Agenda item

This report reviews the Pension Fund’s Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure. It also reviews and updates the Pension Administration Strategy which has been sent to employers for comment.

The Pensions Manager introduced the item which reviewed and sought approval for the Pension Fund’s Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure (IDRP). It also reviewed, updated, and sought approval for the Pension Administration Strategy which had been sent to employers for comment.

It was explained that it was proposed to update the Pension Administration Strategy to reflect changes to the number of employees in the scheme and theamount of additional pension that scheme members could choose to purchase within the scheme. In relation to the IDRP, it was noted that no amendments were proposed but that the Pensions Committee and Board could agree any changes if required.

The Pensions Committee and Board commented that it would have been useful to see the proposed amendments in tracked changes but acknowledged that, in this case, the revisions were fairly minor. It was noted that the Pension Administration Strategy set out performance indicators; it was enquired how these were monitored and where these were reported to. The Pensions Manager explained that the performance indicators were monitored annually and included in an annual survey by The Pensions Regulator and it was noted that this information could be included in the quarterly report to the Pensions Committee and Board if useful.

It was asked how many disputes had been raised over the last three years. The Pensions Manager noted that she did not have the exact numbers at present but that only one or two cases had been to the Ombudsman. It was explained that there were three stages to the IDRP which included Stage 1, Stage 2, and then the Ombudsman. The number of cases was also included in an annual report to The Pensions Regulator.

It was noted that, on page 31 of the agenda pack, the Pension Administration Strategy stated that employer’s forums would be held at council offices; it was enquired whether this should include the ability to hold meetings virtually. The Pensions Manager explained that meetings were currently taking place virtually. The Pensions Committee and Board also noted that two acronyms were used in the report: FSAVC and GAD. It was requested that these acronyms were listed in full in the strategy. The Pensions Manager explained that this referred to Free Standing Additional Voluntary Contributions and Government Actuary Department and noted that these references could be updated.

It was enquired whether references to a leave of absence with permission in the Pension Administration Strategy included furlough and it was asked whether furlough had impacted any elements of the strategy or scheme member pensions. The Pensions Manager explained that the Pension Fund had not been advised of any furloughs but highlighted that there were regulations that referred to furlough and how this should be handled.

It was noted that there were some situations where the Pension Fund might recharge employers for additional costs and it was enquired how often this was reviewed. The Pensions Manager confirmed that this was reviewed annually and that it was not proposed to increase the charges for this year. It was noted that there had been no charges in the past year.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the Pensions Administration Strategy, attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

2.    To approve the Internal Dispute Resolution Procedure, attached as Appendix 2 of the report.