Public Service Pensions

HC Deb 04 December 1995 vol 268 c15W

Mr. Matthew Banks

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is proposing to increase public service pensions from April 1996. [4459]

Mr. Waldegrave

Under the legislation governing public service pensions, they are increased annually by the same percentage as state earnings-related pensions—additional pensions. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security announced on 28 November,Official Report, column 618, that additional pensions will be increased by 3.9 per cent. in line with the annual increase in the retail prices index up to September. Public service pensions will therefore be increased by 3.9 per cent. from 8 April 1996. Pensions which have been in payment for less than a year will receive a pro rata increase.