From 11th May 2026 all elected councillors and mayors in England are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
This change means all elected mayors and deputy mayors of combined authorities (such as WECA), together with councillors of all principal local authorities (including B&NES Council) will be eligible to opt-in to the scheme. The new provision forms part of the government’s ‘access and protections’ improvements.
Membership will not be automatic, individuals need to actively complete an opt-in form and return it to the authority they serve. This form can be found using the below link.
Eligible councillors and mayors will receive benefits that closely align with those available to other LGPS members.
Pensions for councillors and mayors (elected members)
Between 1st April 2014 and 10th May 2026, neither mayors nor councillors were eligible to join the LGPS Scheme in England. They will now be able to join the LGPS 2014 Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme.