Public Service Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014

Cost control N.I.

Valuations N.I.

11.—(1) Scheme regulations for a scheme under section 1 which is a defined benefits scheme must provide for actuarial valuations to be made of—

(a) the scheme, and

(b) any statutory pension scheme that is connected with it.

[F1 (1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to a scheme under section 1 if—

(a) the scheme is connected with another scheme under section 1, and

(b) actuarial valuations are provided for under subsection (1) in scheme regulations for that other scheme.]

(2) Such a valuation is to be carried out in accordance with directions given by the Department of Finance and Personnel.

(3) Directions under subsection (2) may in particular specify—

(a) how and when a valuation is to be carried out;

(b) the time in relation to which a valuation is to be carried out;

(c) the data, methodology and assumptions to be used in a valuation;

(d) the matters to be covered by a valuation;

(e) where a scheme under section 1 and another statutory pension scheme are connected, whether the schemes are to be valued separately or together (and if together, how);

(f) the period within which any changes to the employer contribution rate under a scheme under section 1 must take effect following a valuation.

(4) Directions under subsection (2) may only be given, and variations and revocations of such directions may only be made, after the Department of Finance and Personnel has consulted the Government Actuary.

(5) Before giving directions under this section the Department of Finance and Personnel must consult such persons (or representatives of such persons) as appear to the Department likely to be affected by the directions.

(6) Scheme regulations for a scheme under section 1 which is not a defined benefits scheme may provide for actuarial valuations to be made of the scheme and any statutory pension scheme which is connected with it; and if they do, subsections (2) to (5) apply.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 11(1A) inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 95(12), 131(1)(2)(f)

Commencement Information

I1 S. 11(1)(5)(6) in operation at 1.4.2015 by S.R. 2015/3, art. 2(2)(e)

I2 S. 11(2)-(4) in operation at 28.4.2014 for specified purposes by S.R. 2014/123, art. 4(a)

I3 S. 11(2)-(4) in operation at 1.4.2015 in so far as not already in operation by S.R. 2015/3, art. 2(2)(e)

Employer cost cap N.I.

12.—(1) Scheme regulations for a scheme under section 1 which is a defined benefits scheme must set a rate, expressed as a percentage of pensionable earnings of members of the scheme, to be used for the purpose of measuring changes in the cost of the scheme.

[F2 (1A) Subsection (1) must be complied with before the end of the period of one year beginning with the day on which the scheme’s first valuation under section 11 is completed.]

[F3 (2) A reference in this section to “the employer cost cap” of a scheme under section 1 is a reference to the rate set by virtue of subsection (1) in relation to the scheme.]

(3) The employer cost cap [F4 of a scheme under section 1] is to be set [F5 , and the changes in the cost of such a scheme are to be measured,] in accordance with directions given by the Department of Finance F6 ....

(4) F7 Directions given by the Department of Finance ... may in particular specify—

(a) how the first valuation under section 11 of a scheme under section 1 is to be taken into account in setting [F8 the employer cost cap of the scheme] ;

(b) the costs, or changes in costs, that are to be taken into account on [F9 the second or any subsequent valuation] of a scheme under section 1 for the purposes of measuring changes in the cost of the scheme against [F10 the employer cost cap of the scheme] ;

(c) [F11 whether and if so to what extent] costs or changes in the costs of any statutory pension scheme which is connected with a scheme under section 1 are to be taken into account for the purposes [F12 mentioned in paragraph (b)] .

[F13 (d) that the data, methodologies and assumptions that are to be used for the purposes mentioned in paragraph (b) are to relate, to any extent, to—

(i) the growth in the economy, or any sector of the economy, of the United Kingdom or any part of the United Kingdom,

(ii) the growth in earnings of any group of persons over any period, or

(iii) the rate of inflation (however measured) over any period.]

[F14 (4A) The power to give directions by virtue of subsection (4)(d) is not affected by any statement made before 27 May 2021 by the Department of Finance, or any other department, relating to the data, methodologies and assumptions that are, or are not, to be used for the purposes mentioned in subsection (4)(b).]

(5) F15 Regulations made by the Department of Finance ... must make—

(a) provision requiring the cost of a scheme [F16 (determined, if and so far as provided for by virtue of subsection (4)(c), taking into account the costs of any connected scheme)] to remain within specified margins either side of the employer cost cap; and

(b) for cases where the cost of a scheme would otherwise go beyond either of those margins, provision specifying a target cost within the margins.

(6) For cases where the cost of [F17 a scheme under section 1] would otherwise go beyond [F18 either of the margins specified under subsection (5)(a)] , scheme regulations may provide for—

(a) a procedure for the responsible authority, the scheme manager (if different), employers and members (or representatives of employers and members) to reach agreement on the steps required to achieve the target cost for the scheme, and

(b) the steps to be taken for that purpose if agreement is not reached under that procedure.

(7) The steps referred to in subsection (6) may include the increase or decrease of members' benefits or contributions.

[F19 (7A) Directions given by the Department of Finance may specify the time at which any increase or decrease of members’ benefits or contributions that is provided for under subsection (6) is to take effect.

(7B) Directions given by the Department of Finance may require that provision contained in scheme regulations under subsection (6) permits steps to be—

(a) agreed by virtue of paragraph (a) of that subsection, or

(b) determined by virtue of paragraph (b) of that subsection,

only after the scheme actuary has certified that the steps would, if taken, achieve the target cost for the scheme.

(7C) Directions under subsection (7B) may specify—

(a) the costs or changes in costs that are to be taken into account, or

(b) the data, methodologies and assumptions that are to be used,

for the purposes of determining whether any steps would, if taken, achieve the target cost for the scheme.

(7D) In subsection (7B) “the scheme actuary”, in relation to a scheme under section 1, means the actuary who carried out, or is for the time being exercising actuarial functions in relation to, the valuation under section 11 by reference to which it has been determined that the costs of the scheme have gone, or may go, beyond either of the margins specified under subsection (5)(a).]

(8) Regulations made by the Department of Finance F20 ... under this section may—

(a) include consequential or supplementary provision;

(b) make different provision for different schemes.

(9) Regulations made by the Department of Finance F21 ... under this section are subject to negative resolution.

(10) Before giving directions or making regulations under this section the Department of Finance F22 ... must consult such persons (or representatives of such persons) as appear to the Department likely to be affected by the directions or regulations.

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 12(1A) inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(11), 131(1)(2)(f)

F3 S. 12(2) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(12), 131(1)(2)(f)

F4 Words in s. 12(3) inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(13)(a), 131(1)(2)(f)

F5 Words in s. 12(3) inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(13)(b), 131(1)(2)(f)

F6 Words in s. 12(3) omitted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by virtue of Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(19), 131(1)(2)(f)

F7 Words in s. 12(4) omitted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by virtue of Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(19), 131(1)(2)(f)

F8 Words in s. 12(4)(a) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(14)(a), 131(1)(2)(f)

F9 Words in s. 12(4)(b) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(14)(b)(i), 131(1)(2)(f)

F10 Words in s. 12(4)(b) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(14)(b)(ii), 131(1)(2)(f)

F11 Words in s. 12(4)(c) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(14)(c)(i), 131(1)(2)(f)

F12 Words in s. 12(4)(c) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(14)(c)(ii), 131(1)(2)(f)

F13 S. 12(4)(d) inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(14)(d), 131(1)(2)(f)

F14 S. 12(4A) inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(15), 131(1)(2)(f)

F15 Words in s. 12(5) omitted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by virtue of Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(19), 131(1)(2)(f)

F16 Words in s. 12(5)(a) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(16), 131(1)(2)(f) (with s. 93(4)-(7))

F17 Words in s. 12(6) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(17)(a), 131(1)(2)(f) (with s. 93(4)-(7))

F18 Words in s. 12(6) substituted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(17)(b), 131(1)(2)(f) (with s. 93(4)-(7))

F19 S. 12(7A)-(7D) inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(18), 131(1)(2)(f)

F20 Words in s. 12(8) omitted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by virtue of Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(19), 131(1)(2)(f)

F21 Words in s. 12(9) omitted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by virtue of Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(19), 131(1)(2)(f)

F22 Words in s. 12(10) omitted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by virtue of Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 92(19), 131(1)(2)(f)

Commencement Information

I4 S. 12(1)(6)(7)(10) in operation at 1.4.2015 by S.R. 2015/3, art. 2(2)(f)

I5 S. 12(2)-(5)(8)(9) in operation at 28.4.2014 for specified purposes by S.R. 2014/123, art. 4(b)

I6 S. 12(2)-(5) (8) (9) in operation at 1.4.2015 in so far as not already in operation by S.R. 2015/3, art. 2(2)(f)

[F23 Sections 11 and 12: restricted schemes N.I.

12A.— (1) Section 11(1) (valuations) does not require scheme regulations to provide for actuarial valuations to be made of a scheme to which this section applies.

(2) Section 12(1) (employer cost cap) does not apply to a scheme to which this section applies.

(3) This section applies to a scheme under section 1 which—

(a) is a restricted scheme, and

(b) is specified for the purposes of this section in regulations made by the Department of Finance.

(4) For the purposes of this section a scheme under section 1 is a “restricted scheme” at any time if any statutory provision restricts the provision of benefits under the scheme to or in respect of a person in relation to the person’s service after that time.

(5) Regulations made by the Department of Finance under this section may include consequential or supplementary provision.

(6) Regulations made by the Department of Finance under this section are subject to negative resolution.]

Textual Amendments

F23 S. 12A inserted (10.3.2022 for specified purposes, 1.4.2022 in so far as not already in operation) by Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Act 2022 (c. 7), ss. 95(13), 131(1)(2)(f)

Employer contributions in funded schemes N.I.

13.—(1) This section applies in relation to a scheme under section 1 which is a defined benefits scheme with a pension fund.

(2) Scheme regulations must provide for the rate of employer contributions to be set at an appropriate level to ensure—

(a) the solvency of the pension fund, and

(b) the long-term cost-efficiency of the scheme, so far as relating to the pension fund.

(3) For that purpose, scheme regulations must require actuarial valuations of the pension fund.

(4) Where an actuarial valuation under subsection (3) has taken place, a person appointed by the responsible authority is to report on whether the following aims are achieved—

(a) the valuation is in accordance with the scheme regulations;

(b) the valuation has been carried out in a way which is not inconsistent with other valuations under subsection (3);

(c) the rate of employer contributions is set as specified in subsection (2).

(5) A report under subsection (4) must be published; and a copy must be sent to the scheme manager and (if different) the responsible authority.

(6) If a report under subsection (4) states that, in the view of the person making the report, any of the aims in that subsection has not been achieved—

(a) the report may recommend remedial steps;

(b) the scheme manager must—

(i) take such remedial steps as the scheme manager considers appropriate, and

(ii) publish details of those steps and the reasons for taking them;

(c) the responsible authority may—

(i) require the scheme manager to report on progress in taking remedial steps;

(ii) direct the scheme manager to take such remedial steps as the responsible authority considers appropriate.

(7) The person appointed under subsection (4) must, in the view of the responsible authority, be appropriately qualified and must not be—

(a) an employee of the responsible authority;

(b) the scheme manager;

(c) a scheme member; or

(d) an employee of the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Commencement Information

I7 S. 13 in operation at 1.4.2015 by S.R. 2014/123, art. 6