HC Deb 14 September 2004 vol 424 cc1525-6W
Mr. Cousins

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proposals he has(a) to protect the interests of staff over the age of 40 and (b) for a transitional scheme, in changes to the local government pension scheme. [188722]

Phil Hope

The proposals to amend the Local Government Pension Scheme, on which the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister consulted earlier this year, are planned to come into effect in April 2005. They fully protect all members rights accrued up to that time. Those members who reach 60 years or over by 31 March 2013, and whose age and membership of the Scheme when added total 85, will also continue to accrue membership to that date on the me basis as they did prior to April 2005. In these circumstances, further transitional arrangements are not required.