Consultation on proposed changes to the Northern Ireland Civil Service Injury Benefits Scheme

The NI Audit Office produced a report in March 2020 on Injury on Duty Schemes for officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Prison Service which highlighted the escalating costs of the schemes and that substantial changes are necessary if the schemes are to be affordable in the future. NI Prison Service staff are included under the NICS Injury Benefits Scheme.

A full review was carried out by a working group of key stakeholders who recommended eight key changes to the scheme in order to address the concerns identified by the NIAO around escalating costs and to implement controls and measures to ensure the scheme is fair, viable and affordable moving forward.

The changes proposed are set out in the Consultation Document and include the introduction of time limits for new applications and review periods for those currently in receipt of an Injury Benefit Award as well as improving the administration process. 

The Department is now consulting on the changes proposed and is inviting comments and views from all interested parties to be submitted using the Response Template provided.

The following documentation can be found on this page:

• Consultation Document
• Addendum to Consultation (2020/2021 Cash spend on Injury Benefit payments now showing costs met by Civil Service Pensions for Awards made before 1 April 2006)
• Response Template
• Section 75 Policy Screening Template
• Rural Needs Impact Assessment