The Newham Pensions Board met on Tuesday 24 March 2026 to review performance updates, discuss legislative changes impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), and consider the fund's communication strategy. Key decisions included noting the LPPA's performance report, approving updates to the administration and legislative framework, and reviewing the General Code of Practice compliance.

LPPA Performance Update

The Board received an update on the performance of the Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA) for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year (October to December 2025). Overall operational casework performance was reported at 98.7% against Service Level Agreements (SLAs), exceeding the 95% target. The average call wait time in the contact centre was 3 minutes and 17 seconds, below the 4-minute target. Customer satisfaction with the contact centre overall was 74.2%, a decrease from the previous quarter, although satisfaction with individual call handlers remained high at 93.6%. The number of members registered on the PensionPoint online portal increased across all membership types, with a total of 7,884 registered members by the end of the quarter. Data quality scores also showed improvement, with common data at 93.0% and scheme-specific data at 92.4%. The report also detailed complaint data, with 6 complaints resolved in December 2025 and January 2026, five of which were upheld.

Pension Administration and Legislative Update

The Board was updated on legislative changes impacting the LGPS. The McCloud remedy, addressing age discrimination in public service pension schemes, is progressing, with LPPA continuing to review member data. The Pensions Dashboard, designed to allow members to access pension information in one place, has completed its technical connection, with public access anticipated in Summer 2027.

Several government consultations are expected to lead to legislative changes:

• LGPS: Access and Fairness: This consultation, which closed in August 2025, has had its government response published. Phase one, expected to be implemented from April 2026, includes equalising survivor benefits, changing death grant rules, and introducing initial gender pension gap measures. Phase two will cover full gender pension gap reporting and forfeiture rule reform.
• LGPS: Access and Protections (Scheme Improvements): This consultation's response indicated that LGPS access for councillors and mayors in England will be reinstated from May 2026. Other proposed changes include an increase in the Normal Minimum Pension Age to 57 from 55, expected from April 2028.
• Fit for the Future (Technical Consultation): This consultation, which closed in January 2026, is expected to lead to changes impacting governance and administration from April 2026, including the introduction of a statutory LGPS officer role and triennial governance reviews.

The Board also noted the 2026/27 budget proposal from LPPA, which represents a 1.58% increase on the previous year's budget.

Employer Admission Update

An update was provided on the progress of formalising admission agreements for employers who have been awarded service contracts requiring their employees to continue LGPS membership. As of February 2026, there were 20 outstanding historic admission agreements, with four employers having signed their agreements and awaiting final approval from the letting authority. An action plan is in place to expedite these admissions and identify any further outstanding cases.

General Code of Practice Compliance Review

The Board reviewed the findings of a gap analysis conducted by Barnett Waddingham LLP, the fund's actuary, against The Pension Regulator's (TPR) General Code of Practice. The review found that the fund is compliant in 32 out of 53 modules (60.4%), partially compliant in 9 modules (16.9%), and non-compliant in 3 modules (5.7%). Nine modules (17%) were deemed not applicable to public sector pension schemes. The report highlighted areas for improvement, primarily concerning the updating of internal processes and fund documentation to achieve full compliance. An updated action plan was presented to address these areas.

Communication Plan 2026/27

The Board received the Newham Pension Fund Communication Plan for 2026/27, which outlines targeted communications for both scheme members and employers. The plan aims to improve understanding of the LGPS benefits, assist employers with their responsibilities, enhance member services, and ensure cost-effective communication methods are used. Key actions include promoting the pension websites and PensionPoint member self-service portal, providing induction meetings for new employers, and offering training sessions. Success metrics include increased member registration on PensionPoint, higher completion rates for Death Grant Nominations, and increased website views.

Minutes from Pension Committee

The Board noted the minutes from the Pensions Committee meeting held on 5 February 2026. Key discussions included an update on the London CIV pooling, LGPS general updates, and the Pensions Bill. The Committee also reviewed the Business Plan, noting a discrepancy in reported investment income which officers were tasked with clarifying. The draft Funding Strategy Statement and the draft Pension Fund Annual Report 2024-25 were approved, subject to clarification on the investment income discrepancy.

The Board resolved to note the contents of the LPPA Performance Update, the Pension Administration and Legislative Update, the Employer Admission Update, the General Code of Practice Compliance Review, and the Communication Plan 2026/27. They also noted the minutes from the Pensions Committee meeting.