48.—(1) The scheme manager may, at the request of the member (M), agree to the suspension of the payment of contributions due under regulation 47 if the scheme manager is satisfied that M’s circumstances are such that M will suffer hardship if the payments are not suspended.
(2) A period of suspension is permitted only if—
(a)there has been no previous suspension, or
(b)if there has been an earlier suspension, contributions have been paid for not less than a full scheme year since the earlier suspension ended.
(3) If the scheme manager agrees to the suspension, paragraph (4) applies unless—
(a)not later than one year after the request under paragraph (1) is made M applies to resume making contributions; and
(b)M resumes making the contributions at the start of the following scheme year.
(4) If this paragraph applies—
(a)M is taken to have revoked the buy-out election; and
(b)M is not entitled to make any other buy-out election under the scheme.
(5) Paragraph (6) applies if—
(a)the scheme manager agrees to the suspension of payment of contributions by M; and
(b)M’s employing authority has agreed to pay contributions as mentioned in regulation 47(3).
(6) Payment of contributions by M’s employing authority is suspended for the same period as the payment of contributions by M is suspended.