May 2023

Updated LGA Employer Guides

LGA have published the following version 4.4 of the payroll and HR guides. The new versions have been amended to reflect the annual updates for 2023/24. 

You can find these on the employer guides and sample documents page of www.lgpsregs.org.

Leavers Spreadsheet

We would love to hear how you are getting on with the new leavers spreadsheet so please take time to complete our survey.

Based on the feedback you provide we’ll decide whether we need to hold a focus or training session.   

Capita Cyber Attack

Following the recent cyber attack on Capita which resulted in a data breach, our database providers, Heywood Pension Technologies, have confirmed they have not had any data breaches. They have a number of controls in place to protect our schemes member data including conducting an annual cyber security review, as well as continual independent security consultancy being carried out on an ongoing basis. Further details of the controls in place can be found in our news item Heywood Pension Technologies Cyber Security update - Peninsula Pensions

Auto Interfunds

Peninsula Pensions administers the Local Government pension scheme (LGPS) for members of the Devon and Somerset County pension funds.

For member's who join the LGPS on or after 1^st April 2014, and have previous pension rights held in another LGPS fund, they have the option to transfer this service over. In most cases, this is automatic unless the member makes a positive election to keep their records separate.

Annual Return - Late Submissions

There are still some employers who have not yet submitted their Annual Return, it is vital we receive this information before the end of May. If you have yet to send your Annual Return, please arrange to submit your data to our shared mailbox as soon as possible: pensionsannualreturns-mailbox@devon.gov.uk. If you need the template or you have any questions regarding the content please email Jane Aplin (jane.j.aplin@devon.gov.uk).

Annual Allowance 2022/2023

The annual allowance calculations will shortly be due for the year 2022/2023 for all scheme members currently contributing. We will be contacting emails with spreadsheet shortly and further information relating to the process can be found at Annual Allowance 2022/2023 - Peninsula Pensions.

Peninsula Pensions at Devon County Show

Devon County Council asked for volunteers to help at the Devon County Show and some of the Peninsula Pensions team took up the challenge. They assisted Farmwise Devon, a local charity which educates children on farming in Devon.

There were hands on experiences such as creating a plant pot from newspaper, encouraging bee activity, butter making and more. The team also got to meet various animals including goats and rabbits.

One of the most popular activities was the lamb birthing simulator, where members of the public would name their (cuddly toy) lamb after retreiving it from the slime. Overall, it was a great day and the team thoroughly enjoyed getting out in the sun and interacting with members of the public!

Pension Administration Reminders

Keep us updated with any changes in staff responsible for completing our forms (authorised signatories). This can be done by completing our online form.

Payment of Pension Fund Contributions - please remember to inform us and the relevant Finance team each time you have paid your pension scheme contributions, by filling in the Monthly Contributions Form.

If you are changing your Payroll Provider, please contact the Employer & Communications Team so that we can help you through the process and make sure you retain access to historical payroll information. 

TUPEs & New Academies - Please do not complete the leaver spreadsheet if members are leaving your employment and transferring to another employer under TUPE. Follow the process outlined on our website instead. 

Useful Links

Peninsula Pensions Employers' Pages

LGPS regulations and guidance

Fund Investments

LGPS National Website

Employer & Communications Team Mailbox

Previous editions of Pensions Line

Peninsula Pensions
Great Moor House
Bittern Road
Sowton Industrial Estate
Exeter EX2 7NL
Tel: 01392 383000
Peninsula Pensions is provided by Devon County Council and is a shared service with Somerset County Council