I AM writing as a retired council worker to highlight an issue which potentially affects five million members of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

Nearly 80,000 people have already signed a LGPS parliamentary petition launched by public service trade union, UNISON. I would like to ask that readers, particularly those who are members of LGPS also consider giving this their support, it only takes a few minutes to sign.

What’s the problem? The government has announced plans to force individual Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds to invest in UK infrastructure projects. This is instead of direct government funding of important projects – even if it doesn’t give the best return for LGPS members’ pensions.

The argument is not against LGPS funds investing in infrastructure, but UNISON and others believe strongly that any investment decisions should be made by the pension fund managers and the pension fund members in the interests of the fund. I don’t believe that the government should have the right to dictate how our pension fund should be invested. Investment decisions should not be made by government ministers in London.

Millions of ordinary people, from school meals staff to social workers, home care workers to housing officers and pest control workers to planning officers would all be affected. That includes people both in work and in retirement. Many however are not yet aware of the issues involved yet rely on the Local Government Pension Scheme to pay their pension. This is why UNISON has launched the petition calling for a parliamentary debate on the matter

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/125475

Joan Pritchard-Jones

Deane