On 19th May 2026 HM Treasury announced changes to the Superannuation Contributions Adjusted for Past Experience (SCAPE) discount rate which is a calculation used to put a value on future pension payments. The value went up from the previous rate of CPI + 1.7%, set in March 2023, to CPI + 2.0%.
These new SCAPE rates are now to be introduced to all Public Sector pension schemes.
As a result of these changes being introduced there has been an immediate impact on the lump sum commutation rate for the 1987 Police Pension Scheme which may result in a lower lump sum being available under that scheme.
While MDP Officers are not members of the 1987 Police Pension Scheme, it is likely that some NEOF officer may have a deferred pension with a previous Force and therefore may be impacted by this.
These members can find more information regarding this on the PFEW website:
The Civil Service pension schemes which MDP officers may be members of, are not impacted in the same way as the 1987 Police Pension Scheme
We have engaged with the Cabinet Office, and it has been confirmed that the SCAPE review does not impact the pension accrual rate, lump sum accrual rate (Classic and Classic plus) or the commutation rate for any of the Civil Service Pension Schemes.
The immediate impact to the Civil Service Scheme has been the suspension of Cash Equivalent Transfer Values which will impact those seeking calculations for divorce proceedings or non-club transfersĀ and non-club transfers-in.
It is our understanding that this work will be undertaken as quickly as possible to minimise disruption. More details and updates will be available on the Civil Service Pension website:
https://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/memberhub/
However, it also our understanding that a review of factors relating to other areas of the pension scheme will be undertaken in three phases over the coming months.
It is not clear at this time what changes or adjustments will result from those strands of work, but we will keep members updated as soon as we have any information.
DPF HQ
