Since 1 April 2014 councillors are longer eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Councillor members at this time remained contributing members until their term of office ended, when their benefits went on hold. Councillors with benefits on hold will continue to receive annual benefit statements.

You can authorise the early release of councillor’s benefits on hold in full before their normal retirement date, but there would be a strain cost for doing so. Otherwise, councillor’s can access their benefits on hold with reductions from age 55.

Please see the Councillor scheme guides within the guides and sample document section of the LGPS Regulations website for more information on this section of the scheme.