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.
This guide gives you a simple outline of the scheme. It explains what you will pay in and what benefits you will receive.
The LGPS is a career average scheme offering defined benefits, so you do not need to worry about stock market performance or changes in share prices. The regulations guarantee your benefits.
Disclaimer
This leaflet is for councillors and mayors in England and reflects the provisions of the L G P S and overriding legislation at the time of publication. The Government may make changes to overriding legislation and, after consultation with interested parties, may make changes in the future to the L G P S.
This leaflet cannot cover every personal circumstance. In the event of any dispute over your pension benefits, the appropriate legislation will prevail. This leaflet does not confer any contractual or statutory rights and is provided for information purposes only.