In a ballot that ran from 16 July to 13 August they voted by 92.8% in favour of the proposals, as recommended by reps in branches covered by the scheme.

The terms of the final offer negotiated between the Local Government Association and the trade unions Unison, Unite and GMB are contained in a series of documents released at the end of May.

Of 2,719 voting papers issued, 942 votes were returned – a turnout of 34.6%. Of these, 874 voted yes and 68 voted no.

Members were balloted from the Aspect group of education and childcare professionals, the Environment Agency, third sector organisation Mentôr Mon, Care Quality Commission, Food Standards Agency/Meat Hygiene Service, London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, Museum of London, University of Greenwich and Welsh Assembly government.

Unlike the civil service agreement, the LGPS changes will take effect on 1 April 2014. But most of the other changes – a career average scheme, full pension at state pension age and CPI indexation – parallel those in other public sector schemes.

Prospect deputy general secretary Dai Hudd welcomed the result, pointing out that the final package was a great deal better than the government's initial proposals. "Improvements have been made to the accrual rate and the position of part-timers, the LGPS will remain a defined benefit scheme, and the position of those within ten years of retirement on 1 April 2012 is fully protected," he said.

Hudd thanked those representatives who supported the balloting arrangements and all those who took part in the ballot.