What we do
The Highland Council Pension Section administers five pension schemes. Please note the information on this page of the website relates to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), to access information regarding Firefighters and Pensions schemes please select the respective page:-
- The Local Government Pension Scheme - we administer this for employees of over 35 employers. Click here for a list of the current employers who participate in the Local Government Pension Scheme administered by us.
- Police Pension Scheme - for uniformed police officers of the Northern Constabulary who were officers prior to 5 April 2006
- New Police Pension Scheme - for uniformed police officers of the Northern Constabulary who became officers after 6 April 2006
- Firefighters Pension Scheme - for firefighters (Regular) of the Highland and Islands Fire Brigade who were firefighters prior to 5 April 2006
- New Firefighters Pension Scheme - for firefighters (Regular, Retained and Community Response Unit) of the Highland and Islands Fire Brigade who were firefighters after 6 April 2006
Councillors have been admitted to The Local Government Pension Scheme with effect 3 May 2007. Please find enclosed a Introductory Guide and a guide to the LGPS for Councillors in Scotland
In addition to this we carry out administrative duties for various discretionary benefits scheme that are available to The Highland Council's and some other employers' employees.
Pension Forms:
Two commonly requested forms are available below:
Lump Sum Death Nomination Form (pdf 117Kb)
Form to opt out or opt in to the Pension Scheme (pdf 77Kb)
We are available to answer any questions you may have. You can write to us at:
The Pension Section
Finance Service
The Highland Council
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
email: pensions.section@highland.gov.uk
Alternatively you can telephone from 9.00am to 5.00pm (Monday to Friday) on (01463) 702441
Please quote your national insurance number in all correspondence.
Please click on the information you would like to view:
Links to world wide web sites:
Financial Services Authority Consumer Publications - The Financial Services Authority is an independent body which regulates the financial services industry in the UK. It has four main aims - to:
- maintain confidence in the UK financial system;
- promote public understanding of the financial system;
- secure an appropriate degree of protection for consumers; and
- contribute to reducing financial crime.
The FSA web site includes publications with invaluable advice on various pension scheme topics - for example, whether or not to join your employer's pension scheme and about transferring pension rights.
National site on the Local Government Pension Scheme - This site is designed and maintained by West Midlands Pension Fund with the support of the Local Government Pensions Committee and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. Although the site has been based on English and Welsh law, most of the information will apply to us in Scotland too. The site is intended to provide users with relevant and up to date information about the scheme, its benefits and other general pensions issues.
Prudential Local Government Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) - This site gives you some information and choices on how to boost your pension by paying AVCs with Prudential.
Directgov - This is a government web site that includes information on pensions and retirement. The information covers a number of areas including your entitlements, finances, health issues and lifestyle - it is designed to help you plan for and enjoy your entitlement