WIREDGOV

Responding to government proposals to limit councillors' access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, Local Government Association Chairman Sir Merrick Cockell said: "This is a kick in the teeth for those who have dedicated their life to public service and undermines government's commitment to give local people greater responsibility for the running of vital local services.

"It is perplexing that ministers who have been busy adding to the workload of councillors by transferring functions from central to local government are now arguing that those same councillors – and the Mayor of London – should be classed as volunteers.

"Fair remuneration is important so that people from all walks of life can afford to stand for office. Otherwise, we risk local government becoming the exclusive preserve of a privileged few who have the luxury of time and money to spare.

"People who become councillors sacrifice working hours and time spent with their family to help run important services like protecting vulnerable children, caring for the elderly and ensuring the availability of school places. Those who give their time and efforts to take on this level of responsibility should be no less entitled to a pension than an MP.

"Government received nearly 700 responses to its national consultation on this issue. Only two were from members of the public who objected to councillors being part of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

"This is the wrong decision and will create a double standard where councillors in England will be denied a pension scheme which councillors in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will still be a part of. We will be urging government to listen to the feedback from its consultation and think again."

Contact

Simon Ward
Deputy Head of News & Internal Communications
Local Government Association
Tel: 020 7664 3147
Email: simon.ward@local.gov.uk
Local Government House, Smith Square, SW1P 3HZ
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