Decision details

RESOLVED that the changes to the Pensions Discretion Policy relating to Regulation 17 & 15(2A) [TP] as set out on Page 7 of the Policy be approved.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Transformation, Resources and Governance

Reason

LGPS discretions are the Council’s agreed choices on how certain pension rules are applied, so decisions are fair, consistent, and lawful.

We must have a written policy so that:

·      Everyone is treated consistently

·      Decisions are fair, lawful, and transparent

·      Managers and officers don’t make ad-hoc or contradictory decisions

·      Employees know what the Council will and won’t do

The policy sets out:

·      What discretion applies

·      What the Council’s position is

·      Who makes the decision

·      Any limits or conditions

What’s changed/changing

1. Section: Regulation 17 & 15(2A) [TP] – Shared-Cost AVCs (SCAVC) as set out on Page 7 of the policy (Appendix 1).

Effective from 1 December 2025:

The Council will pay shared-cost additional voluntary contributions (SCAVCs) where an employee has elected to pay AVCs via the Council’s salary sacrifice AVC scheme.

·      The amount of the employer SCAVC will not exceed the amount of salary sacrificed by the employee.

• Participation is subject to the employee meeting the scheme’s eligibility conditions.

The Council may withdraw or amend the SCAVC arrangement at any time, following appropriate consultation and notice.