From 11 May 2026, elected members in England are eligible to join the LGPS. If you want to join, providing you are eligible and under age 75, you will need to opt in.
As an elected member you are eligible to join the LGPS in respect of each authority that pays you an allowance or salary. This includes county councils, district councils, unitary councils, London boroughs, fire and rescue authorities, combined authorities and combined county authorities.
Members of the London Assembly, the Court of Common Council of the City of London and the Mayor of London can also join the Scheme, with the agreement of their authority.
To join the LGPS, you must apply in writing to the authority that pays you. Once your authority receives your application, your membership will start on the first day of the next payment period. Membership cannot be backdated.
The earliest date you can apply to join is 11 May 2026. If more than one body pays you an allowance, you must make a separate written application for each one.
For more information about the LGPS councillor and mayor memberships including an opt in form, please see Councillors and Mayors.