3.C.9—(1) The employing authority of an active member may opt to make a single lump sum contribution–
(a)to increase by a specified amount the benefits payable to the member under Chapter 3.D (members' retirement benefits) (including if a member dies after a pension becomes payable, the benefits paid to a surviving partner and dependent children at the same rate as the member’s pension for 3 or 6 months under Chapter 3.E (death benefits)); or
(b)to increase by a specified amount those benefits and to increase the benefits otherwise payable in respect of surviving partners and dependent children under Chapter 3.E (death benefits) in respect of the member.
(2) An employing authority may only make a contribution under this regulation of an amount that is–
(a)not less than the minimum amount (as defined in regulation 3.C.8(3)); and
(b)in the case of an amount exceeding the minimum amount, a multiple of the minimum amount (as so defined).
(3) An employing authority may only exercise the option under paragraph (1) with the member’s consent, but may exercise it more than once in respect of the same member.
(4) The total increase in the member’s pension as a result of contributions made under this regulation, taken together with any increase as a result of–
(a)contributions made under regulation 3.C.6; or
(b)contributions made under regulation 3.C.8,
may not exceed £5000 or such other amount as the Scottish Ministers may for the time being determine taking into account any increase in the member’s pension as a result of the exercise of an option in accordance with regulations 2.C.8 to 2.C.17).
(5) A contribution under this regulation must be paid by the employing authority to the Scottish Ministers within one month of the date on which the authority gave the Scottish Ministers notice under regulation 3.C.10(2).