NEWS


Government must not delay pension claims any longer


The Federation has warned the Government that the unexpected publication of new guidance regarding unfair discrimination caused by the 2015 pensions reforms must not further delay the settlement of pension claims by retired and serving members. Her Majesty’s Treasury (HMT) has advised public sector pension remedy claimants and schemes to halt claims until new legislation had been created to reduce the potential for tax consequences. Previous Government advice made it


clear Federation members who moved to reformed pension schemes on or after 1 April 2015 and retired were entitled to be treated as a member of their legacy scheme for the remedy period, if they wished.


However, the new HMT and Her


Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) advice on drafting the remedy through the McCloud Bill has now described the uncertainties caused by the Government’s original guidelines as ‘considerably greater than was previously thought’. National Secretary Alex Duncan said: “It


now appears while working on the details of how the remedy would be implemented, the Treasury identified unintended difficulties caused through the use of the original guidance, in particular relation to existing tax legislation. It has now, therefore, withdrawn the guidance. “The Federation continues to be of the


view those who have suffered unlawful discrimination should have this rectified


and should not suffer any further detriment due to any time lag while the remedy is designed and implemented. “The implementation of the immediate


detriment guidance may cause challenges for Government but it is unacceptable the solution is for those who have suffered discrimination to be further disadvantaged before the situation is remedied. “We will, therefore, continue in the


process of identifying suitable cases to progress to legal challenge on this issue, work which had already started prior to this announcement.”


Find out more at polfed.org/news/latest-news


We pay personal tribute to Lissie for her dedication


A legislative change that will see those who kill emergency service workers handed a mandatory life sentence has been welcomed by the Police Federation. The Ministry of Justice pledged


to change the law as soon as possible to give emergency workers greater protection from violent criminals. The announcement follows a campaign by Lissie Harper, widow of PC Andrew Harper of Thames Valley Police who was killed in August 2019. John Apter, National Chair of the


Federation, which supported Lissie’s campaign, said: “PC Andrew Harper’s shocking and needless death will live long in the memories of colleagues and police officers around the country. Our thoughts, as always, remain with his wife Lissie, his family and friends. “The news emergency workers will


receive greater protection from violent criminals is a positive step forward and a great outcome for the tireless campaigning undertaken by Lissie and supporters of Harper’s Law.


04 I POLICE I DECEMBER 2021 “I hope the introduction of a


mandatory life sentence for anyone convicted of killing a police officer, or emergency worker, will act as a strong deterrent and stop needless violence against my colleagues. “I would like to pay a personal tribute


to Lissie for her dedication in seeing this change in law become a reality. I am proud that we have been able to support her. Thanks also to all of those who have helped in making this happen.” The move extends mandatory life


sentences to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker on duty – including police, prison officers, firefighters and paramedics – while carrying out another crime unless there are truly exceptional circumstances. Courts must already impose life sentences for murder, with a whole-life order being the starting point if the victim is a police officer. Lissie Harper said: “Emergency


services workers require extra protection. I know all too well how they are put at risk and into the depths of danger on a


Lissie and Andrew Harper


regular basis on behalf of society. That protection is what Harper’s Law will provide and I am delighted that it will soon become a reality. “It’s been a long journey and a lot


of hard work. I know Andrew would be proud to see Harper’s Law reach this important milestone.”


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