The Pensions Fund Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss a range of important matters concerning the management and oversight of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. Key topics included the review of policies, audit plans, and the fund's administration and financial performance.

Governance and Compliance Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on significant current issues impacting the governance, management, and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. This included information on the LGPS England and Wales, pension dashboards, the Scheme Advisory Board, The Pensions Ombudsman, The Pensions Regulator, and representation on the Northamptonshire Pension Fund Board. Updates on skills and knowledge opportunities for committee members were also planned, alongside details of immaterial amendments made to policies and strategies.

Informal Complaints Policy

A report was presented seeking approval for the Fund's Informal Complaints Policy. This policy outlines the process for members, beneficiaries, and employers to raise concerns or dissatisfaction with the service received from the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, aiming to resolve issues at the earliest opportunity and use feedback for service improvement. It also details the informal route for complaints relating to the Pension Dashboard, as required by the Pensions Dashboards Regulations 2022.

External Audit Plan Results

The committee was presented with the External Audit Plan for the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the year ending 31 March 2026, prepared by Grant Thornton, the Fund's external auditors. The plan detailed the key risks and areas of focus for the audit, including the valuation of Level 3 investments and management override of controls. Planning materiality figures and the proposed audit fees were also outlined.

Review of Contribution Rate Policy

A review of the Employer Contribution Rates Policy was presented for approval. The policy, originally approved in June 2023, had been rewritten to improve readability and provide greater clarity on decision-making processes and how employers can challenge decisions. Objectives within the policy were updated to align with the latest version of the Fund's business plan. The policy sets out the circumstances under which the administering authority may review employer contributions between formal valuations.

Administration Report

The committee received an update on the administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund for the period 1 January to 31 March 2026. This included performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with 67% rated Green, 14% Amber, and 19% Red, indicating an improvement from the previous period. 100% of employer contributions were received on time. The report also covered updates on the Business Plan, the Fund's Risk Register, and details of employer admissions and cessations. One new admission body and one new academy trust joined the Fund, and one existing admission agreement was updated. One admission body ceased participation.

Northamptonshire Pension Fund Committee Forward Agenda Plan

The committee reviewed the Forward Agenda Plan, which outlines upcoming agenda items for future meetings of the Pensions Fund Committee and the Investment Sub-Committee. This included scheduled reports on governance, audit, administration, investment pool updates, and manager presentations.

Appointment to the Investment Sub-Committee

The committee was scheduled to appoint a North Northamptonshire Councillor to the Investment Sub-Committee.

Governance and Compliance Report

This standing report was intended to provide the committee with information on significant current issues impacting the governance, management, and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. Topics included updates on LGPS England and Wales, pension dashboards, the Scheme Advisory Board, The Pensions Ombudsman, The Pensions Regulator, and representation on the Northamptonshire Pension Fund Board. It also covered skills and knowledge opportunities for members and details of immaterial amendments to policies and strategies.

Pooling Update

An update on the Investment Pool was scheduled to be presented. This report contained exempt information and was to be considered in private.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda indicated that certain reports contained exempt information, and members were reminded of their discretion to decide whether to consider these items in private or public. A resolution was proposed to exclude the press and public from the meeting for specific items if exempt information was likely to be disclosed.

Private Minutes of the Last Meeting

The committee was scheduled to review the private minutes of the previous meeting.

Urgent Business

The Chair was to advise whether any items of urgent business had been agreed to be admitted to the agenda.