The Pensions Fund Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss a range of governance, policy, and administrative matters concerning the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. Key topics included a review of the Governance and Compliance Report, the proposed Informal Complaints Policy, and the External Audit Plan Results.

Governance and Compliance Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on significant current issues impacting the governance, management, and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. This included information on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in England and Wales, with specific reference to the Pensions Schemes Act 2026 and the LGPS 'Access and fairness' and 'Access and protections' consultations. The report also covered updates from the Scheme Advisory Board, The Pensions Ombudsman, and The Pensions Regulator. Additionally, discussions were planned regarding Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee representation and skills and knowledge opportunities for committee members. Immaterial amendments to policies and strategies were also to be detailed.

Informal Complaints Policy

A draft Informal Complaints Policy was presented for approval. The policy aims to provide a framework for managing informal complaints from members, beneficiaries, and employers of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, with the objective of resolving misunderstandings or errors at the earliest opportunity. It outlines the process for making an informal complaint, expected response times, and how feedback will be used to improve services. The policy also addresses the informal route for complaints relating to the Pension Dashboard, as required by the Pensions Dashboards Regulations 2022.

External Audit Plan Results

The committee was presented with the External Audit Plan for the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the year ending 31 March 2026, prepared by Grant Thornton, the Fund's external auditors. The plan detailed the key risks and areas of focus for the audit, including the valuation of Level 3 investments and management override of controls. Planning materiality figures were also outlined, along with the proposed audit fees for the year. The committee was asked to note the audit plan and the presentation by Grant Thornton.

Review of Contribution Rate Policy

A review of the Employer Contribution Rates Policy was scheduled for discussion, with draft changes presented for approval. The policy, originally approved in June 2023, had been rewritten to improve readability and provide greater clarity on decision-making processes and how employers can challenge decisions. The objectives of the policy were also updated to align with the latest version of the Fund's business plan. The policy sets out the circumstances under which the administering authority may review employer contributions between formal valuations, focusing on significant changes to an employer's liabilities or covenant.

Administration Report

The committee was to receive an update on the administration performance of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the period 1 January to 31 March 2026. This included performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), contribution monitoring, and progress on Business Plan key activities. The report also detailed updates to the Fund's Risk Register and information on employer admissions and cessations. Key performance indicators showed an improvement in processing retirements from deferred status, and 100% of employer contributions were received on time. The report also noted the admission of Thomas Franks Limited (Moulton College) and Symphony Education Trust, and the cessation of Northampton High School (The Girls' Day School Trust).

Appointment to the Investment Sub-Committee

The committee was scheduled to appoint a North Northamptonshire Councillor to the Investment Sub-Committee.

Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee Forward Agenda Plan

The committee was to review the Forward Agenda Plan, outlining upcoming agenda items for future meetings of the Pensions Fund Committee and the Investment Sub-Committee. This included planned discussions on stewardship and engagement, current investment topics, quarterly performance reports, and manager presentations.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, confirmation of previous minutes, and chair's announcements. A portion of the meeting was scheduled to be held in private to discuss exempt information relating to pooling updates.