Pension

As a new employee, if you're under age 75, you'll join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The scheme is a nationwide, regulated, statutory-funded scheme for local government employees. The scheme is administered locally by Lothian Pension Fund. 

If you're permanent or have a contract for more than three months

You'll be automatically enrolled into the LGPS on appointment and your pension contributions will be deducted from your first pay date. Your deductions from pay are the trigger to inform the Fund of your membership therefore your contribution will be taken before you receive your welcome pack from the Fund. The Fund will confirm your membership within 20 working days of receiving your details from us. They'll also send you a welcome pack with more information on the scheme and details on transferring in previous pension contributions.

If you're employed on a temporary contract for less than three months

You'll not be automatically enrolled into the LGPS, but you can apply to join the scheme - a form is available at www.lpf.org.uk/forms.

Benefits of the Local Government Pension Scheme

The main benefits of the scheme include:

• a pension when you retire
• choice of lump sum on retirement
• life cover in form of a death grant of three times actual pay
• pension for your close dependents (husband or wife or civil partner or eligible cohabiting partners or children)
• employer pays around £3 for every £1 you pay  
• if you pay tax, you'll receive tax relief on the contributions you make
• refund option if you leave before two years membership with no transfers or other LGPS benefits 
• option to join the 50/50 section to pay 50% of contributions and receive 50% of the benefits.

What you pay

As a member of the scheme you’ll be required to contribute a percentage of your salary based on your pensionable pay as at 1 April each year. The current contribution rates are available from the Lothian Pension Fund’s website.

Opting out of the Local Government Pension Scheme

If you don't want to be in the LGPS now, or at a later date, you can opt out.

To opt out

1. Download and complete the opting out form at www.lpf.org.uk/forms.
2. Your form must be dated after your first day of employment and returned to: The City of Edinburgh Council, Payroll, Waverley Court Level 2.2, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG.

If you make a valid opt out within three months of being enrolled, you'll be treated for all purposes as not having become an active member of the LGPS and we'll refund your contributions in your next pay. If you're a member for more than three months, Lothian Pension Fund will contact you about your benefits or refund under the scheme rules.

More information

For an employee’s guide to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), visit www.lpf.org.uk/guide.

For more general information about pensions and saving for retirement visit www.direct.gov.uk/workplacepensions.

Questions about the Scheme or any other pension queries should be directed to Lothian Pension Fund:

Telephone
0131 529 4638

email
pensions@lpf.org.uk

Website        
www.lpf.org.uk

Postal address
Lothian Pension Fund, Atria One, 144 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EX.