Councillors
This page contains useful information for councillors who are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
2018 amendment regulations
Some changes have been made to the scheme rules. The most significant amendment is a change in the early payment date for some deferred members.
With effect from 14 May 2018, deferred members who left the Scheme before 1 April 2014 are now able to elect to take their pension on a reduced basis at age 55. If you left the scheme between 1 April 1998 and 31 March 2014 you now have the flexibility to take your benefits anytime between age 55 and the eve of your 75th birthday.
When can I elect to receive my deferred benefits under the amended regulations?
Deferred benefits become payable at age 65 (unless you opt to defer payment beyond that age), but you can choose to take payment from age 55.
You do not need your former council's consent to take payment of your benefits from age 55 but they will normally be reduced, as detailed on page 14 of the guide to the LGPS for eligible councillors booklet to take account of the fact that they will be paid for longer.
If you do not contact us about payment we will not write to you until such time as your deferred benefits must be paid.
If you were contributing to the scheme at any time between 1 April 1998 and 30 September 2006 and you are a protected member, some or all of your benefits could be protected from the reduction. However, if you choose to voluntarily draw your pension on or after age 55 and before age 60, the protection will not automatically apply. Your former council can choose to allow the protection to apply - this is a discretion and you can ask them what their policy is on this matter.
You can also ask to take payment of your benefits early on or after age 50 and before age 55, with your former council's consent. Your benefits would normally be reduced to take account of the fact that they will be paid for longer. If your benefits are paid before the age of 55 they will be subject to significant tax charges (in addition to normal income tax).
Your former council can agree not to make any reduction for early payment on compassionate grounds. This is a council discretion; you can ask your council what their policy is on this matter.
In addition, your benefits can be paid from any age in the event of ill health, without reduction.
Councillor's pension scheme closed to new members from 1 April 2014
From 1 April 2014 following a change in legislation the councillor's pension scheme was closed to new contributing or active members.
From 1 April 2014 existing active councillor members could remain in the scheme until the end of their then current term of office.