NEW UNISON SCOTLAND PENSIONS WEBSITE LAUNCHED JUNE 2015
www.pensionsscotland.org
The new pension scheme arrangements from April 2015 have resulted in a big increase in information about our pensions schemes in Scotland. We have therefore established a dedicated site - Pensions Scotland at www.pensionsscotland.org where all future UNISON Scotland pensions info will be posted.
Pensions campaign info to June 2015
June 2015
4 June 2015: SLGP Scheme Advisory Board Bulletin 01 - June 2015 
- The Scottish Local Government Pensions Scheme Advisory Board (SLGPSAB) is responsible for advising Scottish Ministers on the desirability of changes to the design of the scheme and the implication of other policy issues. Also the Board is responsible for the provision of advice to the Scheme managers or the Scheme’s pension boards in relation to the effective and efficient administration and management of the scheme.
The minutes of meetings will be published on the SPPA website http://www.sppa.gov.uk/ and there will be a short bulletin like this after each meeting.
April 2015
14 April 2015: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 46 - Apr 2015
- New Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme started on 1 April 2015.
The main changes and much more are explained at the website http://scotlgps2015.org/
- Pensions ‘Choice’: From 6 April new rules came into effect that give increased flexibility in the options available to members over 55 years of age when taking their pension benefits in Direct Contribution schemes (DC). Public sector and the better private sector schemes are Direct Benefit (DB) schemes and are not directly covered by these changes.
- LGPS Governance: The Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme has a new Scheme Advisory Board (SAB) that will hold its inaugural meeting on 30 April. This Board replaces SLOGPAG and is responsible for advising Scottish Ministers on the scheme.
- plus more in Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 46 - April 2015
March 2015
31 March 2015: New Scotland NHS Pension Scheme from 1 April 2015
The new NHS Pension Scheme 2015 comes into effect from 1 April 2015.
* UNISON Scotland powerpoint presentation on the new NHS Pension Scheme 2015
http://www.unison-scotland.org.uk/pensions/NHSPensionScheme2015_Oct2014.pptx
* Scottish Public Pensions Agency and the NHS Pension Scheme 2015
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency (SPPA) is an agency of the Scottish Government. It administers public sector pensions, premature retirement and injury benefits schemes including those for employees of the NHS in Scotland. http://www.sppa.gov.uk/
The SPPA's
NHS 2015 website has full information about the new NHS pension scheme.
http://2015.sppa.gov.uk/scheme/nhs
The SPPA NHS 2015 website also includes a short video which can be used at members’ meetings.
The SPPA pensions 2015 site also covers other new schemes including local government, fire and police.
http://2015.sppa.gov.uk/
* Letters to members
Members will have started to receive letters from SPPA advising of the changes. There are three letters in all, one for members with full protection; one for members with tapered protection and one for staff moving to the new scheme on 1 April 2015.
Please note: There will be a Choice Exercise on the new NHS Pension Scheme 2015 commencing in the summer.
February 2015
4 February 2015: LGPS Pension 2015 website
www.scotlgps2015.org
January 2015
22 January 2015: LGPS Pension Board Model Constitution January 2015 (revised version)
LGPS_RevisedPensionBoardModelConstitution_v3_Jan2015.docx Word version
19 January 2015: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 45 - Jan 2015
- New Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme starts on 1 April 2015.
The main changes and much more are explained at a new website http://scotlgps2015.org/
- Pension Boards - and training: The new pension boards will play an
important role in improving the governance of LGPS pension funds in Scotland - with at
least one UNISON representative (and one substitute) on every pension board in Scotland. A two day training course for UNISON pension board members and substitutes takes place on
5th-6th March 2015 at UNISON House in Glasgow.
If you want to attend please advise Fiona Martin
(f.martin@unison.co.uk) by 16 February 2015.
September 2014
15 September 2014: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 44 - Sep 2014
- LGPS Governance – Agreement reached at SLOGPAG over model constitution for new Pension
Boards - Next Steps and timetable
- Pension Champions meeting on 30 September in Douglas House, Belford Road, Edinburgh starting at 10:30am
4 September 2014: LGPS Pension Board Model Constitution September 2014
LGPS_PensionBoardModelConstitution_Sep2014.pdf PDF version
LGPS_PensionBoardModelConstitution_Sep2014.docx Word version
July 2014
7 July 2014: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 43 - July 2014
- Main LGPS 2015 scheme Regulations published
- Draft LGPS Transitional Regulations out for consultation
- LGPS Governance - new heads of agreement, model constitution for new boards, new UNISON structure to elect representatives
- State Pension Scheme - changes due in April 2016
May 2014
20 May 2014: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 42 - May 2014
- Heads of Agreement - LGPS Governance
LGPS 2015 - draft Heads of Agreement on pensions governance
Initial agreement has been reached on a new approach to the governance of local authority pension funds in Scotland. An approach that puts the governance of the scheme and funds on a statutory basis and gives scheme members a real say in how their pensions are managed.
- Pension Champions Meeting
discussing draft Heads of Agreement on pensions governance
Thursday 5 June 2014 - 11:30am to 1:30pm
UNISON Glasgow City Branch Office, 84 Bell Street, Glasgow
- LGPS Regulations
- Budget pension changes
- Pension Appeals
19 May 2014: Scottish Local Government pensions scheme
Draft Heads of Agreement on pensions governance in the LGPS
LGPS 2015 - draft Heads of Agreement on pensions governance
January 2014
27 Jan 2014: Scottish NHS Superannuation Scheme: response to draft regulations for proposed contribution increases in April 2014  Jan 2014
From conclusion:
"UNISON Scotland does not agree to the draft regulations. They are a tax on hard pressed NHS workers who in many cases cannot afford to contribute more to their pension and are being penalised through the reckless risk taking of the banking and financial sector. Ultimately these proposals risk mass opt-outs which will only serve to increase dependency on the State.
"We do not accept that the Scottish Government has no option other than to follow the UK Government’s proposals. There is a separate scheme in Scotland and there are other options to fund the cost. These should be pursued in partnership through the Scottish Terms and Conditions Committee and the Scottish Pensions Group."
Full response in pdf
9 January 2014: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 41 - January 2014
- Public consultation on LGPS governance
The Scottish Public Pensions Agency has published a public discussion paper on new governance arrangement for the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme
Check the bulletin for more info
See also SPPA Local government consultations page
- Branch and Pension Champion meeting to consider issues of governance on Friday 7 February at the Thistle Hotel, Cambridge Street, Glasgow, starting at 11am
- LGPS Regulations
Following the ballot on the Heads of Agreement for the LGPS, the draft regulations have now been published for public consultation and can be viewed on the SPPA website here to download or view
November 2013
7 November 2013
Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme ballot
The ballot for the Scottish LGPS 2015 closed today.
The result was 94% accept and 6% reject.
We will therefore be signing the Heads of Agreement this month and move onto the detailed work on the regulations and the outstanding issues. Further details in the next Scottish Pensions Bulletin
Many thanks to everyone, staff and activists who worked on this ballot.
1 November 2013
SIX DAYS TO COMPLETE AND RETURN YOUR BALLOT!
SLGPS PENSIONS BALLOT CLOSES ON 7 NOVEMBER
1 November 2013: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 40 - November 2013
LGPS Ballot FAQs - to help you complete your ballot and get it in by 7 November
The closing date for the Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme ballot is 10am on 7
November 2013. Please encourage any member who hasn’t voted to do so immediately.
In this bulletin we deal with some of the most frequently asked questions. eg: What is a ‘CARE’ scheme?
October 2013
LGPS BALLOT OPEN 16 OCT - 7 NOV
7 October 2013: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 39 - October 2013
LGPS Ballot opens 16 october; Recruit a friend (see leaflet below).
Scottish LGPS - Pension ballot letter Oct 2013 (pdf)
Scottish LGPS - Recruit a Friend leaflet Oct 2013 (pdf)
Scottish LGPS 2015 - FINAL Summary of Heads of Agreement
September 2013
6 September 2013: Local government pensions delegate meeting in Glasgow
Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme (SLOGPAG) talks and Heads of Agreement
Conference documents:
LGPS 2015 - draft Summary of Heads of Agreement
LGPS 2015 - delegate meeting powerpoint slides on Heads of Agreement (pdf)
August 2013
8 August 2013: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 38 - August 2013
Update on Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme (SLOGPAG) talks: Core benefit of new scheme - accrual rate; other benefits; member contributions; scheme governance; next steps.
7 August 2013: Local government pensions delegate meeting in Glasgow
To consider Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme (SLOGPAG) talks
Conference documents:
LGPS 2015 - briefing on scheme proposals
LGPS 2015 - proposals for governance
LGPS 2015 - delegate meeting slides (powerpoint)
June 2013: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 37 - June 2013
LGPS Negotiations Update 2
Progress in second stage of Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme (SLOGPAG) talks.
March 2013: Scottish Pensions Bulletin No 36 - March 2013
LGPS Negotiations Update
The main change is that the new scheme must be a defined benefit ‘career average’ (CARE) scheme as final salary schemes will be unlawful.
7 Feb 2013: Scottish
pensions Bulletin No 35 - Feb 2013
Framework for LGPS Negotiations
Should the UK Public Service Pensions Bill be passed as currently drafted, the current Scottish Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) will close in April 2015 and a new scheme negotiated. This will be heavily prescribed by the provisions of the Public Service Pensions Bill. This bulletin covers:
- Career Average (CARE) scheme
- Retirement age
- Cost sharing
- Other issues of scheme
- Next steps
- Governance
30
November 2012: Scottish
pensions Bulletin No 34 - Nov 2012
- Pensions Bill statement in Scottish Parliament
- Scottish Local Government Pensions schemes
November 2012: Public Service Pensions Bill - email campaign
Contact your MP and MSPs direct by email now - click here - to lobby for amendments to the Bill which will will leave Scottish public service pension schemes free to design a scheme that meets Scottish requirements.
6
November 2012: Scottish
pensions Bulletin No 33 - Nov 2012
- Public Service Pensions Bill
- Pensions Bill Lobby
- Model letters to MPs and MSPs
8
October 2012: Scottish
pensions Bulletin No 32 - Oct 2012
- UK Public Service Pensions Bill
- Pensions Champions Meeting Glasgow 31 October
- Scottish Local Government Pensions Advisory Group (SLOGPAG)
- Data Protection
12
July 2012: Scottish
pensions Bulletin No 31 - July 2012
- Scottish Government challenges Treasury on pension reform
- NHS - Scottish negotiations continuing
- Local Government
- LGPS scheme in Scotland
- New English LGPS
- Contribution bands
- Police and Fire staff
- Pensions Auto-Enrolment
PLUS Comparison chart - Scottish LGPS / England & Wales LGPS
4 June 2012 LGPS 2014 England and Wales only
Negotiations completed: http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/lgps.asp
Please note that this applies to England and Wales only.
The LGPS scheme in Scotland has an agreed cost sharing
process to address future costs and there will be no contribution
increases in the coming financial year. This means discussions
in Scotland will continue under the terms of the 2008
agreement. No dates have been set for discussions on long
term reform in the LGPS Scotland. See
the latest Scotland bulletin here
More
UK pensions updates
18 May 2012: Negotiations
start on NHS Scotland pensions
17 April 2012: UNISON
supports annulment call on changes to NHS pension scheme
MSPs urged to stop pensions 'tax' on health workers 17
April
31 March: Scottish ministers agreed to talks
starting on 28 March over medium and long-term changes
to the NHS Pension Scheme. But they have made
it clear that they are not prepared to negotiate over
the first year contribution increases, and regulations
to implement them has been tabled in the Scottish Parliament.
27 March: UNISON NHS
action photos
26 March: UNISON
protesters lobby Scottish Parliament as industrial action
over NHS pensions continues:
19 March 2012: MSP Briefing on NHS Pensions Regulations - March 2011
UNISON Scotland urges MSPs to reject regulations laid before Scottish Parliament which impose increased contributions on health workers, and calls on the Scottish Government to enter into meaningful negotiations to stop the pensions tax.
15
March 2012: Scottish
pensions Bulletin No 30 - March 2012
- NHS Pensions dispute
- Local government pensions
- Contracting out rebates fall from April
- Watch out for dodgy deals on pensions
- Retirement age
13 March 2012:
Reports
and pictures from new round of action by NHS Scotland
workers
March 2012
12 March 2012: UNISON increases pressure on Scottish government with new industrial action on NHS pensions
UNISON Scotland will on Tuesday 13 March kick off a new round of industrial action on NHS pensions. A number of selective strikes are planned to increase pressure on the government for a Scottish solution to all aspects of pensions changes. This includes the year 1 increases to employee contributions of up to 2.4% - which are effectively a pensions tax on health workers.
UNISON health members in the Central De-Contamination Unit at Ayrshire Central Hospital Irvine will be taking industrial action on the issue of pensions on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 March 2012. A picket line will be in force each day from 9am until 12 noon.
2 March 2012: UNISON
protesters lobby Health Minister as Scotland launches
further industrial action on pensions: UNISON
Scotland will on Monday 5 March launch a further round
of industrial action on changed proposed to NHS pensions.
February 2012
3
February 2012: NHS
Superannuation Scheme Scotland Consultation | Employee
Contribution Rate Increases |Draft Amendment Regulations
Feb 2012
January 2012
11 January 2012: Scottish pensions Bulletin No 29 - January 2012
Pensions - next stage in Scotland
Local government
Health
STUC Pensions Justice campaign
Industrial action
10 January 2012: Pensions negotiations - update from UK summit
UNISON members give green light to pensions negotiations
- see UK news release
UNISON activists have voted to give the union’s negotiators the green light to continue discussions with government ministers on changes to public sector pensions.
Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary said: “We will continue to campaign to secure the best possible deal, which our members will then be consulted on. Should negotiations fail, our industrial action ballot, which remains live, gives us the option to take more strike action.”
Convener calls for 'distinct Scottish solution' - see UNISON Scotland press release
UNISON Scottish Convener Lillian Macer said: "As the Scottish Government has the responsibility to address these issues in Scotland we call upon Scottish Ministers to explore a distinct Scottish solution for the public service workforce."
December 2011
19 Dec: Health
pensions - UNISON response (UK press release)
19 Dec:
Local Govt briefing (England and Wales) No change before
2014
Dec
2011:
Scottish pensions Bulletin No 28 - December 2011
November
30: You were magnificent!
Scottish
pension schemes in surplus
NHS Employee
contributions increase Local
Government Pension Scheme - Scotland update |
Protecting
Our Pensions
New
short powerpoint for briefing members on main pensions
issues:
Glossy
A4 leaflet with recruitment form on back PDF