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Finance Department

Introduction

This booklet describes the main features of the Durham University Pension Scheme. The Scheme provides benefits on retirement relative to your period of membership and there are payments to your family, beneficiaries or dependants in the event of your death.

The Scheme is established under trust and is a registered pension scheme for the purposes of the Finance Act 2004. This means that contributions paid to the Scheme qualify for tax relief but HM Revenue & Customs impose a limit on the contributions which can be paid each year and on the value of your benefits at the date they come into payment.

The Scheme is contracted out of the State Second Pension Scheme.

Each year you will be given a statement of your estimated benefits at retirement, which you should read together with this booklet. These are important documents, which aim to explain the Scheme to you as easily as possible, however, if you have any questions, you can ask the Trustees.

The way the Scheme operates is governed by a Trust Deed and Rules.  Whilst every effort has been made to ensure this booklet is accurate and kept up to date, it will always be overruled by the Trust Deed and Rules and the law.  You may inspect the Trust Deed and Rules at any time on request, subject to reasonable notice.

This booklet is current at the time of printing. If any future changes are made to the Scheme, either because of changes in the law, or for any other reason, the Trustees will advise you.

This booklet has been designed in a ‘loose leaf' format for ease of updating.  If at any time, you think that you do not have any part of the booklet, then please contact the Finance Department who will send you a replacement.

If you have any queries regarding the Scheme or your individual entitlement, then you can contact the Trustees as follows:

C/o Mrs J Robertson, Payroll Manager, Finance Department, Durham University, Hawthorn Wing, Mountjoy Centre, Durham, DH1 3UP

Tel: 0191 334 6922

Email: j.s.robertson@durham.co.uk

Special Note: If you joined the Scheme on or before 6th April 1997, then there are special provisions applying to this period of your membership. You should read Section 17 in conjunction with the rest of this booklet.