Issue - meetings

The Panel considered the report of the Head of HR Shared Service

regarding the Pension Discretions Policy.

During questioning the Head of HR Shared Service confirmed:

·  The policy was based on the new pension regulations and did not increase costs to the Council;

·  Increased staff contributions did not mean increased costs to the Council;

·  At induction staff were informed of auto enrolment and given a pensions booklet and referred to the Kent County Council website for further information;

·  Very few staff opted out of the scheme – as of November 2013, 25 staff had opted out of the previous scheme – when notified of auto enrolment only a few opted out of the new scheme;

·  Staff were able to transfer pensions from other local authority and private employer schemes – this was covered by regulation 100.

RESOLVED:

That the amended policy on Employer Discretions as set out in draft at Appendix A to the report of the Head of HR Shared Service e agreed.