The Newham Pensions Board is scheduled to meet remotely on Tuesday 6 October 2026. The meeting's agenda includes updates on the performance of the Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA), a review of pension administration and legislative changes, and the presentation of the Pension Board's Annual Report and Business Plan. Additionally, the Board will consider notes from the July 2026 Pension Committee meeting.

LPPA Performance Update

The Board is scheduled to receive an update on the performance of the Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA), which manages the Newham Pension Fund's administration. The report details membership figures, casework performance against Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and contact centre performance, including average wait times and member satisfaction scores. It also outlines the progress of member online portal registrations and data quality scores. The report notes a slight drop in active members, likely due to data cleansing, and a significant decrease in helpdesk satisfaction levels in October due to resourcing issues, although scores have since rebounded. The LPPA is also focusing on increasing PensionPoint registration. The report includes details on complaints received, with a focus on delays in benefit payments.

Pension Administration and Legislative Update

This item on the agenda is set to provide an overview of recent legislative changes impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Key reforms scheduled for discussion include the equalisation of survivor benefits, the proposed increase in the normal pension age from 55 to 57 by April 2028, and the reinstatement of LGPS access for councillors and mayors following the May elections. The ongoing work on the McCloud remedy is also to be discussed, with the fund awaiting a system update to accurately calculate backdated historic cases. A new statutory LGPS officer role, responsible for administration, governance, and investments, is expected to be established by October 2026. The report is also expected to address concerns raised about the time taken to finalise employer admission agreements in Newham, contrasting it with faster processes elsewhere, and issues regarding employers deducting contributions but delaying payment into the fund.

Pension Board Annual Report and Business Plan

The Board is scheduled to review its Annual Report and Business Plan for the upcoming year. This document will outline the Board's objectives, core work, and how these will be achieved. Key focus areas for the Pensions Board include adherence to regulations, governance activities, administration procedures and performance, investment and funding, communications, record keeping, cyber security, and training and engagement for Board members. The plan details the Board's statutory responsibilities, including overseeing administration, ensuring compliance with LGPS regulations and the Pensions Regulator's requirements, and promoting effective governance. The budget for the Board's operations, including training and independent advice, is also detailed.

Notes from Pension Committee July 2026

The Board is scheduled to review the minutes from the Pension Committee meeting held in July 2026. This will provide insight into decisions and discussions that have taken place at a higher level regarding the pension fund's investments and governance. The minutes from this meeting are expected to cover topics such as the election of a Vice-Chair, declarations of interest, approval of previous minutes, and updates on pension administration, including budget proposals, legislative developments, employer admissions, and matters arising from the Local Pension Board. It will also include discussions on pension pooling arrangements with London CIV, the implications of the Pension Scheme Act 2026, and the Pension Fund Budget for 2026/27. Furthermore, an update on investment strategy, including fund performance, funding levels, and market developments, is anticipated.