
1 

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the National Health Service (Superannuation Scheme and Additional Voluntary Contributions) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2006.
(2) These Regulations shall come into force on 30th June 2006 but regulations 2 to 29 shall have effect from 6th April 2006.
(3) In these Regulations–
 “the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations” means the National Health Service Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) (Additional Voluntary Contributions) Regulations 1998; and
 “the Superannuation Scheme Regulations” means the National Health Service Superannuation Scheme (Scotland) Regulations 1995.
(4) These Regulations extend to Scotland only.
2 

(1) Regulation A2(4) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations(interpretation) is amended as follows.
(2) Insert the following definitions in alphabetical order in the appropriate places–“
“the 2004 Act” The Finance Act 2004;”;“
“lifetime allowance” Shall be construed in accordance with Part 4 of the 2004 Act (pension schemes etc.);”;“
“lump sum rule” The meaning given in section 166 of the 2004 Act;”;“
“lump sum death benefit rule” The meaning given in section 168 of the 2004 Act;”;“
“normal minimum pension age” The meaning given in section 279 of the 2004 Act;”; and“
“protected pension age” The pension age provided for in Part 3 of Schedule 36 to the 2004 Act for the purposes of that Part (which deals with pre-commencement benefit rights and the right to take benefit before normal minimum pension age) where the conditions specified in that Part are satisfied;”.
(3) For the definitions of “occupational pension scheme” and “personal pension scheme”, substitute the relevant following definitions–“
“occupational pension scheme” An occupational pension scheme within the meaning of section 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (categories of pension schemes) which–
(a) in the case of such a scheme established on, or after, 6th April 2006, is a registered pension scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act and which the Scottish Ministers agree to recognise as a transferring scheme for the purposes of Parts M and N of these Regulations; and
(b) in the case of such a scheme established before that date, was–
(i) approved by the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customsfor the purposes of Chapter I of Part XIV of the Taxes Act (retirement benefits schemes) or whose application for approval under that Chapter was under consideration;
(ii) a statutory scheme as defined in section 612(1) of the Taxes Act (interpretation); or
(iii) a scheme to which section 608 of the Taxes Act applied (superannuation funds approved before 6th April 1980),and on 6th April 2006 became a registered pension scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act;”; and“
“personal pension scheme” A personal pension scheme which–
(a) in the case of such a scheme established on, or after, 6th April 2006 is a registered pension scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act and which the Scottish Ministers agree to recognise as a transferring scheme for the purposes of Parts M and N of these Regulations; and
(b) in the case of such a scheme established before that date, was–
(i) approved by the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs for the purposes of Chapter IV of Part XIV of the Taxes Act (personal pension schemes); and
(ii) on the 6th April 2006 became a registered pension scheme for the purpose of the 2004 Act;”.
3 
In regulation B6(4) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations(opting into the scheme: mis-sold pensions), at the end of the definition of “personal pension scheme”, insert–“
(d) a scheme referred to in (a), (b) or (c) that obtained relevant approval under the Taxes Act before 6th April 2006 and on that date became a registered scheme for the purpose of the 2004 Act; and
(e) a scheme established on, or after, 6th April 2006 as a registered scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act and which the Scottish Ministers agree to recognise as a transferring scheme for the purposes of Parts M and N of these Regulations.”.
4 

(1) Regulation E2 of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations(early retirement pension (ill-health)) is amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph (7), substitute–“
(7) Subject to paragraph (8), where a member becomes entitled to a pension under paragraph (1), the Scottish Ministers may discharge their liability for that pension by the payment of a lump sum of an amount consistent–
(a) with the contracting-out and preservation requirements of the 1993 Act; and
(b) the lump sum rule.”.
(3) For paragraph (10), substitute–“
(10) The amount of the lump sum payable under paragraph (7)–
(a) will be equal to 5 times the yearly rate of the member’s incapacity pension (calculated in accordance with this regulation); and
(b) shall be payable in addition to the lump sum on retirement payable under regulation E7 (which shall not be subject to any reduction under regulation E8 (deductions from lump sum)).”.
5 
In regulation E3(1)(a) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (early retirement pension (redundancy etc.)), for “age 50” substitute “normal minimum pension age or, where relevant, protected pension age”.
6 
In regulation E4(1) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (early retirement pension (employer’s consent)), for “age 50” substitute “normal minimum pension age or, where relevant, protected pension age”.
7 
In regulation E5(1) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (early retirement pension (with actuarial reduction)), for “age 50” substitute “normal minimum pension age or, where relevant, protected pension age”.
8 
In regulation E6(3)(d)(ii) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations(preserved pension), for “age 50” substitute “normal minimum pension age or, where relevant, protected pension age”.
9 

(1) Regulation E7 of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (lump sum on retirement) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1), for “Each member”, substitute “Subject to paragraph (3), each member”.
(3) After paragraph (2), insert–“
(3) Where a member entitled to a lump sum under this regulation has attained the age of 75–
(a) the member shall cease to be entitled to a lump sum; and
(b) shall instead be entitled to have his pension increased by such amount as the Scottish Ministers may, after taking advice from the Government Actuary, determine.”.
10 
For regulation E9(1) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (early leavers' entitlement to refund of contributions), substitute–“
(1) A member who leaves pensionable employment without becoming entitled to an immediate pension or a preserved pension shall, subject to regulation R4(9), be entitled to receive a lump sum refund of his contributions, less tax at–
(a) 20% (or at such other rate as applies under the 2004 Act) in respect of so much of the lump sum as does not exceed £10,800 (or such other amount as applies under the 2004 Act); and
(b) 40% (or at such other rate as applies under the 2004 Act) in respect of so much (if any) of it as exceeds that limit.”.
11 
After regulation F2(2) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (lump sum when member dies after pension becomes payable), insert–“
(3) A person who retires from pensionable employment on, or after, 6th April 2006 may give notice to the scheme administrator in accordance with paragraph (4) below that any lump sum payable under this regulation is to be treated as a pension protection lump sum death benefit in accordance with paragraph 14 of Part 2 of Schedule 29 to the 2004 Act.
(4) Such a notice–
(a) shall be given in writing; and
(b) may be revoked in writing at any time.
(5) A lump sum paid under this regulation in respect of a member who became entitled to a pension under regulations E1 to E6 before 6th April 2006, shall be treated as a pension protection lump sum death benefit but regulation T2A(7) shall not apply.”.
12 

(1) Regulation H1 of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (dependent child) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraphs (3)(b), (c) and (d), after “age 17 or over” insert “but has not reached the age of 23”.
(3) After paragraph 3(e), insert–“
(f) age 17 or over but has not reached the age of 23 and is incapable of earning a living because of permanent physical or mental infirmity from which he started to suffer whilst qualifying as a dependent child; but such a person will only be treated as a dependent child for so much of the period commencing with the day on which he or she attains the age of 17 and ending immediately before the day on which he attains the age of 23, during which he remains incapable of earning a living.”.
(4) In paragraph (6), omit “or from which he started to suffer whilst qualifying as a dependent child”.
(5) After paragraph (6), insert–“
(7) Where–
(a) a dependent child became entitled to a child allowance under regulation H2 (payment of dependent child’s allowance) before 6th April 2006; or
(b) the dependency of a child born on, or before, 5th April 2007 is to be assessed in respect of a person who became entitled to a pension under regulations E1 to E6 on, or before, 6th April 2006,
paragraphs (3)(b),(c) and (d) shall be read as if they did not include the words “but has not reached the age of 23”, paragraph (3)(f) shall not apply and paragraph (6) shall be read as if it included the words “or from which he started to suffer whilst qualifying as a dependent child” after the words "member died.”.
13 
In regulation J1(4)(a) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (allocation of pension by member for benefit of dependent), for “on, or within one month after” substitute “before”.
14 
For regulation N1(1) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations(member’s right to transfer accrued rights to benefits to the scheme), substitute–“
(1) Within 12 months after joining the scheme, a member in pensionable employment may, in writing, request the Scottish Ministers to accept a transfer payment in respect of the member’s rights under another occupational pension scheme, a personal pension scheme, or a buy– out policy but not in respect of rights under a free-standing AVC scheme–
(a) established on, or after, 6th April 2006 as a registered free-standing AVC scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act; or
(b) which on 6th April 2006 became a registered free-standing AVC scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act and which immediately before that date was approved by the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs by virtue of section 591(2)(h) of the Taxes Act (free– standing AVC schemes).”.
15 
After regulation T2 of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (deduction of tax), insert–“
T2A 

(1) For the purposes of these Regulations and the 2004 Act, the scheme administrator shall be the Scottish Ministers.
(2) Where a person’s entitlement to a benefit under these Regulations–
(a) constitutes a benefit crystallisation event in accordance with section 216 of the 2004 Act (benefit crystallisation events and amounts crystallised); and
(b) a lifetime allowance charge under that Act is payable in respect of that event,
that charge shall be paid by the scheme administrator.
(3) Where a person is entitled to a benefit under these Regulations he shall (whether or not he intends to rely on entitlement to an enhanced lifetime allowance, or to enhanced protection) give to the scheme administrator such information as will enable the scheme administrator to determine–
(a) whether any lifetime allowance is payable in respect of the benefit and, if so,
(b) the amount of that charge.
(4) If a person applying for a benefit under these Regulations intends to rely on entitlement to an enhanced lifetime allowance by virtue of any of the provisions listed in section 256(1) of the 2004 Act (enhanced lifetime allowance regulations), he shall give to the scheme administrator–
(a) the reference number issued by the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs under the Registered Pension Schemes (Enhanced Lifetime Allowance) Regulations 2006in respect of that entitlement; and
(b) the information referred to in paragraph (7).
(5) The information referred to in paragraph (7) or, as the case may be, paragraph (8) shall be given to the scheme administrator–
(a) at the time the person makes a claim for a benefit; or
(b) where that information has not been provided at the time of making the claim, within such time as the scheme administrator specifies in writing.
(6) Where the person fails to provide all, or part of, the information referred to in paragraph (7) or, as the case may be, paragraph (8) within the time limits specified by the scheme administrator where relevant, the scheme administrator may treat the whole of the benefit as a chargeable benefit and pay the charge on that basis.
(7) Subject to regulation F2(4), where–
(a) a member has given notice to the scheme administrator in accordance with regulation F2(3) that a lump sum payable under that regulation is to be treated as a pension protection lump sum death benefit in accordance with paragraph 14 of Part 2 of Schedule 29 to the 2004 Act; and
(b) has not revoked that notice,
the scheme administrator shall deduct tax at 35% (or such other rate as applies under the 2004 Act) from the lump sum payable in accordance with section 206 of the 2004 Act (special lump sum death benefits charge).
(8) For the purposes of this regulation, “enhanced lifetime allowance” and “enhanced protection” are to be construed in accordance with Schedule 36 to the 2004 Act.”.
16 

(1) Regulation T7 of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations (commutation of trivial pensions) is amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph (3), substitute–“
(3) A pension may be treated as trivial only if all benefits payable to the person concerned under the scheme are of an amount consistent with–
(a) the contracting-out and preservation requirements of the 1993 Act; and
(b) the lump sum rule and lump sum death benefit rule.”.
(3) Omit paragraph (4).
17 
For regulation W15(2) of the Superannuation Scheme Regulations(commutation: small pensions) substitute–“
(2) A pension may be treated as “trivial” under regulation T7 in respect of the retirement pension payable to a pension credit member in respect of a pension credit providing that the total benefit payable to the pension credit member, including any pension credit benefit, is of an amount that complies with the provisions of paragraphs 7 to 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 29 to the 2004 Act (lump sum rule: trivial commutation lump sum) at normal benefit age.”.
18 

(1) Regulation 2 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (interpretation) is amended as follows.
(2) Omit the definitions of “approved scheme”, “free-standing additional voluntary contributions scheme”, “personal pension scheme” and “retirement benefits scheme”.
(3) For the definition of “the Taxes Act”, substitute“
 “the 2004 Act” means the Finance Act 2004;”.
(4) After that definition, insert the following definitions in alphabetical order in the appropriate places–“
 “lifetime allowance” shall be construed in accordance with Part 4 of the 2004 Act (pension schemes etc.);” and“
 “registered pension scheme” has the meaning given by section 150(2) of the 2004 Act;”.
19 
In regulation 3(3)(b) of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (making and acceptance of elections), for “section 594(1) of the Taxes Act (exempt statutory schemes)” substitute “section 190 of the 2004 Act (annual limit for relief)”.
20 
In regulation 6(1)(d) of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations(circumstances in which elections cease to have effect) for “section 594(1) of the Taxes Act (exempt statutory schemes)”, substitute “ section 190 of the 2004 Act (annual limit for relief)”.
21 
For regulation 8(1) of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations(inward transfers), substitute–“
(1) Where a person who enters pensionable employment has paid contributions to a another additional voluntary contribution which is a registered pension scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act, that person, whether or not he becomes a contributor within the meaning of these Regulations, may, within–
(a) 12 months of entering pensionable employment; or
(b) such longer period as the Scottish Ministers may in any particular case allow,
give written notice to the Scottish Ministers that he wishes the Scottish Ministers to accept from the trustees or managers of that scheme a transfer value representing at least the value of the investments derived from his contributions.”.
22 

(1) Regulation 10 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations(outward transfers) is amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph (1)(a), substitute–“
(a) where that person has left pensionable employment, to any other registered pension scheme in which the person may be participating; or”.
(3) Omit paragraph (2).
(4) For paragraph (3), substitute–“
(3) The scheme specified in this paragraph is an additional voluntary contribution which is a registered pension scheme for the purposes of the 2004 Act.”.
23 
For regulation 12(2) of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations(lump sums on death), substitute–“
(2) Any lump sum payable under paragraph (1) shall not exceed the amount permitted in accordance with Part 2 of Schedule 29 to the 2004 Act.”.
24 
For regulation 13 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations(benefit limits), substitute–“
13 
Benefits that may be paid under these Regulations shall be limited by reference to a person’s lifetime allowance.”.
25 

(1) Regulation 14 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations(repayment of investments in certain cases) is amended as follows.
(2) In paragraph (1), for “section 598 of the Taxes Act (charge to tax: repayment of employee’s contributions)”, substitute “the 2004 Act”.
(3) In paragraph (2), for “section 601 of the Taxes Act (charge to tax: payment to employers)”, substitute “the 2004 Act”.
26 

(1) Regulation 15 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (payments by Secretary of State) is amended as follows.
(2) Omit paragraphs (5) to (8).
(3) In paragraph (10) omit “less any charge to tax under section 599 of the Taxes Act”.
27 
In regulation 16 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations(information) after paragraph (2), insert–“
(3) Where a person is entitled to a benefit under these Regulations he shall (whether or not he intends to rely on entitlement to an enhanced lifetime allowance, or to enhanced protection) give to the authorised provider such information as will enable the authorised provider to determine–
(a) whether any lifetime allowance is payable in respect of the benefit and, if so,
(b) the amount of that charge.
(4) If a person applying for a benefit under these Regulations intends to rely on entitlement to an enhanced lifetime allowance by virtue of any of the provisions listed in section 256(1) of the 2004 Act (enhanced lifetime allowance regulations), he shall give to the authorised provider–
(a) the reference number issued by the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs under the Registered Pension Schemes (Enhanced Lifetime Allowance) Regulations 2006in respect of that entitlement;
(b) the information referred to in paragraph (3).
(5) The information referred to in paragraph (3) or, as the case may be, paragraph (4) shall be given to the authorised provider–
(a) at the time the person makes a claim for a benefit; or
(b) where that information has not been provided at the time of making the claim, within such time as the authorised provider specifies in writing.
(6) Where the person fails to provide all, or part of, the information referred to in paragraph (3) or, as the case may be, paragraph (4) within the time limits specified by the authorised provider where relevant, the authorised provider may treat the whole of the benefit as a chargeable benefit and the charge may be paid on that basis.”.
28 
After regulation 21 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (determination of questions), insert–“
22 
Benefits payable under these Regulations shall be paid net of any tax due under the 2004 Act.”.
29 
Omit Schedule 1 to the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (benefit limits).
30 
After the definition of “participator” in regulation 2 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (interpretation), insert–“
 “pension commencement lump sum” means a lump sum for the purposes of Part I of Schedule 29 to the 2004 Act not exceeding 25 per cent of the proceeds of any investment made under regulation 7(1), 8(2) or 9(4);”.
31 
In regulation 3(1)(a) of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (making and acceptance of elections), for “an annuity payable on retirement”, substitute “an annuity or a pension commencement lump sum and an annuity payable on retirement”;
32 

(1) Regulation 4 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (payment and amount of additional voluntary contributions) is amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph (3) substitute–“
(3) In any period of 12 months beginning on 6th April in any year the total contributions payable by the contributor shall not exceed 100 per cent of the amount which represents the contributor’s salary from NHS employment less the total of any contributions paid by the contributor in respect of that year–
(a) to another registered pension scheme; and
(b) under the 1995 Regulations.”.
(3) Omit paragraph (4).
33 

(1) Regulation 11 of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (retirement and dependants' pensions) is amended as follows.
(2) For paragraph (1), substitute–“
(1) Subject to paragraph (7) and regulations 15(9) and (10), the proceeds of any investment made under regulation 7(1), 8(2) or 9(4) may be–
(a) taken partially as a pension commencement lump sum with the remainder being used to purchase from an insurer an annuity which complies with the requirements of paragraph (2); or
(b) used solely for the purchase from an insurer of an annuity which complies with the requirements of that paragraph,
and not otherwise.”.
(3) After paragraph (3)(a), insert–“
(aa) whether a pension commencement lump sum and retirement pension is to be provided;”.
(4) For paragraph (5), substitute–“
(5) Upon receipt of a notice of election under paragraph (3), the Scottish Ministers shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, realise the investments made under regulation 7(1), 8(2) or 9(4) and–
(a) where paragraph 3(aa) does not apply, apply the proceeds to the purchase of an annuity from the authorised provider specified in the notice of election; and
(b) where paragraph 3(aa) does apply–
(i) pay the percentage of the proceeds specified in the notice of election as a pension commencement lump sum; and
(ii) apply the balance of those proceeds to the purchase of an annuity from the authorised provider specified in that notice.”.
34 
In regulation 15(1) of the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (payments by Secretary of State), for “annuity or lump sum death benefit” substitute “annuity, pension commencement lump sum or lump sum death benefit”.
35 
In Paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to the Additional Voluntary Contributions Regulations (pension credit benefit)–
(a) at the end of sub-paragraph (1), insert “(including, where appropriate, a pension commencement lump sum)”;
(b) after sub-paragraph (5)(a), insert–“
(aa) whether a pension commencement lump sum and a pension payable for life is to be provided;”;
(c) for sub-paragraph (7), substitute–“
(7) Upon receipt of a notice of election under sub-paragraph (5) the Scottish Ministers shall, as soon as reasonably practicable, realise the investments made under paragraph 2 and–
(a) where paragraph 5(aa) does not apply, apply the proceeds to the purchase of an annuity from the authorised provider specified in the notice of election;
(b) where paragraph 5(aa) does apply–
(i) pay the percentage of the proceeds specified in the notice of election as a pension commencement lump sum; and
(ii) apply the balance of those proceeds to the purchase of an annuity from the authorised provider specified in that notice,
and not otherwise.”.
GEORGE LYON
Authorised to sign by the Scottish Ministers
St Andrew’s House,
Edinburgh
24th May 2006We consent,
DAVE WATTS
ALAN CAMPBELL
Two of the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty’s Treasury
5th June 2006