delay in paying pension rises to former civil servants.

Yesterday Government promised the pension rise would be backdated after admitting a "delay in calculation''.

Accountant General Anthony Richardson said July 1 was the date for the increases, awarded on every even year.

But the rises only become effective after the House of Assembly has approved them.

He said: "Under normal circumstances the increases are approved in the fall or winter session.'' He expected the increases for 2000 will be approved in the summer session of Parliament which begins tomorrow.

He said: "None of the pensioners will be negatively impacted by the delay because all payments are made effective July 1 of the appropriate year.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay in calculation.'' However there was no explanation about what caused the delay.

Dr. Gibbons, of the United Bermuda Party, said: "For those it affects it must be infuriating.'' He added: "I would also say the Minister of Finance can move quickly enough when it comes to rising taxes and duties but he seems to be dragging his feet when it comes to pension increases.'' Mr. Richardson said the increases were calculated by referring to the Consumer Price Index.