Circular 2/2000
3 March 2000 CIRC 2/2000
To the Salary Manager
Please ensure that copies of this Circular are forwarded to other interested parties in your organisation.
1. New Deputy Secretary
I would like to take this opportunity of introducing NILGOSC's new Deputy Secretary, David Murphy, who took up his appointment on 1 December 1999.
David is a valuable addition to the NILGOSC management team.
2. Annual Returns
I enclose forms LGS 7 and, where appropriate, LGS 7A and AVC 7 to enable you to complete your annual return of contributions, together with LGS 7/1, instructions on how to complete your annual return.
We are also happy to accept computerised versions of these forms, provided that the correct information is given in the same order and the print is legible. Please note that it is not necessary to show a breakdown of AVCs between the different types of arrangements on form AVC 7. It is sufficient to enter the total paid in the total column.
Additional forms are available from NILGOSC reception on request, if required. If your return is completed by a third party, please ensure the forms are forwarded to them.
Employing authorities which pay performance related pay, profit-sharing bonus or similar lump sum payments should include this amount in the pensionable remuneration at Column 6 of form LGS 7/7A, but not in the salary rate at Column 10. The amount of the lump sum payment should be stated in the Remarks column (13).
You are reminded that your annual return is due as soon as possible after 31 March 2000. It is intended to be part of the normal end of year procedures, including your annual return of tax and national insurance. Prompt submission assists us in providing your members with pension benefit statements as soon as possible after the financial year end.
3. Automated Annual Returns
NILGOSC is keen to encourage employing authorities to submit their annual return in an automated format. We can accept returns on 3 1/2" floppy disk or on 4mm DAT tape. A disk tape specification is enclosed with this mailing, which I would ask you to pass on to your IT specialist or department. A paper copy of the return is also required.
Any queries with regard to the tape or disk format and specification should be addressed to our IT Systems Manager, Mrs Karen McAneney.
As it is likely that an anticipated change to our pension administration system in the forthcoming year will necessitate our having to insist upon automated returns in 2001, at least from authorities employing more than 50 members, we are anxious to start this process as soon as possible. We would therefore be most grateful if as many employing authorities as possible would give us a test disk or tape this year.
Those authorities which currently provide their annual return on 1/2" magnetic reel tape should note that from 1 April 2001, NILGOSC will no longer have the facility to process such tapes. Returns will therefore be required next year on 4mm DAT tape or 3 1/2" floppy disk.
4. IT Survey
Please pass the enclosed IT survey questionnaire to your IT specialist or department for completion, if appropriate. In advance of next year's change to automated returns, we wish to establish a database of IT systems and contacts to enable us to provide appropriate advice and assistance if required.
5. Employer's Cost - Early Payment of Superannuation Benefits
It has been drawn to my attention that some authorities are slow in paying the employer's cost resulting from redundancy or efficiency retirements. I would therefore ask you to pass the enclosed Service Notice to your finance officer or section.
6. Reference Scheme Test
Within the last few days, the NILGOSC Scheme has received its reference scheme test certificate from the Government Actuary's Department. This means that NILGOSC has met with the requirements for contracting out of the State Earnings Related Pension Scheme and will be able to continue as a contracted-out Scheme for the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2003.
7. LGS 6 Monthly Remittance Forms
A small supply of LGS 6 Monthly Remittance forms is enclosed. Please destroy any earlier versions of this form which may be in your possession.
Yours faithfully
D W MORRICE
SECRETARY
E-Mail to NILGOSC@Compuserve.com
Tuesday, 6th March 2000