Local democracy

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: City Hall, Bradford

Items
No. Item

1.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

(Members Code of Conduct - Part 4A of the Constitution)

 

To receive disclosures of interests from members and co-opted members on matters to be considered at the meeting. The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.

 

An interest must also be disclosed in the meeting when it becomes apparent to the member during the meeting.

 

Notes:

 

(1)       Members may remain in the meeting and take part fully in discussion and voting unless the interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an interest which the Member feels would call into question their compliance with the wider principles set out in the Code of Conduct.  Disclosable pecuniary interests relate to the Member concerned or their spouse/partner.

 

(2)       Members in arrears of Council Tax by more than two months must not vote in decisions on, or which might affect, budget calculations, and must disclose at the meeting that this restriction applies to them.  A failure to comply with these requirements is a criminal offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992. 

 

(3)       Members are also welcome to disclose interests which are not disclosable pecuniary interests but which they consider should be made in the interest of clarity.

 

(4)       Officers must disclose interests in accordance with Council Standing Order 44.

 

Minutes:

All those present who were members or beneficiaries of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund disclosed, in the interests of transparency, an interest in all relevant business under consideration.

 

Action: City Solicitor

 

2.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 144 KB

Recommended –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2020 be signed as a correct record (previously circulated).

 

(Jane Lythgow – 01274 432270)

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 January 2020 be signed as a correct record.

 

3.

INSPECTION OF REPORTS AND BACKGROUND PAPERS

(Access to Information Procedure Rules – Part 3B of the Constitution)

 

Reports and background papers for agenda items may be inspected by contacting the person shown after each agenda item.  Certain reports and background papers may be restricted. 

 

Any request to remove the restriction on a report or background paper should be made to the relevant Strategic Director or Assistant Director whose name is shown on the front page of the report. 

 

If that request is refused, there is a right of appeal to this meeting. 

 

Please contact the officer shown below in advance of the meeting if you wish to appeal. 

 

(Jane Lythgow - 01274 432270)

 

Minutes:

There were no appeals submitted by the public to review decisions to restrict documents.

 

4.

WEST YORKSHIRE PENSION FUND RISK MANAGEMENT REPORT pdf icon PDF 75 KB

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, will present a report,

(Document “A”), which presents West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s latest risk management report.

 

Recommended –

 

That the report be noted.

(Yunus Gajra – 01274 432343)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, presented a report,

(Document “A”), which reported West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s latest risk management report.

 

The report set out 44 risks associated with the operation of the Fund under headings including Economic, Political, Technological, Legislative/Regulatory, Managerial/Professional, Finance, Physical, Competitive, Customer/Citizen, Social and Partnership/Contractual.  Plans to manage and mitigate 21 of those which required additional scrutiny and management were also included.

 

Members were advised that since the production of the report an additional risk had been added to the register with regard to the McCloud judgement for which the fund had recently received draft legislation.  Members questioned the absence of environmental risks and the Director, WYPF, explained that the register referred to risks to Pensions Administration and not investments.  Assurances were provided that managing risk was a key consideration in the management of the investment portfolio and it was explained that had that information been included in the Pensions Administration Risk Register it would have resulted in a very lengthy document.

 

Some Members felt that it was part of their fiduciary duty to be aware of all risks and believed that concrete management plans to manage and mitigate environmental threats should be included in the risk register. In response they were advised of plans to appoint an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Manager whose role would include analysis of risks and the production of co-ordinated risk factors.

 

Following a number of questions, it was clarified that, at the current time, there wasn’t a separate investment risk register but it was reiterated that the management of risk was an integral part of all investment decisions and considered as part of the Strategic Asset Allocation. 

 

Members were reminded that the investment decision making was devolved to the Investment Advisory Panel from the Governance and Audit Committee and that decisions about Pension Administration were devolved to the Joint Advisory Group.  Members acknowledged that structure and that, as there was some joint membership between the IAP and JAG bodies, it would be inappropriate for one body to scrutinise the other. 

 

The reluctance to note the Risk Register, by some Members until it included environmental factors  was acknowledged and it was agreed that the issues they had raised would be considered. 

 

 

Resolved –

 

That the report be noted.

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

5.

PENSIONS ADMINISTRATION pdf icon PDF 157 KB

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, (Document “B”) provides an update on West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s pensions administration activities over the last six months.

 

Recommended –

 

That the report be noted.

(Yunus Gajra – 01274 432343)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, (Document “B”) provided an update on West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s pensions administration activities over the last six months.

 

The initial part of the report provided details on performance and benchmarking and revealed that the majority of Key Performance Indicators had been met or exceeded. The rationale for three areas which had underperformed was explained and was due to increased work being required to prevent fraud and because of delays in receiving contact information from members.

 

Current work in progress was presented and was categorised in work groups.  Membership figures were reported and revealed that the scheme had a total of 428,000 members and 466 participating employers.

 

 

New business received by the Fund was included in the report and revealed that WYPF had been awarded the contract to provide pensions administration for the London Borough of Barnet Pension Scheme.  The Fund had also been successful in its bid for administration of the Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Fire Authorities. 

 

Awards received by the Fund were discussed and included the Best Administration Award by Pensions Age magazine and the Pensions Administration Award at the European Pension Awards on 20 June 2020.

 

It was explained that as part of the commitment to improving services WYPF carried out random surveys of customers who had been in contact with the Fund together and online surveys which any member could complete at any time had been compiled.  An analysis of the responses received for the quarter January to March 2020 were appended to the report.

 

The Chair noted the performance and benchmarking during the three-month lockdown period and staff were highly commended for their performance during the disaster recovery period.  Congratulations were also provided for the awards which had been received and his sentiments were echoed by Members.

 

The report included an update on amendments to work practices during the current Coronavirus Pandemic and amendments to work practices to ensure staff were able to work remotely whilst maintaining business continuity were discussed. It was questioned what consideration had been given to employees returning to office based work practices and the potential impact on accommodation costs.  The Director, WYPF, explained that, as the virus had not gone away, there would be no hurry for staff to return to office based work and the current situation wold be maintained until it was safe for staff to return.  It was acknowledged that, in the coming months,  flexibility may be required for for those staff who may find it difficult to return to the office. 

The results of a recent staff survey had revealed that 70% of staff would like some form of working from home to continue. It was confirmed that performance had not been impacted by remote working arrangements.

 

In response to queries about the impact on accommodation costs it was reported that the need for additional accommodation to cater for the increased business had been considered but that the pressure had now subsided. 

 

Members had previously heard that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

WEST YORKSHIRE PENSION FUND (WYPF) ADMINISTRATION OUTTURN 31 MARCH 2020 pdf icon PDF 158 KB

 

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, (Document “C”) summarises the total costs of administering pensions and investments for 2019/2020..

 

Recommended –

 

That the report be noted.

 

(Ola Ajala – 01274 434534)

Minutes:

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund,

 (Document “C”) summarised the total costs of administering pensions and investments for 2019/2020.

 

Members were advised that the costs incurred for the provision of remote devices to enable staff to work remotely were not reflected in the report.  As people were continuing to work from home it had been found that some equipment had not been sufficient, some lap tops were too small and additional laptops and larger display screens were needed. Costs were still being incurred but no surprises were expected and good quality services would still be provided for a good price.

 

It was explained that a key headline in the report was the cost of investment and when compared with the previous year there was an increase due to the cost of investments.  In 2018/19 the Fund spent £1m less as it was able to  recharge some transaction cost to Greater Manchester for the transfer of the First Bus Company.  It was reported that investments was an area which could  not truly be controlled as the cost of investment depended on the activities of the market. 

 

 

Members were advised that the most relevant part, not shown in the report but which could be included in the future, was that whilst costs were expected to increase from £34 per member last year to £42 per member the second place fund had a cost of £65 per member so there was still a significant gap.  In the current environment, and in discussions with peer funds, it had been noted that all funds’ costs would increase because of the requirement to invest in agile working practices  It was not expected that the fund would be displaced from its top spot and the high quality of service not be impacted.    

 

It was questioned if the acquisition of new business would reduce the average cost per member and Members were advised that increased shared services would reduce costs for pension administration but not for investment activities as those were not shared. 

 

Resolved –

 

That the report be noted.

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

7.

WEST YORKSHIRE PENSION FUND UNAUDITED REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR 31 MARCH 2020 pdf icon PDF 154 KB

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, (Document “D”) advises Members that in order to comply with statutory accounting requirements for Local Government and Local Government Pension Schemes, WYPF must prepare an annual audited Report and Accounts. The 2019/20 Reports and Accounts is presented to the Joint Advisory Group to note, before being presented to Bradford Council Governance and Audit Committee later in the year for approval.

 

The Report and Accounts, appended to Document “D”, provide a summary of West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s financial position at the end of the year and key financial activities during the year ended 31 March 2020. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

 

·         CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2019/20

·         CIPFA Guidance on Accounting for Local Government Pension Scheme Management Costs.

·         Latest Pensions Statement of Recommended Practice

·         International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as amended for the UK public sector

 

Recommended –

 

That the unaudited report and accounts for 2019/20 be considered and noted.

 

(Ola Ajala – 01274 434534

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund,

(Document “D”) advised Members that in order to comply with statutory accounting requirements for Local Government and Local Government Pension Schemes, WYPF must prepare an annual audited Report and Accounts. The 2019/20 Reports and Accounts were presented to the Joint Advisory Group to note, before being presented to Bradford Council Governance and Audit Committee later in the year for approval.

 

The Report and Accounts, appended to Document “D”, provided a summary of West Yorkshire Pension Fund’s financial position at the end of the year and key financial activities during the year ended 31 March 2020. The accounts were prepared in accordance with:

 

·         CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom 2019/20

·         CIPFA Guidance on Accounting for Local Government Pension Scheme Management Costs.

·         Latest Pensions Statement of Recommended Practice

·         International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as amended for the UK public sector

 

 

The key headline in the report was that the investment value had reduced.  No assets had been lost but the value had reduced as expected and between January and March 2020 the Fund had reduced by approximately £2 billion of value.  The latest value, however, had seen an increase to the higher point of £14 billion and was now encroaching £15 billion market gain. When comparing the accounting value to performance value of investments the fund had lost 8% between 2018/19 and 2019/20 and that was a reflection of the impact of COVID-19.  Assurances were provided that the fund was still well funded and had a good net cash flow.  Nothing had been seen in the cash flow which would impact on the Fund’s ability to pay pensions; to fund operations or meet investment commitments.  It was confirmed that the aim would be to keep costs per member around £43 and not to exceed £45 over the next three years.

 

It was explained that ordinarily, at this time of year, the financial statements would be finalised for approval by the Governance and Audit Committee.  In light of the current pandemic the Government had extended the deadline to reflect that auditors had not been able to access the offices and the report being considered was still in draft form.  It was expected that the report would be finalised for approval by September and when that was completed an electronic version would be circulated to management and the Joint Advisory Group.

 

 

A Member, whilst welcoming the report and acknowledging the amended deadlines, explained that, as a representative of the Joint Advisory Group, all concerns he heard from members was about climate change and investment in fossil fuels. He suggested that a comment on that topic be included in the Chair’s statement or foreword to the accounts.  Other Members echoed his request that the report should refer to those issues.

 

A Member believed that the reference to the annual meetings did not reflect the lively discussion based on questions from Members and about fossil fuels. It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME REGULATIONS UPDATE pdf icon PDF 108 KB

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (Document “E”) provides an update on changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) 2014 and provides information on associated matters.

 

Recommended –

 

That the report be noted.

 

(Tracy Weaver – 01274 433571)

Minutes:

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (Document “E”) provided an update on changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) 2014 and information on associated matters.

 

The report revealed the Government’s intention to reintroduce the Pension Schemes Bill and the implications of that proposal was questioned.  At that moment the report author encountered connection issues and her colleagues, agreed that Members contacted with that information after the meeting.

 

Consultation on restricting exit payments were discussed and a Member queried if that had been implemented and what payments would be included.  It was explained that the £95,000 pay cap would definitely happen and the cap would include redundancy payments. The restrictions had not yet been implemented and the Fund were waiting for an implementation date.

 

The impact on the final salary of members who had been furloughed was questioned and it was explained that final salary calculations were based on the best of the preceding three years. 

 

Members were advised that both HMT and MHCLG had published consultations on the McCloud remedy and links to those documents were provided.   In response to questions Members were advised that an underpin would be provided to some members who would not otherwise have been entitled to that protection. It was explained that 30,000 members; 30% of the Fund, would be impacted and work was in progress to secure the additional software which would be needed for the calculations required.

 

Resolved –

 

That the report be noted.

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

9.

REVIEW OF ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION PROVIDERS pdf icon PDF 171 KB

West Yorkshire Pension Fund has 3 Additional Voluntary Contribution Providers, namely:

 

  • Utmost Life and Pensions (previously Equitable Life),
  • Scottish Widows, and
  • Prudential.

 

Annually the West Yorkshire Pension Fund ask Aon’s AVC Team to review the performance of the Additional Voluntary Contribution Providers in terms of investment performance, financial strength, investment capabilities, charging structure and administration. The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (Document “F”) outlines the findings of the review.

 

Members are asked to consider whether further advice be sought on the removal or replacement of the Prudential International Fund.

 

Tracy Weaver -  (01274) 433571

 

 

 

Minutes:

West Yorkshire Pension Fund has 3 Additional Voluntary Contribution Providers, namely:

 

  • Utmost Life and Pensions (previously Equitable Life),
  • Scottish Widows, and
  • Prudential.

 

Annually the West Yorkshire Pension Fund asked financial advisors Aon’s AVC Team to review the performance of the Additional Voluntary Contribution Providers in terms of investment performance, financial strength, investment capabilities, charging structure and administration. The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (Document “F”) outlined the findings of the latest review.

 

The report revealed that Prudential International Fund had managed to provide a positive return over five years though more recent performance had been particularly disappointing. The advisors had regarded that level of under-performance to be significant and had recommended that the Administering Authority remove or replace that fund.

 

It was questioned how many members had switched to a salary sacrifice scheme and it was reported that the Fund would not have that information but that the AVC providers would have that detail.

 

The number of providers included in the review was questioned and it was confirmed that the review had considered only the current providers. 

 

It was explained that Prudential  was the largest provider in Local Government Pension Schemes,  over 90% of providers used that firm, and regular meetings were held with client managers.  Scottish Widows were a smaller company and did not have specific LGPS specialist knowledge and support. 

 

Members were advised that due to the complexity of LGPS regulations many providers were reluctant to engage in LGPS business but it was agreed that contact would be made with the advisors Review Team to ascertain if additional comparisons could be included in the review.

 

Resolved –

 

That, in light of the comments made at the meeting, the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, request AON’s Review team to  include additional AVC providers in the review and provide further information for consideration at the next meeting.

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

10.

ACTUARIAL VALUATION 2019 pdf icon PDF 79 KB

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF),

(Document “G”) advises Members that the triennial actuarial valuation of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund has been prepared based on the situation at 31 March 2019 and determines the level of employers’ contributions for the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023.

 

At 31 March 2019, WYPF was 106% funded, compared to the situation at 31 March 2016 when it was 94% funded. This valuation combined with a positive cash flow demonstrates that the Fund is in a sound financial position.

 

A copy of the statement from the Actuary for the year ended 31 March 2020, which summarises the results of the valuation, is attached as Appendix A to Document “G”.

 

 

Recommended –

 

That the report be noted.

(Caroline Blackburn – 01274 434523)

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF),

(Document “G”) advised Members that the triennial actuarial valuation of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund had been prepared based on the situation at 31 March 2019 and determined the level of employers’ contributions for the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2023.

 

The report revealed that at 31 March 2019, WYPF was 106% funded and comparisons were made to the situation at 31 March 2016 when that figure was 94%.  That valuation combined with a positive cash flow demonstrated that the Fund was in a sound financial position. In response to questions it was explained that, due to the current pandemic, the fund level was 92% at the end of March 2020.

 

A copy of the statement from the Actuary for the year ended 31 March 2020, which summarised the results of the valuation, was attached as Appendix A to Document “G”.

 

It was acknowledged that the financial climate had changed significantly since 31 March 2019 and unless investment markets recovered strongly contributions may need to be revised. The Director, WYPF, explained that he had advised against the recent reductions which were part of the valuation deal and had suggested that a three year agreement be reached to prevent revisions being required and the costs of review being incurred.  In response to questions about the timeliness of a decision regarding increased contributions it was explained that the Fund would endeavour to consider the situation before the next Council budget preparations meetings began.

 

Resolved –

 

That the report be noted.

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

 

11.

FUNDING STRATEGY STATEMENT (FSS) pdf icon PDF 121 KB

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF)

(Document “H”) advises Members that following a consultation exercise with all stakeholders WYPF’s current Funding Strategy Statement requires updating to cater for two key items:

 

§  Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Regulations relating to exit credits, which came into effect on 20 March 2020, effective from 14 May 2018; and

 

§  Changes to how new admissions are administered, to reduce administration and advisory fees and to provide a further option for employers via the introduction of a pass through (“pooling”) approach with effect from 1 April 2020.

 

It reports that WYPF have also taken the opportunity to clarify that the costs of employers joining and exiting the Fund will generally be re-charged to the relevant employers to avoid all employers in the Fund picking up these costs (which will principally relate to actuarial and legal fees).

 

Recommended -

 

That the changes to the Funding Strategy Statement be approved.

 

(Caroline Blackburn – 01274 434523)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The report of the Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF)

(Document “H”) advised Members that following a consultation exercise with all stakeholders WYPF’s current Funding Strategy Statement (FSS) required updating to cater for two key items:

 

  • Changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Regulations relating to exit credits, which came into effect on 20 March 2020, effective from 14 May 2018; and

 

  • Changes to how new admissions were administered, to reduce administration and advisory fees and to provide a further option for employers via the introduction of a pass through (“pooling”) approach with effect from 1 April 2020.

 

WYPF had also taken the opportunity to clarify that the costs of employers joining and exiting the Fund would generally be re-charged to the relevant employers to avoid all employers in the Fund picking up those costs (which would principally relate to actuarial and legal fees).

 

A Member referred to investment risk and the risk of assets not delivering the required return. He explained that he had previously requested that the Chair commission an environmental statement and provide a clear strategy on investment in fossil fuels.  He felt that the FSS should include more information on climate change and measures to mitigate risks.  He felt that he could not support the changes to the FSS without that information being included.  An additional Member agreed with that statement and whilst she had no issues with the amendments suggested she believed it was her duty to have an oversight of the risks and plans to mitigate the risks of investments in fossil fuels. That sentiment was echoed by colleagues.

 

In response Members were reminded that they were being asked to approve two changes to the FSS which were required by the LGPS Regulations and that the item was not intended to be a debate about the strategy in general. A Member, in addition to his agreement with that statement, expressed his confidence in investment advisors.

 

In response the Members who had suggested an environmental statement be prepared confirmed that their request was not a criticism of investment managers. They believed that to exercise their fiduciary duties they should be aware of how investment decisions were made and that a matrix portraying the strategic direction of investments, and measures to mitigate risk, should be included in the FSS.

 

No resolution was passed on this item.

 

12.

REGISTER OF BREACHES OF LAW pdf icon PDF 85 KB

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, will present a report

(Document “I”) which reminds Members that, in accordance with the Public Service Pensions Act 2013, all Public Service Pension Schemes now come under the remit of the Pensions Regulator.

 

Section 70 of the Pensions Act 2004 imposes a requirement to report a matter to The Pensions Regulator, as soon as is reasonably practicable where that person has reasonable cause to believe that:

 

(a)   a legal duty relating to the administration of the scheme has not been or is not being complied with, and

 

(b)   the failure to comply is likely to be of material significance to The Pensions Regulator in the exercise of any of its functions.

 

A register of any breaches of law is maintained in accordance with West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) Breaches Procedure.

 

Document “I” also explains that as a result of the current COVID 19 pandemic WYPF has updated its approach relating to the payment of employers contributions during the coronavirus emergency including requests for deferral of payments.

 

Up until the beginning of June the Fund had received a number of enquiries regarding deferment of employer contributions policy however, no formal applications have been received. 

 

A copy of the Employer Contribution Payment Deferral Policy can be found at Appendix C.

 

Recommended –

 

(1)       That the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Register of Breaches, appended to Document “I”, be  noted.

 

(2)       That the Employer Contribution Payment Deferral Policy, appended to Document “I”, be approved.  

 

(Caroline Blackburn – 01274 434523

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, presented a report

(Document “I”) which reminded Members that, in accordance with the Public Service Pensions Act 2013, all Public Service Pension Schemes now come under the remit of the Pensions Regulator.

 

Section 70 of the Pensions Act 2004 imposes a requirement to report a matter to The Pensions Regulator, as soon it was reasonably practicable where that person had reasonable cause to believe that:

 

(a)   a legal duty relating to the administration of the scheme had not been or was not being complied with, and

 

(b)   the failure to comply was likely to be of material significance to The Pensions Regulator in the exercise of any of its functions.

 

A register of any breaches of law was maintained in accordance with West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) Breaches Procedure.

 

Document “I” also explained that as a result of the current COVID 19 pandemic WYPF had updated its approach relating to the payment of employers’ contributions during the coronavirus emergency including requests for deferral of payments.

 

In the period up until the beginning of June the Fund had received a number of enquiries regarding deferment of employer contributions, however, no formal applications had been received.  A copy of the Employer Contribution Payment Deferral Policy was appended to the report. 

 

It was explained that the employers listed on the register as failing to make employer contributions by the appropriate date had not previously missed the payment deadlines. It was felt the situation had occurred as schools were closed due to the current COVID-19 situation and staff were not in work. 

 

A representative referred to salary sacrifice details being directed to the wrong people.  He was advised that this would not be a breach to be reported to The Pension Regulator but should be reported to Bradford Council as a breach of data policy. It was agreed to investigate that issue on his behalf.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)       That the 2019/20 and 2020/21 Register of Breaches, appended to Document “I”, be noted.

 

(2)       That the Employer Contribution Payment Deferral Policy, appended to Document “I”, be approved. 

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

13.

TRAINING, CONFERENCE AND SEMINARS pdf icon PDF 91 KB

The Director, West Yorkshire  Pension Fund, will present a report (Document “J”) which reminds Members that their training, to understand their responsibilities and the issues they are dealing with, is a very high priority.  Details of training courses, conferences and seminars listed may assist Members.  Full details about each event will be available at the meeting for anyone interested.

 

Members are requested to give consideration to attending the training courses, conferences and seminars set out in Document “J”.

 

 

(Rodney Barton – 01274 432317)

 

 

 

Minutes:

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, presented a report (Document “J”) which reminded Members that their training, to understand their responsibilities and the issues they were dealing with was a very high priority.  Details of training courses, conferences and seminars listed may assist Members.  Full details about each event were available at the meeting.

 

Resolved –

 

That the report be noted.

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

14.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

Members are asked to consider if the item relating to the Northern LGPS, (Document “Lcontaining Not for Publication Appendix 1) should be considered in the absence of the public and, if so, to approve the following recommendation:-

 

Recommended –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Document “L” containing Not for Publication Appendix 1, relating to the Northern  LGPS (NLGPS), because information would be disclosed which is considered to be exempt information within paragraph 3 (Financial or Business Affairs) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

It is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information as it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made aware of the financial implications of any decision without prejudicing the financial position of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.

 

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Document “L” containing Not for Publication Appendix 1, relating to the Northern LGPS (NLGPS), because information would be disclosed which is considered to be exempt information within paragraph 3 (Financial or Business Affairs) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

It is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information as it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made aware of the financial implications of any decision without prejudicing the financial position of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.

 

 

15.

NORTHERN LGPS (NLGPS) pdf icon PDF 92 KB

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, will present a report

(Document “L” containing Not for Publication Appendix 1) which reminds Members that, in accordance with the guidance from Government, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) together with Greater Manchester (GMPF)

and Merseyside (MPF) Local Government Pension Funds have established an investment pool, Northern LGPS (NLGPS).

 

Document “L” sets out the progress of the Northern LGPS (formerly the

Northern Pool).

 

Recommended –

 

That the report, together with Not for Publication Appendix 1, be noted.

 

(Rodney Barton - 01274 432317)

 

Minutes:

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, presented a report

(Document “L” containing Not for Publication Appendix 1) which reminded  Members that, in accordance with the guidance from Government, West Yorkshire Pension Fund (WYPF) together with Greater Manchester (GMPF) and Merseyside (MPF) Local Government Pension Funds had established an investment pool, Northern LGPS (NLGPS).

 

Document “L” set out the progress of the Northern LGPS (formerly the Northern Pool).

 

Resolved –

 

That the report, together with Not for Publication Appendix 1, be noted.

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund

 

 

16.

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

Members are asked to consider if the item relating to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund Restructure (Document “K”) should be considered in the absence of the public and, if so, to approve the following recommendation:-

 

Recommended –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the item relating to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund Restructure  because information would be disclosed which is considered to be exempt information within paragraph 4 (Labour Relations, Consultation or Negotiation) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

It is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information as it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made aware of the implications of any decision without prejudicing the Labour Relations, Consultation or Negotiation position of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.

 

Minutes:

Resolved –

 

That the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the item relating to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund Restructure because information would be disclosed which is considered to be exempt information within paragraph 4 (Labour Relations, Consultation or Negotiation) of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

 

It is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information as it is in the overriding interest of proper administration that Members are made aware of the implications of any decision without prejudicing the Labour Relations, Consultation or Negotiation position of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.

 

17.

WEST YORKSHIRE PENSION FUND RESTRUCTURE

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, will present a report, Not for Publication Document “K”, which considers the West Yorkshire Pension Fund restructure.

 

Recommended -

 

That the report be noted. 

(Rodney Barton – 01274 432317)

 

 

 

Minutes:

The Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund, presented a report, Not for Publication Document “K”, which considered the West Yorkshire Pension Fund restructure.

 

Resolved -

 

That the report be noted. 

 

ACTION: Director, West Yorkshire Pension Fund