§ 38. Mr. BercowTo ask the hon. Member for Middlesbrough, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make a statement on the pension entitlement of dismissed clergy. [144817]
§ Mr. Stuart BellAnyone who ceases to be in service which is pensionable under the clergy scheme, for whatever reason other than retirement, is entitled to deferred benefits payable at age 65. The pension and retirement lump sum are calculated by reference to the period of pensionable service actually completed and pensionable stipend at the date of leaving. The benefits are revalued to age 65 in line with increases in the pensionable stipend. Once in payment, the pension is increased annually on the same basis as all other pensions in payment under the scheme.