THE Home Office has callously confirmed that an increase in police officer pension contributions will go ahead with effect from 1 April.<\/p>\n
The Police Federation of England and Wales has described the rises as \u201cunaffordable\u201d for officers.<\/p>\n
The decision has been met with criticism from rank and file officers.<\/p>\n
Especially as it comes just a week after a planned contribution increase of 1.85% for MPs has been suspended whilst an on-going review of pensions is conducted.<\/p>\n
The increase will depend on which scheme officers are in and on their basic annual salary.<\/p>\n
The majority of English and Welsh officers, on the 30-year Police Pension Scheme, will have a 1.25 per cent rise to their monthly contributions, up to 13.5 per cent.<\/p>\n
If officers are on the 35-year New Police Pension Scheme (NPPS), they face a 1 per cent increase to a contribution rate of 11.5 per cent.<\/p>\n
Steve White, vice chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, described the increases for police officers as \u201cunjustified and unaffordable\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cPolice officers already pay a higher contribution rate than the majority of other public sector workers on comparable salaries,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is extremely disappointing that government has seen fit to implement these increases a week after it was decided that a rise in MPs\u2019 own pension contributions is to be deferred.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a circular, which informed chief officers and police and crime commissioners of the decision, the Home Office stated: \u201cThe government is committed to securing the savings announced at Spending Review 2010 from increases in employee pension contributions for the unfunded public service pension schemes for 2014-15. The Home Secretary will ask the Police Negotiating Board to consider proposed increases for that year in line with other public service schemes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Forces will continue to pay a rate of 24.2 per cent on officers\u2019 behalf.<\/p>\n