Women in the LGPS generally receive lower pensions than men, resulting in a gender pension gap.
In September, the Local Government Pension Scheme Advisory Board, the City of Westminster Pension Fund and Hymans Robertson jointly sponsored a report examining the complex factors affecting pension outcomes and members’ experiences.
This article outlines the gender pension gap and the steps being taken to reduce it.
Why is there a gap?
- Differences in pay: Women may earn less than men over the course of their careers.
- Fewer years of pensionable service: On average, women have fewer years of pensionable service than men.
- Use of the 50/50 section: Women are more likely than men to use this arrangement.
- Career breaks: Women are more likely to take time away from work for childcare responsibilities.
- Work part-time: Often due to childcare or other caring responsibilities.
The facts
The figures in the table reflect the position across the LGPS as a whole.
- Under the LGPS CARE scheme, women received 65p in pension income for every £1 received by men.
Making pensions more accessible and fairer
From 1 April 2026, the UK government introduced major changes to the LGPS in England and Wales to improve access, address longstanding inequalities and narrow the gender pension gap.
The changes protect pension benefits during time away from work, helping to reduce the gap.
Child-related leave
You will no longer need to buy back pension lost during unpaid additional maternity or adoption leave (weeks 27 to 52), or unpaid shared parental leave.
Under the current rules, you continue to build up pension during ordinary maternity or adoption leave (the first 26 weeks), even if you receive no pay.
Short authorised breaks
If you take an authorised unpaid break of less than 15 days, you will continue to build up pension during your absence. You and your employer will pay the contributions that would have been due if you had worked as usual on your normal pay. This does not apply to unpaid absences caused by strike action.
Unpaid leave of 15 days or more
If you take authorised unpaid leave lasting 15 days or more, the absence will not automatically count towards your pension.
You can buy back some or all of the pension lost during the unpaid period by making additional contributions, either as a lump sum or through regular deductions from your pay.
Want to know more about the gap?
Read or download Making pensions exciting: closing the diversity pension gap in the LGPS
or visit the Local Government Pension Scheme Advisory Board
