Explanatory Notes

Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999

1999 CHAPTER 30

11 November 1999

Commentary

Part IV – Pension Sharing

Chapter I – Sharing of Rights under Pension Arrangements
Section 27: Scope of pension sharing mechanism

This section sets out the scope of the pension sharing mechanism.

Subsections (1) and (3): pension sharing may extend to a “person’s shareable rights” (defined in subsection (2)) in any pension arrangement other than an excepted public service scheme.

We intend to use the power in subsection (3) to except the Great Offices of State.

Subsection (2): most pension rights will be shareable.

We intend to use the regulation-making power to exclude survivors’ benefits payable to a member in his capacity as a survivor (such as, a widow’s or widower’s pension payable in respect of a former marriage), an injury benefit, compensation payment, and incidental benefits such as travel concessions.