Gratuity scheme for part-time reserves

Police part-time reserves in Northern Ireland will receive £20 million of gratuity payments from a special ring-fenced fund despite budget cuts announced in recent weeks.

Justice Minister David Ford published details of a gratuity scheme for the police part-time reserve on November 8.

A ring-fenced fund of £20 million has been provided by HM Treasury solely for the administration and payment of the scheme, which is a commitment made by the Northern Ireland Office prior to the devolution of policing and justice.

The Department of Justice has inherited responsibility for administering the scheme with the transfer of powers due to come into force in April next year.

Mr Ford said: “In October 2009 the Prime Minister wrote to the First Minister advising that in the event of devolution, HM Government will provide ring-fenced funding of £20 million for the establishment of a scheme to make payment of a gratuity to members of the part-time reserve.

“Upon devolution, the terms of that scheme were passed to me as minister of justice to administer.”

The scheme will be open to former members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross (RUC GC) part-time reserve and to current or past members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) part-time reserve – who joined before the end of October 2009. The surviving spouse or partner of a deceased officer may also be eligible to apply.

“Gratuity payments are to be made in recognition of the particular circumstances of those who volunteered to serve in the police part-time reserve, making themselves vulnerable within the community for the safety of others, with the accompanying risks and the demonstration of civic spirit which that volunteering exhibited.

“I would like to thank all those involved in the handling of the administration process,” added Mr Ford.

The RUC GC Association Part-Time Officers Welfare Group welcomed the decision, despite the gratuity scheme previously being described as being “doomed”.

Ross Hussey, chairman of the association, said: “It has taken a long time but the battle has been won.

“We have achieved a scheme that in a small way recognises the service and commitment of part time police officers in Northern Ireland.

“I have to admit that we were quite specific in our aim which was to recognise the service of the part time RUC GC – and we wanted the scheme restricted to RUC service only – however, we accept the reasons given for the inclusion of the PSNI and, as the full title of the PSNI incorporates the RUC GC, we are happy to accept the extension of service.”

However, in a statement, the chairman did raise concerns over the “potential tax liability” for any payments officers made.

Payment for each applicant will be administered on a points system depending on length of service.
The Department of Justice also said that the amount of money attached to each point will depend on the number of successful claimants after applications have closed.

The closing date for application will be February 4 next year.