Pension pot plan passed
The Senate passed a bill allowing Government employees to tap into their pensions early if they encounter financial hardships such as rent arrears or medical expenses from April 1 onwards.
The move, first announced in the Throne Speech in 2011, follows similar legislation relating to the National Pension Scheme for private sector workers passed over the course of 2010 and 2011.
In both cases, workers will now be able to access their pension savings at times of extreme hardship in order to pay for medical expenses, educational expenses, rent arrears and mortgage arrears.
The bill was passed by senators without formal opposition. However, Michael Fahy of the One Bermuda Alliance said he was “uncomfortable” with the move.
He asked if an actuarial report was available on how workers who do not dip into their pensions will be affected by those who do.
Junior Finance Minister David Burt said an actuarial report on the Public Service Superannuation fund is done every three years. He added that the latest one will be tabled during the summer sitting of Parliament.
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