8
staff
wishes. The proposal is assessed to be financially
an initial expenditure
acceptable. Although there would be
for refund of past contributions to unmarried members opting
out of the schemes (married officers would have their
dependant pension benefits preserved and frozen at the level
when they cease to contribute), the ultimate pension
liability would be reduced and there would be considerable
savings in the expenditure on dependant pensions in the long
It is estimated that, on the assumption that only
about 10% of new recruits will join the voluntary scheme, the
savings to Government could be up to 4% of the salaries of
all male pensionable officers.
term.
18.
benefits,
the
As for the other proposed improvements to dependant
additional cost involved, if any, would be
minor. We are therefore confident that none of the proposed
changes would have major financial implications or affect the
civil service's confidence in the future.
19.
These proposals will be implemented, subject to the
provision of resources, after advice is obtained from the
advisory bodies on civil service salaries and conditions of
service, and amendments to the pensions legislation.
CONFIDENTIAL