With effect from 1st April 2014 membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is no longer available where offered under a council's scheme of allowances in England. It is however still open to councillors and elected mayors of a Welsh county council or county borough council, who are under age 75.

The LGPS for councillors is a defined benefit career average scheme and is guaranteed by law. The calculation of your final pension is based on the time you have been a member of the scheme and your average pay during your period of membership as a councillor.  Your entitlement to receive a pension will depend on your age. The pension can be taken in full at any time from normal pension age, but must be taken before attaining age 75.

How do I join and how much will it cost me?

Membership is optional and not automatic. If you wish to join please complete and return a joining form. Once your completed form is received, it will be processed by the pension's team who will issue you with a formal notification.

Your contributions are 6% of your allowances as a councillor. If you pay tax you will get tax relief on your contributions.

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