Government consults on restoring access for councillors to LGPS and extending scheme to mayors

Other measures being consulted on include: 

• making it simpler for multi-academy trusts to apply for their staff from different schools to be in the same pension fund; 
• implementing new Fair Deal protections ensuring workers outsourced from local government keep seamless access to the LGPS. 

The Ministry said restoring access for councillors – a move trailed by Secretary of State Steve Reed at the recent Labour conference – would align England with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland where elected members already have access. 

It added: “The proposals will show locally elected leaders the respect they deserve as dedicated public servants. This comes as local government reorganisation and devolution continue to reshape councils across England, the responsibilities held by mayors and councillors are expanding significantly.”

The LGPS is one of the largest pension schemes in the world, with more than 6.7 million members and £400 billion of assets under management.

The consultation will run until December 22.