To ask the Scottish Executive when it will publish the latest actuarial valuations for the Scottish Teachers and NHS pensions schemes.

Valuation reports prepared by the Government Actuarial Department (GAD) for the Scottish Teachers’ Superannuation Scheme for the period 2001 to 2005 and for the NHS Superannuation Scheme for Scotland for the period 1999 to 2004 have been laid before the Scottish Parliament today. Copies have been placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (Bib. numbers 47169 –NHS and 47170 - STSS).

The report on the NHS scheme concluded that a reduction in the employer contribution rate from 14% to 13.5% was appropriate from 1 April 2009.

The report on the teachers’ scheme concluded that an increase in the employer contribution rate from 13.5% to 14.9% was required from 1 April 2009. This is mainly as a result of increased longevity and an increase in the ill-health and early retirement numbers beyond previous actuarial assumptions.

Both valuations take account of recent changes to schemes which increase the pension age for new public servants from 60 to 65 and other miscellaneous changes to the benefits provided to members.