Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Councils are currently discussing how councillors can join the Local Government Pension Scheme and implementing significant scheme reforms.
Eleven Kingston councillors opted into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) from May 2026, with the Head of Pensions Administration confirming an immaterial impact on the fund's liabilities. This follows new rules decided by the Brent Pension Board in July 2026, allowing councillors to opt into the LGPS from May 2026, with pensionable pay including basic and special responsibility allowances.
Significant reforms to the LGPS include a cap on salary sacrifice schemes for National Insurance contributions relief at £2,000 per year from April 2029, as reported in March 2026. Additionally, for deaths after April 2027, unused pension funds and death benefits will be included in the estate for inheritance tax purposes. The Barking and Dagenham Pension Fund also admitted five new bodies without requiring a bond in March 2026.
Councils continue to review LGPS administration and governance. In September 2026, Redbridge's Pension Fund Committee discussed administration, governance reforms, and investment performance. Tower Hamlets Pension Board reviewed a risk register redesign in March 2026 to adapt to structural and legislative reforms taking effect from April 2026. No upcoming meetings with this topic on the agenda are listed in the provided material.
Key facts
- Eleven Kingston councillors opted into the LGPS from May 2026. Source
- Brent Pension Board decided councillors can opt into the LGPS from 11 May 2026. Source
- LGPS salary sacrifice schemes will be capped at £2,000 annually from April 2029. Source
- Unused pension funds and death benefits will be included in estates for inheritance tax from April 2027. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Pension Fund admitted five new bodies without bonds on 26 March 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 15 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.