Can I pay less?

What is the 50/50 section?

The 50/50 section allows you to reduce your contributions by half, and in return build up half your normal pension benefits. You can't move to the 50/50 section until after you have started your job and joined the main scheme.

If you have more than one job you can choose to go into the 50/50 section in one, some, or all of your jobs. A form to join this section must be filled in and sent to your employer.

The contribution rates for 2023/2024 are shown below. The contributions calculator on the national LGPS website can work out your contributions to the 50/50 section for you.

If your pay is:

Main section contribution rate: 

50/50 section contribution rate:

 Up to £16,500   

5.50%

2.75%

 £16,501 to £25,900 

5.80%

2.90%

 £25,901 to £42,100 

6.50%

3.25%

£42,101 to £53,300     

6.80%

3.40%

£53,301 to £74,700

8.50%

4.25%

  £74,701 to £105,900  

9.90%

4.95%

£105,901 to £124,800 

10.50%

5.25%

£124,801 to £187,200  

11.40%

5.70%

£187,201 or more

12.50%

6.25%

 The contribution rates that will apply in the 2024/2025 year are shown the table below:

If your pay is:

Main section contribution rate: 

50/50 section contribution rate:

Up to £17,600     

5.50%

2.75%

£17,601 to £27,600     

5.80%

2.90%

£27,601 to £44,900     

6.50%

3.25%

£44,901 to £56,800     

6.80%

3.40%

£56,801 to £79,700     

8.50%

4.25%

£79,701 to £112,900    

9.90%

4.95%

£112,901 to £133,100    

10.50%

5.25%

£133,101 to £199,700    

11.40%

5.70%

£199,701 or more

12.50%

6.25%