This content is locked!

To access this resource log in or Subscribe to Core.

Get instant access to 3 free resources of your choice. No credit card required.

Sign up now for free access

Pensions in the Police Sector

Overview

This topic covers the arrangements for police officers under the current schemes available within the police service and the three schemes available — the Police Pension Scheme 1987 (PPS), the new Police Pension Scheme 2006 (NPPS) and the 2015 CARE Scheme.

Police officer pensions have undergone a number of reforms since their introduction in the 19th century, the most recent of which was in 2015. Currently police officers are in one of three schemes:

  • the Police Pension Scheme 1987 (PPS) available for members who joined before 6 April 2006

  • the New Police Pension Scheme 2006 (NPPS) for those who joined between 6 April 2006 and 3 March 2015

  • the 2015 CARE Scheme (for those joining between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2022) and the 2015 CARE Scheme (1 April 2022) for those joining from 1 April 2022.

Separate pension arrangements are available to police staff, normally through membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme provided by the employing force or Police and Crime Commissioner.

The PPS was closed to new entrants with effect from 6 April 2006 and replaced by the NPPS. Members of the original scheme continued to accrue benefits under that scheme although they have had a one-off option to move to the NPPS in respect of future benefits.

The NPPS was closed to new entrants on 3 March 2015 when the new 2015 Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) Scheme came into effect.

A new in-depth set of pension FAQs was published by the PFEW in Spring 2022 to assist members in understanding the current status of the pension remedy framework.

The document is designed to answer FAQs about the Government’s plans to rectify the unlawful discrimination caused by the transitional protections under the Police Pension Scheme 2015 (the 2015 CARE Scheme) following the McCloud/Sargeant Court of Appeal decision.

A remedy calculator is also now available for members or former members of the Police Pension Scheme 1987 to use. Action is now being taken to consider including Police Pension Scheme 2006 members and further communications will follow.

Pensions in the Police Sector: Quick Facts

  • The police pension schemes are set up by statute and regulation. Statute and Regulation

  • All current regular police officers in Great Britain are eligible for membership of the 2015 CARE legacy pension scheme which will close on 31 March 2022. Police Pensions

  • The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 made structural changes to the governance of policing in England and Wales. Structural Reform

  • As with all other types of tax-privileged pension schemes, the income payable in retirement with the police pension schemes is payable for life. Lifetime Pensions and Lump Sums

  • Under the current 2015 CARE Pension Scheme, the normal pension age is 60. Retirement Age