The Local Pension Board of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to discuss a range of important governance and financial matters concerning the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. Key topics included the fund's business plan and medium-term strategy, a review of its governance and compliance, and an update on its administration performance.

Governance and Compliance Report

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on issues impacting the management and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. This included information on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in England and Wales, with specific attention to government consultations such as Fit for the Future and Access and Fairness. The report was also set to cover developments regarding pensions dashboards, the role of the Scheme Advisory Board (SAB), and representation within the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. Furthermore, opportunities for skills and knowledge development for Board members were to be outlined, alongside any immaterial amendments made to policies or strategies.

Northamptonshire Pension Fund - Business Plan and Medium-Term Strategy 2026/27

This report was intended to provide an update on the 2025/26 Business Plan activities and present the Northamptonshire Pension Fund Business Plan and Medium-Term Strategy for 2026/27 to 2028/29. It was also to update the Board on the business-as-usual budget for pension dashboards and present the 2026/27 Climate Action Plan. The Business Plan and Medium-Term Strategy details the priorities and key focus areas for the fund over the next three years, including procurement of services, core governance activities, scheme member and data projects, investment-related activities, and communications.

General Code of Practice Review

The Board was scheduled to receive an update on the compliance of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund against the General Code of Practice, which sets out the Pension Regulator's (TPR) expectations for pension governance and administration. The report was to cover the 2024/25 General Code of Practice action plan, detailing the fund's compliance status across various modules, including the Governing Body, Funding and Investment, Administration, Communication and Disclosure, and Reporting to TPR.

Review of Employer Contribution Rates Policy

This report was to present draft changes to the Review of Employer Contribution Rates Policy for the Board's review and comment. The policy, originally approved in June 2023, had been rewritten to improve readability and update its objectives to align with the latest version of the Fund's business plan. The policy outlines 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 Board was scheduled to receive an update on the administrative performance of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the period of January to February 2026. This included performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), contribution monitoring, updates to the Fund's Risk Register, and details of the fund's admissions and cessations. The report was to highlight the percentage of KPIs rated as Green, Amber, and Red, and confirm the timely receipt of employer contributions. It was also to note any new material breaches or data breaches, and detail any Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP) cases.

Strategic Asset Allocation

This item, marked as exempt, was scheduled for discussion, indicating it would involve the consideration of information that might be considered private.

Investment Pooling Update

This item, also marked as exempt, was scheduled for discussion, suggesting it would involve sensitive or private information related to the fund's investment pooling arrangements.