Dated: 5 May 2023
POLICY TITLE: Police Pensions Forfeiture
OWNING DIRECTORATE: Corporate and Strategic Services
AUTHOR: Head of Professional Standards Department
CONTACT DETAILS: 101
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
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AIM OF POLICY: To ensure Northumbria Police complies with the pension forfeiture provisions outlined in the Police Pensions Regulations 1987 and 2006 and 2015, and that they are managed appropriately and in line with Home Office guidance.
BENEFIT OF POLICY: Compliance with the Home Secretary's direction on the application of Police Pension Forfeiture; a structured, fair and transparent process to deal with the forfeiture provisions of the Police Pensions Regulations; delivery of a clear message to police officers outlining the potential consequences of abusing their position as a police officer; delivery of a clear message to the public, as it highlights the potentially significant implications for officers who commit a criminal offence in connection with their police service, thereby building trust and confidence in the integrity of Northumbria Police.
REASON FOR POLICY: This policy outlines the criteria for forfeiture of a police pension and who will make decisions in relation to this as outlined in the Police Pensions Act 1976 (as amended), its related regulations and the Police Pension Fund Regulations 2007.
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Police officer pensions are governed by the Police Pensions Act 1976 (as amended) and its related regulations. Of particular relevance to financial management are the Police Pension Fund Regulations 2007. The Chief Constable is responsible for ensuring the administration of the pension schemes and the appropriate maintenance and provision of the relevant accounts.
The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in the pension schemes will be limited to specific decisions and discretions concerning the pension and retirement of the Chief Constable, and discretion on the application of pension forfeiture for all police officers, where a member of a police force has been convicted of an offence committed in connection with their service, which is certified by the Secretary of State either to have been gravely injurious to the interests of the State, or to be liable to lead to serious loss of confidence in the public service.
Northumbria PCC will consider applications for any pension forfeiture and will determine the extent to which the pension should be forfeited.
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SOURCE DOCUMENT:
- The Police Pension Regulations 1987, 2006 and 2015
- Police Pensions Act 1976
- Police Pension Fund Regulations 2007
- Home Office Circular 26/2006 Forfeiture of Police Pensions
- Home Office Circular 044/2006 The Police Pension Scheme
- Home Office Circular 56/1998 Forfeiture of Police Pensions
- Home Office Police Pension Forfeiture Guidance
GROUPS AFFECTED: All officers and former police officers.
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None
