Local Government Pension Scheme Changes 2008

1.

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has gone through a period of reform over the last three years and further changes are being introduced on 1 April 2008. These changes affect all support staff that are members of the scheme and future members. Considering this, it is important this information reaches all staff in the LGPS employed by schools.

2.	In summary the most significant changes are:

		Changes in contribution rates from a flat of 6% to a banded contribution rate. (Employer rates are unaffected by this change).
		Eligibility.
		Changes in the way benefits are calculated upon retirement.
		Flexible retirement.
		Changes to ill-health retirement provisions.

3.	A number of communication channels have already been utilised to prepare employees for the changes, including:

		The Annual Benefits Statement was sent in December 2007 to all scheme members. This included a booklet on the changes for 2008.
		Payslip messages have alerted employees to upcoming changes.
		Roadshows.

4.	Employees will see the change to their contribution rate in their April payslip. Therefore the following has been produced to inform employees:

		A video is available on http://www.yourpension.org.uk/Agencies/norfolk/index.asp for employees with access to the Internet at work or at home.
		Frequently Asked Questions have been produced to provide an overall picture of the changes for employees and where they can source further information.
		Consideration to releasing staff to attend further Roadshows. These have been organised across the County, details of which are available on the front page of HR@Norfolk or by following this link.
		A contribution rate policy has been produced detailing how employees have been allocated to their band and detailing an appeal mechanism.

	Actions for Headteachers:
1.	Distribute the FAQs to your team who are members or eligible to join the LGPS.
2.	Where possible, allow them to have access to the video on the Norfolk Pension Fund website at work.
3.	Ensure they are aware of the location of the video on the Norfolk Pension Fund website (www.yourpension.org.uk) so they can access it at home or in a local library.
4.	Keep abreast of Roadshow updates on the News Desk page of HR@Norfolk.
5.	Be aware of the new contribution rate policy on HR@Norfolk to support your team if they feel they have been allocated to the wrong contribution band.

If you need further clarification on the above, please contact your Children's Services HR Consultant in the first instance.