The Pensions Fund Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss a range of important financial and administrative matters concerning the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. Key decisions included the approval of the updated Northamptonshire Pension Fund Conflicts of Interest Policy and the draft changes to the Administration Strategy, subject to refinements. The Committee also noted the final Statement of Accounts for 2024/25 and the findings of the external audit.

Governance and Compliance Report

The Committee received an update on significant current issues impacting the governance, management, and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. This included information on LGPS England and Wales, Pension Dashboards, the Scheme Advisory Board, The Pensions Ombudsman, The Pensions Regulator, and representation on the Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee. Immaterial amendments to policies and strategies were also noted. The Committee was asked to note the report, with the recommendation being accepted.

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

Mark Whitby, Head of Pensions, presented the Business Plan and Medium-Term Strategy for 2026/27 to 2028/29. The report updated the Committee on the year-end position of the 2025/26 Business Plan activities and highlighted procurements undertaken during that year. The Committee was asked to approve the Business Plan and Medium-Term Strategy for 2026/27 and its associated budget, along with the 2024/25 year-end financial position. The 2026/27 Climate Action Plan was also presented for noting.

General Code of Practice Review

The Governance and Compliance Report included an update on the Fund's compliance with The Pension Regulator's (TPR) General Code of Practice. The report indicated that the Northamptonshire Pension Fund was largely compliant, with a few areas identified for further action. The Committee was asked to note the progress against the General Code of Practice action plan.

Data Improvement Policy and Plan

The Committee was presented with the revised Data Improvement Strategy and Data Improvement Plan for 2026/27. The strategy outlines how the Fund obtains, manages, and maintains good-quality data, including cyclical reviews and internal control measures. The annual plan details specific areas of focus for the forthcoming year, such as improving common data and ensuring readiness for Pension Dashboards. The Committee was asked to approve both the Data Improvement Strategy and the Data Improvement Plan 2026/27.

Review of the Communication Strategy and Plan

The Committee reviewed the communications strategy and the proposed communications plan for 2026/27. The communications strategy, updated and approved in March 2025, was reviewed again in January 2026 with no further changes recommended. The plan for 2026/27 outlines various activities, including initiatives related to Pensions Dashboards and the enhanced self-service portal, as well as campaigns for pensions awareness week and national pension tracing day. The Committee was asked to note that no further changes were recommended to the communications strategy and to review the communications plan.

Administration Report

The Administration Report provided an update on the administrative performance of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the period 1 October to 31 December 2025. The report detailed performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), contribution monitoring, and updates to the Fund's Risk Register. It noted that 62% of KPIs were rated Green, 10% Amber, and 28% Red, indicating overall performance levels were less than desired, although improvements were seen in most areas. 100% of employer contributions were received on time. The report also detailed admissions and cessations from the Fund, including the cessation of Easy Clean Contractors Limited. The Committee was asked to note the contents of the report, the cessation of Easy Clean Contractors Limited, and to review the Risk Register.

Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee Forward Agenda Plan

The Forward Agenda Plan was presented, outlining items scheduled for future meetings of the Pension Fund Committee. This was intended to assist with the planning of the Committee's work programme. The Committee was asked to note the Forward Agenda Plan.

Following the public session, the Committee moved into private session to consider exempt information relating to private minutes, the pooling update, and the valuation report.