With almost predictable regularity we see another assault on local government announced this week oh and access to local government pension schemes is to be abolished.Many Council Leaders have more responsibility and put in more hours in a typical week than most Hon Members of Parliament and indeed oversee very substantial budgets, which support some of the most vulnerable in society. But you would not understand that if you read the announcement made by DCLG this week.At a very basic level what message does this send to those thinking of becoming Councillors - perhaps it is this - that it is a second class job devalued by Government.An MP's pension is one of the most attractive packages available in public sector - so are pensions for elected politicians beyond the pale? If they are so fundamentally wrong why will MP's continue to be eligible for such largesse at our expense?Even Police and Crime Commissioners will continue to keep their pensions, as they will in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - Boris however will lose his pension. You might conclude therefore that a Backbench District Council in deepest Wales is a more valued elected individual than the Mayor of London.You might argue that even if Ministers disagree with local government pension schemes, surely that is a matter for local government and their electorate to decide? Not Ministers in Westminister with access to a magnificent pension scheme.I have rare seen a single issue in local government which has today united a very diverse sector - this issue will be a running sore & will I am certain come back to bite Ministers.
