The LGPS Access and Fairness consultation changes have been introduced from 1 April 2026. The Government introduced these changes to make the LGPS scheme fairer for all members. The main areas affecting employers are:
Child-related leave
Under the regulations members will no longer need to buy back ‘lost’ pension for any period of unpaid additional maternity leave, unpaid additional adoption leave (weeks 27 to 52) or unpaid shared parental leave that starts from 1 April 2026 or later.
Authorised absence – for less than 15 days duration
From 1 April 2026, if you allow a member to take unpaid leave that lasts less than 15 days, the member’s pension will continue to build up in this period. Both you and the member pay the pension contributions that would have been paid if the member were at work receiving their normal pay.
Authorised absence - unpaid leave of 15 days or more
From 1 April 2026, if you allow a member to take unpaid leave that lasts for 15 days or more, the break will not automatically count for pension purposes.
The fund is currently updating its website and all associated documentation. In the meantime, for more information regarding the changes, please refer to the official LGPS website and their article on Improving access and fairness in the LGPS.
Action required
As an employer you will have to update your internal systems. The fund is in the process of contacting employers directly via email, with more detailed information.
Please ensure you read these communications and share within your organisation, where appropriate.
