Issue - meetings

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Dale Broughton, introduced the report which sought approval of the revised Pensions and Pension Discretions Policy. The report explained that under the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Regulations, the Council is required to publish a policy statement detailing how it would exercise its discretionary powers in relation to pension matters. A copy of the Pensions & Pension Discretions Policy was attached as Appendix A within the report.

The proposed policy had been developed by Public Sector Partnership Services (PSPS) and reviewed through a comprehensive process, including consultation with trade union representatives, the Readers’ Panel, and consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 8^th October 2025.

The policy set out the Council’s approach to mandatory and non-mandatory discretions under the LGPS, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and promoting consistency, transparency, and fairness in decision-making. It also supported effective workforce planning and succession management by providing clear guidance for managers and employees.

The report highlighted that approval of the policy would:

·       Ensure harmonisation of pension arrangements across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership;

·       Strengthen governance and safeguard regulatory compliance; and

·       Provide a fair and equitable framework for pension-related decisions.

Members welcomed the clarity provided by the revised policy and noted its importance in maintaining compliance with LGPS regulations. It was acknowledged that the policy would assist in managing workforce changes and retirement planning, while ensuring that decisions were made consistently across the partnership.

Members also noted that the policy had been subject to thorough review and scrutiny, and that no significant changes had been proposed beyond those required to reflect current legislation and best practice.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Dale Broughton and seconded by Councillor Stephen Woodliffe.

Resolved

That the HR policy (Pensions & Pensions Discretion Policy) be approved.

[The Head of HR & OD and the Group Manager - Organisational Development left the meeting at 7.07pm, following consideration of the above item.]

(A report by James Gilbert, Assistant Director – Corporate)

The Committee received a report from the Group Manager – Organisational Development, supported by the Head of HR & OD, on the Council’s Pension and Pension Discretions Policy, including the application of flexible retirement provisions. The report was supported by the draft policy which had been circulated with the agenda (Appendix A – Pension Discretions Policy).

Members were informed that the policy had been reviewed to ensure:

·       Legal compliance

·       Alignment across the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership

·       Consistent workforce management

The policy set out how the Council applied employer discretions under the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), balancing flexibility for employees with financial prudence. It included provisions for:

·       Flexible retirement

·       Actuarial reductions

·       Strain costs

·       Case by case decision making

The Committee was advised that the policy had been reviewed and endorsed by the Readers Panel, comprising officers from across the partnership, Trade unions at both local and regional levels and the Senior Leadership Team.

It was confirmed that the policy applies to all employees, regardless of grade or role, and that decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account service needs and cost implications. The policy would be subject to ongoing review and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, case law, and organisational structure.

During consideration of the report, Members raised several queries and observations relating to the application and governance of the Pensions Discretion Policy.

Clarification was sought on whether the policy applied equally to all staff. Officers confirmed that it did, and that the decision-making process ensured fairness and consistency.

Assurance was requested regarding the record keeping and monitoring of discretionary decisions. Officers confirmed that robust systems were in place and that decisions would be documented and reviewed in accordance with governance requirements.

Members discussed the potential implications of future local government reorganisation and whether the policy would remain applicable. Officers confirmed that the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) would continue to apply and that any changes would be reflected in future policy updates.

The Committee welcomed the clarity and consistency of the policy and acknowledged its importance in supporting workforce planning and retirement transitions.

Resolved:

That the Committee note the policy and recommend its submission to Council for approval.