The Pension Committee of Sutton Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, with a packed agenda focusing on the financial health and strategic direction of the council's pension fund. Key discussions are expected to cover responsible investment policies, the business plan and budget for the upcoming years, and the triennial valuation of the pension fund.

Responsible Investment Update

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to an update on responsible investment, with a draft policy for the London Borough of Sutton Pension Fund¹ to be considered. This policy outlines the approach to investing pension fund assets in a manner that considers environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The report pack indicates that this discussion will cover the fund's strategy for integrating ESG considerations into its investment decisions.

Business Plan and Budget

The committee will also review the Business Plan for 2026-29 and the Budget for 2026-27. This agenda item is expected to detail the financial planning and resource allocation for the pension fund over the next few years. Supporting documents include an appendix detailing the budget for the pension fund for 2025-26.

Triennial Valuation and Funding Strategy

The triennial valuation of the pension fund and the associated Funding Strategy Statement are also on the agenda. This is a crucial process that assesses the financial position of the pension fund and determines the level of contributions required from the council and its employees to ensure its long-term solvency. The report pack includes an update on this valuation and the proposed funding strategy.

Pension Administration Performance and Projects

Updates on pension administration performance and ongoing projects are scheduled for discussion. This will likely cover the efficiency and effectiveness of the services provided to pension fund members, as well as progress on various initiatives aimed at improving administration.

Governance and Risk Update

The committee will receive an update on governance and risk matters related to the pension fund. This includes a review of the risk register, which identifies potential threats to the fund's objectives, and an overview of policies such as a draft conflict of interest policy and a data improvement policy.

Investment Performance and Strategy

The meeting will also include a review of quarterly investment performance, providing an overview of how the pension fund's assets have performed over the last quarter. Furthermore, there will be a discussion on investment strategy implementation, examining how the fund's investment strategy is being put into practice.

Pension Fund Accounts Audit

Finally, the Pension Fund Accounts for 2024-25 and the audit outcomes report will be presented. This item will detail the financial statements for the past year and the findings of the external audit.