager must comply with the requirements set out in direction 4(1)(a) to (c) of the PSP(NI) Directions 2023 (and the reference in direction 4(1)(c) to “any scheme regulations made by virtue of section 26(1)(b) of PSPJOA 2022” is to be read as a reference to regulation 65).
Agreement to waive a liability owed by the scheme manager in respect of an immediate correctionI6363
1
This regulation applies where the scheme manager owes a liability to pay compensation to a person (“P”) under section 16(3) of PSPJOA 2022.
2
The scheme manager and P may agree to waive the liability.
3
Such agreement—
a
must be in writing,
b
may be rescinded with the agreement of the scheme manager and P, and
c
in any event ceases to apply where—
i
the end of the section 10 election period in relation to the remediable police service in respect of which compensation is payable has passed, and
ii
no section 10 election has been made (or is deemed to have been made) in relation to that service.
4
Where an agreement is rescinded or otherwise ceases to apply, the scheme manager owes P the liability mentioned in paragraph (1).
CHAPTER 4Payment of net liabilities
Application of Chapter 4I6464
This Chapter applies in respect of a relevant amount (together with any interest on that amount) which will be payable after taking into account the effect, if any, of regulations 57 to 63 (a “net liability”).
Payment of amounts owed to the scheme managerI6565
1
This regulation applies where a person (“P”) owes a net liability to the scheme manager within the meaning of Regulation 64.
2
The scheme manager must send notice in writing to P setting out—
a
how the net liability has been calculated,
b
an explanation of the circumstances in which the net liability may be reduced or waived under regulation 61,
c
where the net liability has been calculated by reference to an amount by way of compensation under section 16(3) of PSPJOA 2022, an explanation of the agreement that may be made under regulation 63,
d
when and how the net liability must be paid, and
e
the consequences of not paying the net liability.
3
Where—
a
the scheme manager has sent a notice under paragraph (2), and
b
the amount of the net liability is subsequently adjusted,
the scheme manager must send another notice in writing to P under paragraph (2).
4
P must pay the amount of the net liability to the scheme manager—
a
where the net liability relates to the remediable police service of—
i
an immediate choice member, before the end of the period of six months beginning with the day after the day on which P receives the most recent notice under paragraph (2);
ii
a deferred choice member, in accordance with paragraph (5),
b
where the net liability includes an amount by way of corrections to pension contributions that are owed by virtue of an opted-out service election, in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6), or
c
in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (8).
5
Where paragraph (4)(a)(ii) applies, P must pay the full amount of the net liability—
a
before the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which any remediable service statement is provided under regulation 4(2)(a) or (b) in relation to the remediable police service in respect of which the net liability is owed;
b
where paragraph (4)(b) also applies, in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6);
c
in any event, before benefits become payable in relation to the remediable police service in respect of which the net liability is owed.
6
Where paragraph (4)(b) applies, P and the scheme manager may agree that the net liability is to be paid in full by way of instalments over the period—
a
beginning on a date specified in the agreement (“the start date”), and
b
ending on the earlier of—
i
the day 14 years after the start date;
ii
the day before it is reasonably expected that, if a section 10 election were made in relation to the remediable police service to which the net liability relates, reformed scheme benefits would become payable to or in the respect of that member.
7
The amount of each instalment to be paid in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6) is to be determined having consulted the scheme actuary.
8
P and the scheme manager may agree that the net liability is to be paid in part or in full by way of deductions from any benefits (including a lump sum benefit) to which P is entitled under a police pension scheme.
9
P and the scheme manager may agree to vary an agreement under paragraph (6) or (8).
10
Where P does not pay any part of the net liability by the time specified in paragraph (4)(a)(i) or 5(c) or in accordance with an agreement under paragraph (6) or (8), the scheme manager may deduct such sums from benefits payable to P under a police pension scheme as seems reasonable to the scheme manager for the purpose of discharging P’s liability.
11
P has no liability to pay any amount on account of the net liability until the time for payment arises in accordance with the regulation or an agreement under this regulation, and until that time the scheme manager has no cause of action for the recovery of any such amount (whether for the purposes of the Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 198934 or otherwise).
Payment of amounts owed to a personI6666
1
This regulation applies where the scheme manager owes a net liability to a person (“P”).
2
The scheme manager must pay the amount of the net liability to P—
a
as soon as reasonably practicable after the scheme manager determines the amount of the net liability, or
b
where the scheme manager requires P to provide information in accordance with paragraph (3), as soon as reasonably practicable after receipt of that information.
3
Before paying the amount of a net liability owed to P, the scheme manager may, by written notice given as soon as reasonably practicable after the scheme manager determines the amount of the net liability, require P to provide information in relation to the payment of the net liability which is—
a
information within P’s possession, or
b
information which P may reasonably be expected to obtain.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Justice on 17th August 2023.
Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Finance on 17th August 2023.