Councillors in Stafford Borough and Cannock Chase will be able to join the Local Government Pension Scheme after access was restored.

The benefit was previously withdrawn for councillors in England more than a decade ago.

From this month they are now eligible to opt into the scheme.

However, under the Members' Allowance Scheme councillors were asked to update the scheme to include the right to opt into the pension scheme at meetings in Stafford and Cannock this month.

Cllr Ralph Cooke, cabinet member for resources at Stafford Borough Council, said: "From 11th May we've got legislation which will allow us as councillors to access the Local Government Pension Scheme.

"Its a really good pension scheme and far better than the teachers' pension scheme – local government officers really knew how to look after each other when this was founded.

"This council is required to update its members' allowance scheme to allow this."

Councillors in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales already have this access, so we're now following them.

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"The aim is to remove barriers for those wishing to enter public service and to encourage greater participation. Admission to this scheme is not compulsory – you can decide whether you opt in or not – and any councillors wishing to obtain access will need to opt in."

A report to Stafford Borough Council and Cannock Chase District Council said: "The Local Government Pension Scheme is a statutory occupational pension scheme established primarily for local government employees.

"Although councillors previously had access to the scheme, this benefit was withdrawn for councillors in England in April 2014.

"Following a period of consultation, the Government has now introduced legislation to restore access to the LGPS for councillors in England. The government believes that these proposals will help talented people come into public service and ensure a consistent position across the UK."