Statement on the Local Government Pension Scheme

20 Dec 2011

The Local Government Trade Unions have been surprised by the response from Eric Pickles today to the joint proposal from the unions and Local Government Association for reform of the LGPS.  We understand the Secretary of State’s response has subsequently been withdrawn.  In light of this confusion we therefore suspend our agreement and now seek an urgent meeting with government to establish an agreed way forward.

Brian Strutton, GMB National Secretary for Public Services said, “The proposed way forward for the LGPS, worked out by unions and council leaders, had been shared in advance with government and no problems had been raised.  It is therefore all the more surprising that as Danny Alexander was announcing our agreement to the House of Commons, his Cabinet colleague Eric Pickles was completely undermining it.  I think we need to restore trust and confidence urgently.”