The Newham Pensions Board was scheduled to consider updates on pension administration performance and legislative changes impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme. The meeting was also scheduled to review the Pension Board's annual report and business plan for the upcoming year.

LPPA Performance Update

The Newham Pensions Board was scheduled to receive an update on the performance of the Local Pensions Partnership Administration (LPPA). This update was expected to cover key performance indicators, including membership figures, casework performance against Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and helpdesk performance. The report was scheduled to highlight a slight drop in active membership, potentially due to data cleansing, and a significant drop in helpdesk satisfaction levels in October, attributed to resourcing issues and staff absences, with a rebound noted in November. The report was also scheduled to detail the number of complaints received and upheld, and efforts to increase PensionPoint registration.

Pension Administration and Legislative Update

The meeting was scheduled to include an update on legislative changes affecting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). This was to cover upcoming reforms such as the equalisation of survivor benefits, the planned increase in the normal pension age 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 was also scheduled to be discussed, including the reliance on a Civica system update for accurate backdated case calculations. A new statutory LGPS officer role, to be established by October 2026, was to be noted, which would oversee administration, governance, and investments. The report was also scheduled to address frustrations regarding the time taken to finalise employer admission agreements in Newham, contrasting it with Waltham Forest, and concerns about employers deducting contributions but delaying payment to the fund.

Pension Board Annual Report and Business Plan

The Newham Pensions Board was scheduled to consider its Annual Report for 2025/26 and its Business Plan for 2026/27. The Annual Report was to summarise the Board's activities, including its oversight of fund administration, its engagement with regulatory changes such as the Pensions Regulator's General Code of Practice and the Fit for the Future reforms, and its progress on addressing outstanding employer admissions. The Business Plan was to outline the Board's objectives for the coming year, focusing on governance, compliance, administration, communication, efficiency, effectiveness, risk management, knowledge and understanding, and responsiveness. Key tasks were scheduled to include reviewing the Pension Fund Annual Report and Accounts, monitoring changes to regulations, overseeing the LPPA's work on the McCloud judgement, and supporting officers in developing action plans for compliance with new governance requirements.

Notes from Pension Committee

The Newham Pensions Board was scheduled to review the minutes from the Pension Committee meeting held on 5 February 2026. This would allow the Pensions Board to be aware of decisions and discussions from the Pensions Committee, which is responsible for investment decisions for the Fund.