§ 23. Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give unmarried couples serving in the armed forces pension rights equivalent to those enjoyed by married couples. [15097]
§ Mr. IngramThe Ministry of Defence has no current plans to amend the Armed Forces Pension Scheme or the War Pension Scheme to provide unmarried couples with pension rights equivalent to those of married couples. However, following public consultation on a comprehensive review of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, we will be considering representations on a range of issues including that of benefits for unmarried partners.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the terms of reference of the review of the armed forces pension scheme. [15234]
§ Mr. IngramFollowing Sir Michael Bett's Independent Review of the Armed Forces Manpower, Career, and Remuneration Structures it was recommended that there should be a review of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme (AFPS). The aim of the AFPS review is to consider future pension arrangements for new entrants and current serving members of the armed forces which will meet the essential needs of the armed services for the foreseeable future for recruitment, retention and motivation in a manner that is fair, cost-effective and affordable. It was agreed that the review would need to examine structures and levels of payment, commutation arrangements, arrangements for future funding, arrangements for dependants, reviews and appeals. An analysis of the comments received on the AFPS review is now being undertaken.