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National Pension Awareness Week

15 - 19 September 2025

Let’s talk about pensions at Portsmouth City Council

Pensions are a great way to save for later life in a tax efficient way. All employees at Portsmouth City Council benefit from being part of the Hampshire Pension Scheme.

This National Pension Awareness Week we're spotlighting how employees at Portsmouth City Council benefit from a 17.8% towards your pension among other scheme benefits.

Top pension facts

  • Portsmouth City Council will contribute 17.8% towards your pension.
  • HMRC will contribute tax relief on your pension contributions.
  • You get free life insurance of three times your salary from day one of membership with no medical history conditions.
  • Your pension contribution will depend on the salary you receive and will form a critical part of your retirement income.
  • LGPS members can join the popular Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) pension saving scheme where every £1 saved results in nearly a 39% uplift.

About the Hampshire Pension Scheme

The local government pension scheme is one of the largest public sector pension schemes. It is open to most employees in Local Government and in some other organisations. 

  • The LGPS is a statutory scheme with benefits set out in law making it very safe and secure.
  • Its regulations are issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).
  • The benefits you build up in the LGPS are guaranteed. What you receive is specified by the scheme regulations rather than the value of your investment in the financial markets - this means it is a "defined benefit" pension scheme.

Your top questions

What is the Hampshire Pension Scheme?

The Hampshire Pension Scheme is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), a defined benefit pension scheme. This means your pension is based on your salary and length of service, not investment performance.

How much will I contribute to my pension?

Your contribution depends on your salary. It typically ranges from 5.5% to 12.5% of your pay. The more you earn, the higher your contribution rate. You will automatically receive tax relief on your pension contributions.

When can I access my pension?

You can usually access your LGPS pension from 55 years old, although the normal retirement age is linked to your state pension age. Early retirement will reduce your benefits unless you qualify for ill-health or other exceptions.

What happens if I leave the council or change jobs?

Your pension is protected. You can:

  • Leave it in the scheme until retirement
  • Transfer it to another qualifying pension scheme
  • Access it early (subject to conditions)

Is the pension scheme safe?

Yes. The LGPS is a statutory scheme, meaning your benefits are protected by law. It’s one of the most secure pension schemes in the UK.

Can I see how much I’ve saved?

Yes. You’ll get an annual pension statement, and you can also register for Hampshire Pension Services’ online portal to view your pension details anytime. You can also run your own pension estimates to work out what age you can afford to retire.

Pension contribution summary

As a social worker, your contribution will depend on your salary. See our pension contribution table to see what you will gain based on your role.

Role Salary (p.a.) Your monthly contribution after tax relief Portsmouth City Council contribution towards your pension benefits 50:50 contribution
Newly qualified social worker £35,235 £2,290 £6,272 £76.34
Social worker £37,937 £2,466 £6,753 £82.20
Experienced social worker £41,510 £2,698 £7,389 £89.94
Advanced social worker £45,718 £2,972 £8,138 £99.06
Team leader £52,412 £3,407 £9,329 £113.56
Head of service £76,335 £6,488 £13,588 £162.21

Meet Shaun

Payroll and pension manager at Portsmouth City Council

"Portsmouth City Council's scheme is one of key benefits of working for the council. We contribute 17.8% towards your future, making it a valuable tool for your retirement. You are unlikely to find an equivalent return on something, with the same low level of risk elsewhere."

Read interview

Join the team who are #ProudToBePortsmouth

If you're a qualified social worker exploring new opportunities in children's social care, Portsmouth City Council offers more than just a rewarding career, our pension scheme is another great reason to join us.

With employer contributions of 17.8%, our staff benefit from a secure and valuable pension, supporting long-term financial wellbeing and peace of mind for the future.

Take the next step in your career with Portsmouth City Council. Apply today and build a stronger future with us.

Five reasons to join us

  • Earn up to £3000 as a market supplement payment (in specific teams)
  • Receive up to £8000 in relocation support
  • New career progression pathways
  • Enhanced health and wellbeing package through ViVup
  • Ability to buy additional annual leave

Celebrating National Pension Awareness Week

National Pension Awareness Week is an annual campaign that takes place in September, aiming to educate people about the importance of pensions and retirement planning. In 2025, it will be held from September 15th to 19th. 

The week is a chance for individuals to learn about their pension options, understand how to maximize their savings, and take steps towards securing their financial future in retirement. 

Find out more