As was announced in the Budget last month, the Government yesterday published a Bill which allows those officers, including existing Government pensioners, who were previously covered by the Widows and Orphans Pension Scheme the option to re-enter the Scheme upon the payment of their arrears of contributions.

This legislation will fulfil another of the Government’s manifesto commitment.

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo QC MP, said: “The process of finalising the terms of the relevant legislation has proved to be fairly complex and, therefore, has taken longer than was envisaged. However, the effective date for implementation has been set as the 9th December 2011, the date of our election as a government, to ensure that pensioners are not affected financially by the delay which has inevitably arisen.

"The effect will be as if we had done this on day one after our election. I know many people will be very pleased that we have now proceeded to publish this Bill.” 

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