Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the administration of the Tier 2 NHS Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to retirement dates and the clarity of communications regarding retirement information.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) administers the NHS Pension Scheme in accordance with the scheme regulations and publishes clear guidance to support members applying for ill-health retirement, including Tier 2 benefits. The guidance sets out the eligibility criteria, the two‑tier structure of ill‑health benefits, and the steps members must follow. This guidance is available on the NHSBSAs website at the following link:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/member-hub/applying-ill-health-pension-benefits.

The NHSBSA publishes detailed information on normal pension ages, the definition of permanent incapacity, and the enhancements associated with Tier 2 benefits, helping members understand how retirement dates and entitlements are determined. Processing turnaround times are also published and regularly updated so that members and employers are kept informed throughout the process. The processing times are available from the following link:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/current-processing-times-nhs-pensions.

The NHSBSA keeps this material under regular review to ensure it remains clear and accessible and works closely with employers to support accurate and timely communication with scheme members.