If you are employed by an LGPS Scheme employer, you will generally join the LGPS on your first day of employment because of automatic enrolment legislation. You have the right to opt out of the LGPS if you decide you do not wish to be a member.
The pension benefits you are entitled to after opting out depends on how long you have been a member of the Scheme.
You should think carefully before opting out. Opting out may reduce your income in later life. You may wish to get help from an independent financial adviser.
To opt out of the Scheme, please download the Opting Out of the LGPS form which can be found in the Downloads section and return the completed form to your employer’s payroll department. Your employer will then stop your pension contributions and inform us. Please note that your employer will have to enrol you back into the scheme on their next automatic enrolment staging date, which takes place every three years.
Alternatively, you might want to consider moving to the 50/50 section of the Scheme. In the 50/50 section you pay half the normal contributions to build up pension at half the normal rate. You retain full life cover and ill health cover in the 50/50 section. To move into the 50/50 section, your employer’s payroll department may ask you to put your request in writing, so please contact them for further instruction.
For more information, please see the links below: