HL Deb 24 July 2001 vol 626 cc197-8WA
Lord Janner of Braunstone

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will institute discussions with the Inland Revenue to find a way to remove obstacles that impede police officers from retiring from their posts with occupational pensions and then recommencing work shortly afterwards. [HL415]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)

There are a number of issues associated with the reemployment of retired police officers that are currently being explored. In exploring these issues discussions with the Inland Revenue or others will take place as necessary.

Lord Janner of Braunstone

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to remove the abatement rules that preclude a police officer from taking a full pension while working in a government post. [HL524]

Lord Rooker

Abatement does not apply where a former police officer is re-employed on open competition in a post covered by a different public service pension scheme. It does not apply, even if a post is not subject to open competition, if a former officer is retired and is entitled to receive an immediate pension either because of length of service or age.

If a former police officer in receipt of a pension is re-employed in a post covered by the police pension scheme—the scheme paying the pension—then abatement applies.

Abatement is a matter of general public service pensions policy. The policy is kept under review in the light of changing circumstances.