Decision details

SERVICE AREA:

GOVERNANCE & RESOURCES – PEOPLE & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

SUBJECT MATTER:

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME EMPLOYER DISCRETIONS

DECISION:

To approve The Pension Scheme Policy Statement as outlined in Appendix 1, which sets out the required employer discretions under the Local Government Pension Regulations.

To agree to review the policy statement on a three yearly basis in accordance with the pension schemes valuation cycle, to ensure financial and operational viability.

DECISION TAKER(S):

Executive Cabinet

DATE OF DECISION:

28 November 2018

REASON FOR DECISION:

To meet the pension legislation requirements to formulate, publish and keep under review a policy statement in relation to theexercise of its discretions. 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS REJECTED (if any):

The alternative approaches would include:

1.   Do nothing which would not be lawful.

2.   Adopt alternative discretion decisions, which would lead to increased costs incurred by the Council.

CONSULTEES:

None Applicable

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:

(Authorised by Borough Treasurer)

Employer discretions provide flexibility within the pension regulations for employers to determine how individuals can access their benefits.  This flexibility can facilitate organisational needs however the exercising of these discretions, affording extra benefits to scheme members, will incur additional costs to the Council.

All employer discretions have been determined to ensure financial sustainability whilst supporting individuals accessing their pension benefits.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

(Authorised by Borough Solicitor)

The Council is responsible under the regulations to ensure robust and fair processes are in place to manage employer responsibilities in respect of individuals accessing their pension benefits.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The pension discretions contained within the report will impact on a number of deferred Councillor members.

DISPENSATION GRANTED BY STANDARDS COMMITTEE ATTACHED:

Not applicable.

REFERENCE DOCUMENTS:

The background papers relating to this report can be inspected by contacting the report author, Jenny Dickie, HR Manager – Policy, Strategy & Reward, by:

Telephone: 0161 342 2938

E-mail: jenny.dickie@tameside.gov.uk