CONFIDENTIAL
4
Duration of Option Period
15.
Some staff request that the option period for leaving or joining the WCPS should be extended from six months to one
year.
16.
The actuarial advice is that a voluntary scheme would be financially viable regardless of the number of contributors provided that the option period is of a limited duration. Too long an option period could affect the actuarial basis of the scheme and is therefore not supported. It is anticipated that the majority of serving contributors would prefer to opt out and an option period of six months is not unreasonable.
Buying Back of Contributory Service by Junior Disciplined Services Officers
17.
Historically, police constables
and officers in
equivalent ranks in other disciplined services appointed before 1 January 1978 were not required to join the WOPS, and they had the option of not joining the WCPS when it was introduced. They are however required to join the WCPS upon promotion or transfer another pensionable post and there is no provision for them to buy back contributory service on joining the scheme subsequently.
to
18.
Staff now propose that this category of officers should be given the option to
buy back contributory service since 1 January 1978 at 3% of salary SO as to enhance the level of dependant pension.
19.
As a matter of principle, it is illogical to provide any provision for the officers concerned to buy back contributory service upon joining the WCPS on a compulsory basis because they previously made a conscious decision not to join the scheme. However, on staff relations grounds, we support this proposal. Subject to the officers' own volition, they may buy back contributory service to the WCPS since 1 January 1978. The arrears of contributions will be calculated at 3% (or 4% where appropriate) of their current salaries. It is anticipated that few officers will take up this option.
CONFIDENTIAL