If an ex-employee applies for access to deferred pension benefits on the grounds of ill health, an independent medical assessment is required to be carried out as per LGPS regulations. Until now the Council has charged the ex-employee for the cost of the
medical assessment which is currently £250.
Following a recent
Pension Ombudsmen tribunal decision this cost will now have to be borne by the employer, therefore with immediate effect any cost will be charged to the cost centre where the ex employee was last paid from.
Whilst this is a new cost the Council only usually receives between 10 and 15 of these applications each year.
Should you have queries, please contact the Council’s Pension Liaison Team on 01274 432443.