Pension Changes
You may have seen the recent announcement of a consultation on prospective changes to NHS Pension contributions due to take effect in April 2019. The headline is that they are proposing to increase employer contributions from 14.38% to 20.6%.
Many practices have already raised their very real concerns about the effect these changes would have on practices and as an LMC we have, along with many other LMCs, made representations to the GPC to take up your concerns nationally with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care. It has been reported that the Treasury will cover the increased costs associated with these changes https://www.hsj.co.uk/news/treasury-confirms-it-will-provide-nhs-pension-funding/7023481.article but there remains much uncertainty about how this will work for GP practices where salaries and drawings are paid out of the global sum and vary from practice to practice.
The GPC have stated that: ‘The BMA will be formally responding to this consultation in detail on behalf of all members affected. With regard to general practice, any rise in employer contributions must be fully funded to ensure GP partners are not unfairly impacted’
The consultation is at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/nhs-pension-scheme-proposed-changes-to-scheme-regulations-2019 and as an LMC we will also be formally responding to the consultation. We would also urge practices to consider making their own representations to the consultation since more responses will strengthen the case for general practice. This is the link for responses NHS Pension Scheme: proposed changes to scheme regulations 2019 . Please note that the consultation closes on 28th January 2019.
May I also take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and although the LMC office is closed over the festive period if there is anything that needs our urgent attention then please don’t hesitate to give me a call on 07803 040660.
Kind Regards
David Gibbs
Chief Operating Officer