The Pensions Fund Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss a range of financial and governance matters relating to the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. Key topics included a review of the fund's governance and compliance, an informal complaints policy, and the results of the external audit plan.

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 LGPS England and Wales, pension dashboards, the Scheme Advisory Board, The Pensions Ombudsman, The Pensions Regulator, and representation on the Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee. The report also detailed immaterial amendments made to policies and strategies as a result of officer reviews.

Informal Complaints Policy

A report was presented regarding the Fund's Informal Complaints Policy. This policy aims to provide a framework for managing informal complaints from members, beneficiaries, and employers, ensuring that misunderstandings or errors are resolved at the earliest opportunity. It also outlines the process for making an informal complaint and assures stakeholders that 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 highlighted key risks and areas of focus for the audit, including the valuation of Level 3 investments and management override of controls. The report detailed the planned audit approach, materiality levels, and the proposed audit fees.

Review of Contribution Rate Policy

A review of the Employer Contribution Rates Policy was presented. 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.

Administration Report

The committee received an update on the administration performance of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the period of 1 January to 31 March 2026. This included performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with 67% rated Green, 14% Amber, and 19% Red, indicating an improvement from the previous period. The report also confirmed that 100% of employer contributions were received on time. Updates were provided on the Business Plan key activities, the Fund's Risk Register, and admissions and cessations of employers.

Investment Pool Update Report

An update on the Investment Pool was scheduled to be discussed. This report, marked as exempt, likely contained sensitive information regarding the fund's investments within the pool.

Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee Forward Agenda Plan

The committee reviewed its Forward Agenda Plan, outlining upcoming items for future meetings. This included planned discussions on the Governance and Compliance Report, the Training Strategy, the Data Breach Policy, the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, and various other reports related to administration and investments.