Contribution rates and how it works
What contribution rate applies to me?
On 1 April each year, the pay bands increase by the same percentage as inflation, and is then rounded down to the nearest £100. From 1 April 2026, the contribution bands have increased by 3.8% for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Your contribution rate depends on how much pensionable pay you’re actually paid and ranges between 5.5% and 12.5%.
Here are the pay bands and rates that apply from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027:
Band
Main Section contribution rate 1/49th accrual
50:50 Section contribution rate 1/98th acrrual*
Pensionable pay range from 1 April 2026 based on the assessed pensionable pay you receive
Band 1
5.5%
2.75%
Up to £18,400
Band 2
5.8%
2.9%
£18,401 to £29,000
Band 3
6.5%
3.25%
£29,001 to £47,300
Band 4
6.8%
3.4%
£47,301 to £59,800
Band 5
8.5%
4.25%
£59,801 to £84,000
Band 6
9.9%
4.95%
£84,001 to £119,100
Band 7
10.5%
5.25%
£119,101 to £140,400
Band 8
11.4%
5.7%
£140,401 to £210,700
Band 9
12.5%
6.25%
£210,701 or more
*50:50 Section contribution rates only apply if you’ve chosen to be in the 50:50 Section instead of the Main Section.
If you'd like more details about joining the 50:50 Section, visit the 50:50 section page of our website.
Will my contribution rate change?
Most people’s contribution rate will stay the same, but anyone close to a band threshold may be in a different band from 1 April 2026. This could be due to:
A pay award
A reduction or increase in your working hours
Your employer reassessing your pensionable pay
The inflationary increases applied to the pay bands being higher than increases to your pay
If you do change bands, your assessed pay and contribution rate will be shown on your April payslip. For more information, please check the pension contribution policy, which is available on your intranet.
I’m not currently a contributing member, but I’m thinking of joining – how does it work?
If you join or re-join the EAPF, you’ll become a contributing member:
If you’re a new employee (new joiners - Environment Agency employees only) – from the date you start your new employment
If you’re an existing employee (re-joining) – from the start of your next pay period (though you’re free to re-join from a later date).
In addition, you’ll pay contributions based on your assessed pensionable pay applicable to your joining or re-joining date.