Local Government Pension Scheme - New Developments
P18/11
16 December 2011
LGPS NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The following message has just been issued by the joint local government trade unions
“Dear Colleagues
We wanted to bring you up to date on discussions that have been taking place between UNISON, GMB, UNITE and the Local Government Association over a set of principles and a timetable for negotiations over short term savings and the new LGPS which the government wants to be in place from 2015. The discussions have not touched on the detail of a possible solution, but we believe will lay a positive framework for negotiations, starting in January.
Although discussions between ourselves and the LGA over the principles and timetable have reached a possible conclusion, the outcomes have not yet been given the ‘green light’ by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State, and we are not therefore in a position to make them public. It seems likely that –if ratified - they will be announced on Tuesday and we are in the process of agreeing joint wording with the LGA for their release.
We realise that rumours have been circulating and we wanted to reassure you that no decisions have been taken over the details surrounding contribution increases or the future look of the LGPS. However, we believe that – if agreed – the principles under discussion will provide a very positive framework for negotiations and potentially could lead to no change until 2014.”
What this means is that it looks likely an announcement will be made early next week for new negotiations over the reform of the Local Government Pension Scheme. This would be instead of the current proposals which would be good news.
I will keep you informed.
Brian Strutton
Brian Strutton
National Secretary - Public Services Section
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