Laura Sharman 11 March 2014

Councillors to lose tax-payer funded pensions

Councillors are to lose taxpayer-funded pensions, under new reforms announced today.

Local government minister, Brandon Lewis, has announced that legal changes will be made to the Local Government Pension Scheme that will see taxpayer-funded pensions for new councillor and other elected officers abolished from 1 April 2014.

Mr Lewis said: ‘I believe these necessary reforms deliver on the coalition government’s pledge to reform public sector pensions and provide a fair deal for public service workers and taxpayers.

‘The reforms ensure that local government pensions are fair, affordable and sustainable in the long term, particularly in the light of changing demographics, and are justifiable to taxpayers who foot the bill for employer contributions.’

Mr Lewis announced the changes back in 2012, when he said taxpayer-funded pensions for councillors were unjustified as they are not employees but ‘volunteers undertaking public service’.

The Government’s response to the consultation on the changes states: ‘In reaching this decision, the Government does not believe, as some have argued, that councillors are employed by local authorities or that they are workers or part-time workers.

‘The Government therefore remains of the view that taxpayers, via the Local Government Pension Scheme, should not be funding pensions for councillors or other elected local office-holders.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MID

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MIDFixed Term, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a part time opportunity for 22.5 hours per week. These hours will cover 3 days including a Thursday and Friday, plus one other day that can England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Markets Team Manager (Strategic Commissioning Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

School Effectiveness Partner

Essex County Council
£62725.0000 - £73793.0000 per annum
School Effectiveness PartnerPermanent, Full Time£62,725 to £73,793 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner