The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is provided for you by your Employer, who also pays the majority of the cost.
How much it will cost you depends on how much you are paid, but it will be between 5.5% and 12.5% of your pensionable pay under the MAIN Section of the Scheme. Look up your Employee Contributions. However, the amount you actually pay may be far less than you think, because you will have tax-relief on the contributions that you pay. If you think your contribution rate could be wrong, please contact your Employer.
Any contractual or non-contractual overtime that you work will also be pensionable.
As a member of LGPS, you have the option to opt out at anytime, however, this is NOT a decision to be taken lightly.
Or, as an alternative, you could reduce your normal contribution rate by half, which means you will build up half the pension benefits within the scheme. It may be a better option than having to opt out of the scheme altogether. This section of the Scheme is known as the 50:50 scheme, if you would like to temporarily join this section of the Scheme please complete the 50:50 Election Form (PDF) .
If you are currently in the 50:50 section of the Scheme, and would like to move back into the full LGPS scheme please complete a Re-join form (PDF) .
The Local Government Pension Scheme
Use the online calculator to find out your pensions contribution cost.
Pensions Advisory Service
Government service offering free, impartial guidance about pensions.
What’s available?
Online information and tools, online chat, telephone helpline, personal appointments.
Got a question?
Get in touch with us.
Request a document in an accessible format.