Pensions for councillors and mayors (elected members)

Details

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) now provides pension benefits for councillors and mayors (referred to as ‘elected members’) in England from 11 May 2026. 

You are eligible to join if you receive an allowance or salary from Bristol City Council, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire or Bath and North East Somerset Council. The West of England mayor and deputy mayor are also eligible to join. 

The Pensions for councillors and mayors in England guide provides a simple outline of the scheme. It explains what you will pay in and what benefits you will receive.

As an elected member, if you wish to join the LGPS, you must opt into the scheme and complete and return the LGPS 01C - Elected member LGPS opt-in form to the authority who directly pays the allowance to you.