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26/10/2004
Same-sex couples get pensions rights boost
Changes announced today by the government will mean that same sex couples will gain pension benefits in contracted-out schemes.
Under the proposals, civil partners will now have the right to pass on survivor pensions as married people do.
The Civil Partnership Bill will be amended so that contracted-out pension schemes are required to provide survivor pensions for civil partners from rights built up all the way back to 1988, replicating the current position for widowers.
Alan Johnson, Secretary of State said: "The Civil Partnership Bill is all about equality so I am delighted that with these changes civil partners will be able to pass on survivor pensions as married people do. This has important practical applications: often a pension will be the most valuable asset an individual has, so their ability to pass it on is crucial."
The decision to require schemes that contract-out to provide survivor benefits for civil partners on the basis of members' contracted out rights accrued from 1988 is in line with the fact that survivors' benefits were extended to widowers in 1988.
(gmcg/sp)
Under the proposals, civil partners will now have the right to pass on survivor pensions as married people do.
The Civil Partnership Bill will be amended so that contracted-out pension schemes are required to provide survivor pensions for civil partners from rights built up all the way back to 1988, replicating the current position for widowers.
Alan Johnson, Secretary of State said: "The Civil Partnership Bill is all about equality so I am delighted that with these changes civil partners will be able to pass on survivor pensions as married people do. This has important practical applications: often a pension will be the most valuable asset an individual has, so their ability to pass it on is crucial."
The decision to require schemes that contract-out to provide survivor benefits for civil partners on the basis of members' contracted out rights accrued from 1988 is in line with the fact that survivors' benefits were extended to widowers in 1988.
(gmcg/sp)
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Red Cross meets Burmese civil rights activist
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Red Cross officials have been allowed access to Nobel Peace Prize winner Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, almost two months to the day since she was detained by the Burmese military regime. Ms Suu Kyi, who is being held under a law providing her detention without charge or access to lawyers for up to five years, was said to be in good health.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
