POLICE officers reacted with fury this week after hearing that proposed pension contribution rises for MPs have been suspended.<\/p>\n
While British Bobbies face 1% and 1.25% rises to pension payments on 1 April \u2013 it has been revealed that the country\u2019s MPs will be spared such increases.<\/p>\n
After hearing the decision Neil Bowles, chairman of South Yorkshire Police Federation, said: \u201cAre we really all in it together?\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Bowles added: \u201cSome people are more in it together than others. Why should one group of privileged public sector workers be given preferential treatment over the rest?”<\/p>\n
The decision to drop the budgeted 1.85% increase in contributions for MPs was taken by the MPs\u2019 expenses body Ipsa and is likely to face objections from the Treasury.<\/p>\n
Jon Christopher, chairman of West Yorkshire Police Federation, labelled the decision \u2018disgusting\u2019.<\/p>\n
Mr Christopher said: \u201cThis just shows the lack of fairness from this Government. It shows what they stand for. And that is looking after themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Last February, the Senior Salaries Review Body recommended that MPs\u2019 pensions contributions should rise by 2.4% to reflect the amount paid by ordinary public sector workers.<\/p>\n
But this was decreased to 1.85% following an intervention by Ipsa, an independent body that can decide how much MPs contribute in year on year increases.<\/p>\n
The Treasury expected and budgeted for the same increase of 1.85% this year. But Ipsa decided to suspend the increase in expectation of an overhaul of MPs\u2019 pay, pension and packages in the autumn.<\/p>\n
On 1 April, the majority of English and Welsh officers \u2013 on the 30 year pension scheme (PPS) \u2013 face a 1.25% rise to their monthly contributions \u2013 up to 13.5%.<\/p>\n
If police officers are on the newer 35 year scheme (NPPS), they face a 1% increase to a contribution rate of 11.5%.<\/p>\n
Steve White, Vice-Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales said: \u201cOfficers around the country will be livid and dismayed that having been promised fair treatment by this government, clearly MPs appear to be treated more favourably than others.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis government is ruthlessly pursuing reforms to the public sector at breakneck speed and yet seems content for a review of their own pay and conditions to happen at a leisurely pace.\u201d<\/p>\n
MPs contribute an average of 13.2% of their \u00a365,738 salaries into the schemes, which pay out after they reach 65.<\/p>\n
Ipsa said it deferred the rise so the contribution rate could be considered alongside other aspects as part of a wholesale review of pay and pensions.<\/p>\n
A spokesman said: \u201cMPs\u2019 pensions certainly need looking at. And that is why we are in the middle of a fundamental review looking at both MPs\u2019 pensions and pay.\u201d<\/p>\n
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