Councillor access to pension scheme to be reinstated

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Steve Reed announced the change at the Labour Party conference on Sunday, according to the Local Government Chronicle (LGC).

Council members were excluded from the LGPS in 2014 under David Cameron's Government, which argued that councillors were volunteers, not full-time politicians.

At the time, councillors had been allowed access to the programme since 2003.

Speaking to councillors at the party conference, Reed said he was "outraged" by the then Government's decision, the LGC reported.

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA) welcomed the news, adding: "Councillors work very hard to represent their communities, sacrificing working hours and family time to carry out their role.

"Fair remuneration, including pension provision, is vital so that people from all walks of life feel able to stand for public office.

"Reinstating councillors' access to the Local Government Pension Scheme is an essential step in recognising their dedication and service to their communities."

Adam Carey