The Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2015

Citation and commencement

1.  This Order may be cited as the Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2015 and comes into force on 6th April 2015.

Interpretation

2.—(1) In this Order, “the Act” means the Social Security Pensions Act 1975.

(2) In this Order, any reference to a pension is a reference to a pension which began before 6th April 2015(1).

Pension increases: annual rate and lump sums

3.—(1) This article applies to an official pension if—

(a) a qualifying condition is satisfied; or

(b) the pension is—

(i) a derivative pension,

(ii) a substituted pension, or

(iii) a relevant injury pension.

(2) In relation to any period on or after 6th April 2015, the pension authority may increase the annual rate(2) of the pension—

(a) for a pension which began before 7th April 2014, by 1.2 per cent;

(b) for a pension which began on or after 7th April 2014, by 1.2 per cent multiplied by—

where A is the number of complete months in the period between the beginning date of the pension and 6th April 2015.

(3) In relation to a lump sum which is payable on or after 7th April 2014 but before 6th April 2015, the pension authority may increase the lump sum by 1.2 per cent multiplied by—

where A is the number of complete months in the period between the beginning date for the lump sum (or, if later, 7th April 2014) and the date on which it became payable.

Reductions in respect of guaranteed minimum pensions

4.—(1) Where—

(a) a person is entitled to a guaranteed minimum pension increase on 6th April 2015, and

(b) entitlement to that guaranteed minimum pension arises from an employment from which (either directly, or indirectly by virtue of the payment of a transfer credit) entitlement to the official pension also arises,

the amount by reference to which any increase is calculated for the purposes of article 3(2) must be reduced by an amount equal to the rate of the guaranteed minimum pension unless the Treasury otherwise direct in accordance with the provisions of section 59A of the Act(3).

(2) Where on the death of a deceased spouse or civil partner a person becomes entitled to a guaranteed minimum pension in relation to a surviving spouse’s pension or a surviving civil partner’s pension, the amount by reference to which any increase is calculated for the purposes of article 3(2) must be reduced in accordance with section 59(5ZA) of the Act.

David Evennett

Alun Cairns

Two of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury

12th March 2015