
A group of Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) experts from across our various client sectors have gazed into their crystal ball and given us a view on how 2021 is looking.
Background
Following a report in 2011, the Government announced that it would implement a wholescale reform of the public service pension schemes. The schemes would move from defined benefits to career average. In recognition of the disproportionate impact this would have on members who were nearing retirement, transitional measures were put in place ensure this group were not disadvantaged by having less time to make alternative provision.
In response, a group of firefighters and high court judges brought claims arguing that these transitional arrangements constituted indirect discrimination on the grounds of age, sex and race. On the latter point, it argued that there were fewer women and ethnic minority members in the protected older group.
The Court of Appeal heard these claims and ruled in December 2018 that these transitional arrangements were indeed discriminatory. It ruled that the Government would need to honour the transitional arrangements for all members of the schemes. The impact of this is huge; it could add £4billion to the public pension schemes’ liabilities, which most certainly will lead to an increase in contribution rates. The Government has been refused permission to appeal the Court of Appeal judgment, which means the decision of the Court of Appeal is binding law.
Government’s statement
The Government has now given some indication of how they propose that this compensation will be paid. The salient points are:
Next steps
The Government has concluded its discussions with all the stakeholders and hopes to release proposals later in the year. These proposals will be subject to consultation before any steps being agreed and implemented.
In the current climate, there is little way of knowing any more accurate time frame. However, it is clear from the Government’s statement that the time and cost of implementing the required changes will be very much borne by employers and is, therefore, something to bear in mind when budgeting for the future.
A copy of the statement can be found here https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-statement/Lords/2020-03-25/HLWS182/.
Please contact Alice Kinder for further information.
A group of Anthony Collins Solicitors (ACS) experts from across our various client sectors have gazed into their crystal ball and given us a view on how 2021 is looking.
Luton Borough Council was prosecuted by the HSE late last year following an incident at a high school in which an assistant headteacher was attacked by a pupil and left with life-changing injuries.
This ebriefing looks at the proposal to set out 'public procurement principles' in the proposed procurement legislation.
Happy New Year - our first newsletter of 2021! Throughout this year we will continue to bring you news and developments relating to the charities sector.
Local authorities should be wary of reserving contracts for local suppliers, as recommended by Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 11/20. Other contracting authorities may want to maximise their use of this
Most housing practitioners have perhaps been waiting for this news since the latest lockdown was announced by the Prime Minister on 4 January 2021.
Climate change and biodiversity is an area where significantly faster changes are needed on a global and local basis.
Chris Lloyd Smith, Adrian Leonard and Lisa Whitehouse discuss the planning opportunities available to owners of businesses and how to prepare for unforeseen events.
In their 3rd podcast of the series, Chris Lloyd-Smith and Maria Ramon discuss a number of problems with and difficulties that can arise in mediation and the mechanisms they use to overcome them.
Our previous round-up began by sharing the news that two vaccines had shown very promising test results. Here we are, not even a month later, and the first vaccines have already been administered!
To receive invitations to our events, as well as information and articles on legal issues and sector developments that are of interest to you, please sign up to Newsroom.