Action on NHS pension plans

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has offered her support for urgent action on the pension taxation arrangements for senior clinicians in the NHS.

This follows the announcement by the UK Government’s Department of Health on a new public consultation proposing full flexibility over the amount which senior clinicians put into their pension pots.

The BMA Scotland has called for a short, sharp review of the complex rules around these annual allowances.

Ms Freeman said:

“Earlier this week I wrote to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask him to take urgent action on this and undertake a review at the earliest opportunity.

“I wish to personally assure all staff of NHS Scotland that I fully value the work they do and the contribution they make to our vital public services. Therefore, it is imperative that they are appropriately rewarded for the work they do.

“While we welcome proposals for additional flexibilities, and any agreed will be available for use in Scotland, I am concerned that the proposals do not go far enough to deal with the overall issue of the Annual Allowance and Lifetime Allowances. I fully welcome and support BMA Scotland’s campaign to address the current pension taxation issues.

“We will continue to work in partnership with BMA Scotland, other stakeholders and the Scottish Public Pensions Agency to ensure that we do everything within our power to address this vital issue.”