AGS update on pension overpayments

Within the Civil Service Pension Scheme two different pensions reviews were undertaken which resulted in the recalculation of some pensions, the rectification of Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) and an Internal Control Framework Review.

Civil Service Pensions agreed to waive all overpayments identified by GMP Rectification.

MyCSP failed to act on information supplied by employers some years ago which has caused approximately 13,000 pensions to be recalculated. MyCSP made adjustments to pensions and in around 2,000 cases are seeking recovery of overpayments.

Civil Service unions were not consulted in advance about this review.

PCS’s view is that the circumstances giving rise to the revision exercise amounts to maladministration. We have pressed for consistency with the way GMP cases were treated i.e. all overpayments are written off.

Civil Service Pensions acknowledged the failure to consult unions which raises serious issues of concern. It is important that enough information is provided to enable scheme members to have a reasonable level of assurance that it is correct. This applies to changes which increase as well as decrease pensions.

Advice can be obtained from ARMs Region/Nation Secretaries or from your nearest PCS Hub, details on the PCS website.

John Moloney

Assistant General Secretary