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Public service pensions, survivor benefits for opposite–sex widowers and surviving male civil partners.

20 July 2020

Proposing MP
North East Cambridgeshire
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Treasury

At a Glance

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.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy