HC Deb 05 March 2002 vol 381 c187W
Mr. Truswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what assessment he has made of the cost of extending Local Government Pension Scheme benefits to the partners of its members; [40288]

(2) what recent representations he has received regarding the extension of Local Government Pension Scheme benefits to the partners of its members; and if he will make a statement. [40289]

Dr. Whitehead

I am considering a proposal from the local authorities employers' organisation and the trade unions to extend the benefits payable under the Local Government Pension Scheme to surviving spouses to include unmarried partners. Representations from scheme members have also been received supporting changes to the scheme. A full assessment of the proposal is being made in the light of the costs identified by the scheme's actuaries and advice provided by the Government Actuary's Department. A response will be sent to the employers' organisation and the trade unions shortly.