§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the review of the Local Government Pension Scheme began; when it will be concluded; and when the conclusions will be published. [151247]
§ Phil HopeA programme of work to ensure the Local Government Pension scheme in England and Wales continues to provide reasonable pensions at an affordable cost to employers, members and tax payers has been under way since October 2002. Changes to the scheme's current regulatory framework are programmed to take effect in April 2004 and in April 2005, within a strategy framework announced in July 2003. Proposals to ensure the sustainability of the scheme for the longer term will be circulated later this year.