The Tower Hamlets Pensions Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 30 July 2026 to discuss a range of financial and administrative matters concerning the council's pension fund. Key topics include the Pension Fund Risk Register, the Pension Board's annual report, and updates on scheme engagement and administration.

Pension Fund Risk Register

A significant focus of the meeting will be the review and potential approval of the revised Pension Fund Risk Register for June 2026. This document outlines the principal risks facing the fund, with particular attention given to those arising from the implementation of the government's 'Fit for the Future' reforms to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and the renewal of critical technology systems. The report highlights emerging strategic risks associated with the LGPS Regulations 2026, the delivery of government pooling reforms, and increasing cyber security threats. The committee is also asked to agree that the Risk Register will continue to be reviewed quarterly and to delegate authority to officers for non-material amendments between meetings.

Pension Board Annual Report 2025-26

The committee is scheduled to receive the Pension Board's Annual Report for 2025-26. This report details the work undertaken by the board to support the management of the Pension Fund. It notes the board's oversight and scrutiny of various areas, including the finalisation of the fund's annual accounts, the risk register, governance arrangements, and the performance of the pensions administration service. The report also highlights progress in improving data quality and addressing backlogs in pensions administration, while noting the ongoing difficulty in recruiting and retaining skilled staff.

Scheme Engagement Report

An update on employer and member engagement is scheduled for discussion. This report will cover activity related to the 2025 actuarial valuation and the Pension Fund Employer Forum held on 22 January 2026. The committee will be asked to agree the draft agenda for the proposed Pension Fund Information Forum for employees, noting its alignment with new regulatory and policy environments. The report also proposes that an annual engagement performance report be presented to the committee going forward.

Pensions Administration Report – March 2026

The committee will receive an update on the administration and performance of the pension scheme for the quarter ending March 2026. This report includes details on scheme membership, case processing, and performance against CIPFA benchmarks. It also provides an update on the data cleanse project aimed at improving the quality of pension data, and notes employer admissions in the pipeline, including Caterlink and Atlas FM Payroll Ltd. A scheme and legislative update will also be provided, covering the mandatory requirement for a Pensions Administration Strategy (PAS) and the LGPS (Amendment) (Elected Member Pensions) Regulations 2026.

Other Matters

The committee's agenda also includes a report on the Pension Fund Risk Register for June 2026, which will be presented for approval. Additionally, there will be a Scheme Engagement Report, detailing employer and member engagement activities, and a Pensions Administration Report for March 2026, providing an update on the administration and performance of the scheme. The committee will also consider the Pension Board's Annual Report for 2025-26.

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 30 July 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in Committee Room - Tower Hamlets Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1BJ.