Issue - meetings

Report by the Executive Director Resource Services and the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Change.

The Committee is asked to consider the discretions available to the County Council as an employer following the amendments to the Local Government Pension Scheme and introduction of a salary sacrifice scheme, through AVC Wise, to pay additional voluntary contributions.

25.1     The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director Resource Services and the Director of Human Resources and Organisational Change on the discretions available to the County Council as an employer following the amendments to the Local Government Pension Scheme and introduction of a salary sacrifice scheme, through AVC Wise, to pay additional voluntary contributions (copy appended to the signed minutes).

25.2     In relation to paragraph 4.1 of the report, Mr Jones questioned why the proposals had not been shared with the unions as a matter of co-operative working even though there was no requirement to consult.  Officers assured members that there would be consultation as part of the implementation of the proposals, as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report.

25.3     Resolved –

(1)     That the change in regulations, which allows a deferred member to take their retirement benefits from age 55 without the need for their former employer’s (County Council’s) consent, be noted; and

(2)     That the change in practice, to exercise the County Council’s discretion to allow for Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions, be approved.