The Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations 2013

Role of the IRMP

36.—(1) A decision as to whether a member is entitled under regulation 35 (early payment of retirement pension on ill-health grounds: active members) to early payment of retirement pension on grounds of ill-health or infirmity of mind or body, and if so which tier of benefits the member qualifies for, shall be made by the member’s Scheme employer after that authority has obtained a certificate from an IRMP as to—

(a) whether the member satisfies the conditions in regulation 35(3) and (4); and if so,

(b) how long the member is unlikely to be capable of undertaking gainful employment; and

(c) where a member has been working reduced hours and had reduced pay as a consequence of the reduction in working hours, whether that member was in part time service wholly or partly as a consequence of ill-health or infirmity of mind or body.

(2) An IRMP from whom a certificate is obtained under paragraph (1) must not have previously advised, or given an opinion on, or otherwise been involved in the particular case for which the certificate has been requested.

(3) If the Scheme employer is not the member’s appropriate administering authority, it must first obtain that authority’s approval to its choice of IRMP.

(4) The Scheme employer and IRMP must have regard to guidance given by the Secretary of State when carrying out their functions under this regulation and regulations 37 (special provision in respect of members receiving Tier 3 benefits) and 38 (early payment of retirement pension on ill-health grounds: deferred and deferred pensioner members).