Increasing your benefits

There are a number of ways you can provide extra benefits, on top of the benefits you are already looking forward to as a member of the LGPS.

For more information, see Contribution flexibility.

Please note the Pensions Section is not authorised under the Financial Services Act to give scheme members individual advice.

If you wish to receive individual and independent advice you may wish to talk to a registered independent financial adviser. You will personally need to meet the cost of any charges made for the advice.

Ways improve your retirement benefits

You can improve your retirement benefits by:

• Additional Pension Contributions (APCs) to buy extra LGPS pension (but not if you are in the 50/50 section), see Buying extra pension (APCs)
• Additional voluntary contributions through the LGPS - known as in house AVC's - to the Fund's current AVC provider, see Paying in-house AVCs
• Paying Free Standing Additional Voluntary Contributions (FSAVCs) to a scheme of your choice
• Contributing to a personal or stakeholder pension arrangement

You can combine any of these options.

You can obtain information on a wide range of financial topics, including how to go about finding a financial adviser, from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This is an independent organisation responsible for regulating financial services in the UK.

If you have any queries or require further information on any of the options, please contact us. We are unable to offer financial advice, but we can discuss your options with you. You may wish to seek independent financial advice before making your decision.