The UK government has confirmed that councillors and elected mayors in England will be eligible to join the LGPS from 11 May 2026.
This change means all 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 will need to actively opt-in via the authority they serve after 11 May 2026. Information on how to do this will be published once it’s available.
Eligible councillors and mayors will receive benefits that closely align with those available to other LGPS members.
Currently under the LGPS Regulations, neither mayors nor councillors are eligible for membership of the LGPS in England. This has been the case since 1 April 2014.
From May 2026, councillors in England will join the rest of the UK in being eligible for the LGPS 2014 Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) scheme.
We’re currently awaiting guidance from the government. The Fund will publish information on how eligible councillors and elected mayors can join the scheme via the authority they serve once it becomes available. Avon Pension Fund is already reviewing processes internally, to prepare for new joiners.