Written question asked by Jonathan Djanogly (Conservative) on Thursday, 30 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 10 November 2003. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Monday, 10 November 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what in-service death benefits are payable to members of the Police. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what in-service death benefits are payable to members of the Police. [136195] Ms Blears: Death in-service benefits include a lump sum ranging from a death grant for all in-service deaths to a death gratuity for any death as a result of an injury in the execution of duty, where death occurs within one year of the injury. The lump sum death grant is twice the annual value of the officer's pensionable pay. The death grant will be the lesser of either five times the annual value of the officer's pensionable pay or four times his total remuneration during the last 12 months as an officer and his or her total pension contributions for that period. These lump sums are payable in addition to a widow or widower's pension and any other dependant's benefits where applicable. The surviving spouse's pension will range from half the officer's pension, had he or she been medically retired and not died in service, to a special award of 45 per cent. of the officer's average pensionable pay where death is as a result of an injury in the execution of duty. The special award will be augmented to 50 per cent. where death occurred in particular circumstances such as in the course of trying to save another's life.

Secondary information