Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to the Police Federation's press release entitled Pensions update from the Police Federation of England and Wales, published on 3 December 2024, what steps her Department is taking to tackle the irregularities in pension eligibility between the (a) legacy pension system and the (b) CARE pension scheme 2015.

There are many differences between the 2015 CARE police pension scheme and the legacy police pension schemes, including the age at which benefits can normally be drawn. The main public service pension schemes – including the police pension schemes – were reformed following the recommendations of the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission.

The 2015 scheme offers valuable pensions, improves affordability and sustainability, and is fairer to lower and middle earners. It is backed by the taxpayer, index-linked, and offers guaranteed benefits on retirement.

There are also valuable protections for the benefits that members have accrued in their legacy schemes, including the point at which they can draw benefits.