Rule 26: Office-holder opt-in
106.Rule 26 provides that an opted-out office-holder may apply to rejoin the scheme as an office-holder member. If they are an MSP, they must also be an MSP member. Opt-in must be made by giving the Fund trustees written notification (see rule 108) within three months of their appointment to a qualifying office. The opt-in becomes effective from the appointment date.
107.The office-holder opting in to the scheme has to pay to the Fund trustees the amount of contributions which would have been payable between the date they took up office and the next deduction taken directly from their salary. Any outstanding sums must be paid by the “due date” which is by the 28th day after the trustees have given the member details of the amount of scheme contributions payable, unless the Fund trustees determine that a longer period applies.
108.Rule 26(2) provides that an MSP who had also been an office-holder member and had opted out of the scheme as an office-holder member may not rejoin the scheme as an office-holder member unless they are or become an MSP member.
