Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 December 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 December 2006. It was answered by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Monday, 18 December 2006 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Local Government Pension Scheme

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will defer publishing draft regulations relating to the Local Government Pension Scheme until the negotiations between the Local Government Association and the trade unions have been concluded; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The statutory consultation exercise on the Government's proposed reforms of the Local Government Pension Scheme began on 23 November. Within the timetable available, all consultees are able to consider the terms on offer. Draft regulations to illustrate how the reforms will operate are to be circulated shortly, as promised in my written statement of 23 November. The publication of these draft regulations does not in any way affect the ability of stakeholders to discuss ways forward. No final decisions can or will be made until the consultation exercise is completed and responses to it have been given proper consideration.

Secondary information