Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 June 2016 were taken as read, confirmed and signed.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 35.

The Chief Executive reported that no questions had been received under Standing Order 7(3) and 7(5).

There were no items for consideration.

The Chairman invited members who wished to do so to declare any interest in respect of items on the agenda for the meeting. No declarations were made.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources which provided members with an update concerning the progress made towards the Pension Section’s requirement to produce the annual benefit statements for all the Fund’s members by 31 August 2016. A copy of the report marked ‘6’ is filed with these minutes.

The Director reported that over 170 of the 201 employers within the Scheme had provided the required information which would enable accurate annual benefit statements to be produced. The Section continued to work closely with the remaining employers in order to obtain the data before the deadline.

The Board welcomed the update and recognised the good work of the Pension Section which would result in the majority, if not all of the scheme’s employers being able to meet the required timeframe.  

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

The Board considered a report from the Director of Corporate Resources which provided an update concerning a small number of the Fund’s members whose employment had been transferred to a private employer. A copy of the report marked ‘7’ is filed with these minutes.

The Director reported that whilst progress was being made with the outstanding pension transfers at Winstanley Community Academy, the two unresolved agreements with David Ross Educational Trust run schools were no nearer a conclusion despite officer’s best efforts and a letter explaining the issues being sent to the chair of governors of both schools.

The Board expressed its concern over the delay and welcomed proposed changes to government legislation currently being considered which would result in employees not being able to transfer from a fund employer to a private company until formal pension arrangements had been established. 

In response to questions from members, The Director confirmed that the Pensions Regulator was aware of the issue and a further letter would be sent to David Ross Educational Trust reaffirming the urgent need for the agreements to be formalised. The lead member for finance and resources, Mr J.B. Rhodes CC, would also be made aware of the delay. 

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

Thursday 15 September at 2.00pm.

RESOLVED:

That officers be requested to determine an alternative date and time for the next meeting of the Local Pension Board and publicise the date on the County Council’s website.