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CAN I JOIN THE LGPS?
The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a tax approved, defined benefit occupational pension Scheme set up under the Superannuation Act 1972. The benefits under the Scheme are based on the length of your membership and your final salary. It is very secure because the benefits are set out in law.
The LGPS is administered by Merseyside Pension Fund on behalf of over 100 Scheme employers, Merseyside's five local authorities - Knowsley MBC, Liverpool City Council, St Helens MBC, Sefton MBC and Wirral Council, plus smaller organisations which provide public services.
To be able to join the Scheme, you must:
- work for a scheme employer who has either a statutory obligation to provide membership to new employees OR work for an employer with an on-going admission agreement stating that new employees may join the Scheme AND
- have a contract of employment of THREE MONTHS OR MORE duration AND
- be under age 75.
There are three types of scheme employer in the LGPS:
The LGPS is available to all councillors and elected mayors of an English County Council, district council or London borough council who are offered membership of the Scheme under the council's scheme of allowances and who are under age 75. Those who are offered membership are termed eligible councillors.
For more Information
When you are a short-listed candidate, you should be sent a copy of the Fund's promotional leaflet, 'Head for a comfortable secure future with... your employer's Pension Scheme' When interviewed you should be made aware of the LGPS, the entry arrangements into the Scheme and costs of membership.
When you are appointed your employer should issue you with a pack 'For New Members of the Local Government Pension Scheme' containing further details on the benefits of being a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the options available to transfer benefits from a previous scheme or increase your benefits by paying extra.
