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Where are we? - We have the actual regulations for members joining the scheme from 1 st April 2014 - We have draft transitional regulations – this tells us how we deal with existing members
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Where are we? • - We have the actual regulations for members joining the scheme from 1st April 2014 • - We have draft transitional regulations – this tells us how we deal with existing members • - But we do not have the Government Actuaries Department (GAD) guidance which gives us all the factors for any reductions or costs • So…… LGPS 2014
That is why we are: - Unable to calculate any estimates – we are hoping to be able to resume this mid February if all our testing proves successful - Unable to provide full answers to questions you have raised concerning a members pension entitlement - Mainly concentrating on information you will need to keep and provide us with LGPS 2014
Still require separate records per job • Same as for auto enrolment • more than one job = employee rates separately assessed • Separate cumulative pensionable pay (incl. APP) and employee contributions per job – needs to be accurate LGPS 2014
Definition of Pensionable Pay • Definition as now, except that non-contractual overtime and additional hours are now pensionable • Loss of Earnings Compensation/marked time payment/Protected pay is no longer pensionable in any circumstance • Benefit accrues each Scheme year based on pensionable pay received* in that year (not pensionable pay due for the Scheme year) • * See next slide re APP LGPS 2014
Assumed Pensionable Pay (APP) Similar to notional, but calculated using a different method • Accrues during sickness on reduced or no pay (incl. short term periods), child related leave (ordinary and paid additional) and reserve forces service leave • Used for the calculation of Death in Service and Ill health (Tier 1 & 2) enhancements LGPS 2014
Employee contribution rates • New bands, there are now 9 rates • Table may change before April • Which band? – up to employers but... • Part time staff in band based on actual pay • Review on material change in pay LGPS 2014
Contributions • Employee pays contributions on pensionable pay received (not on APP) • Employer pays contributions on pensionable pay received or on the APP during child related leave and sick leave whilst on reduced or no pay LGPS 2014
Buying extra pension • Full and shared cost Additional Pension Contributions (APC) replace ... - ARCs - Augmentation • And used to buy pension ‘lost’ due to: - Strike – at full cost to member - Child related leave (unpaid add’l) – shared cost - Unpaid leave – shared cost (not compulsory first 30 days) • AVCs – can pay 100% for new contracts LGPS 2014
New option from April 2014 -members can choose to voluntarily draw their benefits on or after age 55 without employer’s consent • Rule of 85 protections will not apply if they choose to take their pension on or after age 55 but before 60 but some employer policy discretion may be provided • To be entitled to any immediate payment of a benefit must be aged 55 and over and have two years service. LGPS 2014
Payments due for period pre April 2014 paid after March 2014 – pre 2014 contribution rates and definition applies BUT don’t drop pensionable pay into post 2014 cumulatives • Requirement for hour changes going forward for some members of the scheme • Requirement for breaks in service • Pre 2014 definition of Final Pay at date of leaving for pre 2014 membership and underpin cases – calculate as now LGPS 2014 – Points to consider
Pre 2014 definition of Final Pay at each Scheme year end - employer to supply WTE • Existing added years, ARC contracts are to continue. • TUPE transfers – retain membership of the LGPS – scope and mechanism still to be worked out • Councillors’ pensions? • Reserved Forces service leave LGPS 2014 – Points to consider
Consider budget implication of additional hours being pensionable • Consider budget implications for those on reduced or no pay for whom you will need to pay employer contributions on APP • Employer policies for post 1/4/2014 • Nominated co-habiting partners change to co-habiting partners • Consider those on ‘casual’ or zero hour contracts LGPS 2014 – Points to consider