Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 25 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 27 October 2010. It was answered by Lord Maude of Horsham (Conservative) on Thursday, 11 November 2010 on behalf of the Treasury.

Civil Servants: Pensions

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he had with representatives of civil servants on the rate of civil service pension scheme benefits for 2010-11; what steps he took to inform civil servants of the rate of benefits which would apply in 2010-11; what representations he has received on this matter from civil servants in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I am replying as policy for the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme rests with the Cabinet Office.I have had no discussions with representatives of civil servants on the rate of the civil service scheme pension benefits for 2010-11. Pension benefits for civil servants are set by the rules of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme.Pension arrangements for members of the Northern Ireland civil service are not covered by the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme and are a matter for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Secondary information