House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Public service pensions, survivor benefits for opposite–sex widowers and surviving male civil partners.
20 July 2020 · Treasury
Proposed by Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government will amend the Teachers' Pension Scheme to address sexual orientation discrimination following a Supreme Court ruling.
- Departments will consult on and implement changes to other similar public service pension schemes as well.
- The actions aim to provide equal survivor benefits for opposite-sex widowers and surviving male civil partners.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the issue of public service pension survivor benefits following a Supreme Court ruling, focusing on the need for changes in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme to address sexual orientation discrimination.
Action requested
The government has concluded that changes are required in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and other similar schemes to remedy direct sexual orientation discrimination. Departments responsible will consult on and implement these changes as soon as possible.
Key facts
- The Supreme Court ruling in Walker v Innospec affects survivor benefits for same-sex spouses and civil partners.
- Male survivors of female scheme members receive lower survivor benefit compared to comparable same-sex survivors.
- Changes are needed in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and other similar schemes to address discrimination.