In 2014, new laws introduced a ‘Career Average Revalued Earnings’ (CARE) Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). These laws included protections for those closest to retirement. Following a legal challenge known as McCloud the courts determined that the protections given to members were age discriminatory, and began working on new legislation to remove this inequality. This has become known as remedy and provides affected members protections. These protections mean that members’ and their survivors’ benefits will be compared.
The LGPS National Member Website have introduced The McCloud Remedy :: LGPS (lgpsmember.org) webpages. There you will find all information relating to remedy and Peninsula Pensions recommend Scheme Members visit the website.
The website provides information through a range of videos including a short video illustrating the changes to the scheme. They have also introduced an online questionnaire to determine if you are affected.
There is also a FAQ page for common queries. Please see attached a member factsheet made by the LGPS for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Am I Affected by McCloud?
A McCloud Protected member is a member who:-
- Was active in an active member of a McCloud Remedy Scheme – i.e. a Public Sector Pensions Scheme in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, on or before 31st March 2012
- Has CARE service in a McCloud Remedy Scheme during the remedy Period (01.04.14 to 31.03.22 LGPS (E&W) or 01.04.15 to 31.03.22 – other public sector schemes
- There is no disqualifying break of 5 years
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Will I be notified if my pension is not affected?
If you are an active member – A check is being carried out when a benefit calculation is processed. For example, at retirement.
If you are a deferred member – A check is being carried out when a benefit calculation is processed. For example when deferred pension is brought into payment.
Your annual benefits statement (2024/2025) will reflect if you have been affected by McCloud.
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When will I get my increased pension?
If you are a pensioner – We have until 31 August 2025 to amend your pension payment, and notify you of this change.
Any active retirements, deferred into payments and transfers out processed going forward will in most cases include any addition, if due.
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How much will my pension increase by?
If you have been affected by McCloud, this will be calculated on a case by case basis.
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Why haven't I received an update on McCloud?
Not all members are affected by McCloud. If you are affected, you should’ve received a notification in December in 2023, or in your 2024/2025 annual returns.
If you have not received a notification, and you believe you are affected by McCloud, please can you write us to confirm any previous service in the LGPS, or another Public Sector Pension Scheme.
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I have another Public Sector Pension which you are not aware of
Please make us aware of any other public sector pension schemes you are have paid into.
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I have other pensions, will they be affected?
If they were a public sector scheme and you qualify for the McCloud remedy, you could be affected, however we are unable to comment on this. We suggest you contact the administrator of that pension scheme for clarification.