Access to the LGPS has been reopened to English councillors
Local councillors in England have regained access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) following the introduction of new regulations.
Councillors had previously been able to access the LGPS between 2003 and 2014 when the entitlement was removed by the coalition government, which designated councillors as volunteers.
The change aligns England with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, where elected members have continued to have access to the LGPS.
The regulations also extend scheme membership to deputy mayors and London Assembly members in England.
The new rules took effect on the first Monday following the May local elections. It means service from that date onwards will be pensionable in the scheme. Membership is on an opt-in basis, placing particular importance on clear communication to elected members about their options.
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government co-head of pensions Will King said: "This change in eligibility reflects the government's position that elected leaders in England are dedicated public servants."
The Government Actuary's Department used actuarial analysis to support a consultation about the change.
