PENSIONS FOR ELECTED COUNCILLORS

Early day motion 659, tabled 5 February 2003 by Alan Meale (Labour). Signed by 24 members.

That this House applauds the Government's recent decision to accept the principle that elected councillors could become members of the Local Government Pension Scheme from April 2002; is however concerned that recently-issued consultation documents have not included any powers to award additional service upon entry to the scheme, thereby preventing any recognition of and provision for those councillors who have already served local government for many years; believes that councillors should be able to transfer pension rights into their scheme from previous employment, to transfer out pension rights accrued as a councillor and to purchase added years' service into the scheme similar to local government officials; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to add such options to the consultation process.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Labour/Co-operative 2, UUP 2.