Issue - meetings

The Public Service Pension Act 2013 (the “Act”) requires all Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds to establish a local Pension Board to assist the administering authority in complying with regulations and ensuring effective and efficient governance and administration of the Scheme. The administering authority is responsible under the regulations for establishing the local Pension Board for the Avon Pension Fund.

Richard Orton made a statement on behalf of UNISON and Unite unions, asking for parity in membership on the Board between employer representatives and scheme member representatives; his contention being that the B&NES Members counted as employer representatives.

During debate, the Chairman called for a brief adjournment to allow for legal and technical advice to be sought on the membership aspects that had been raised.  Following this, the Chief Executive informed Council that advice indicated that these proposals were not in conflict with the draft regulations and further advice could be sought when the final regulations were laid, before representatives were appointed.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor Charles Gerrish, it was

RESOLVED

1.  To approve the proposed Terms of Reference for the local Pension Board;

2.  To approve the appointment process for Pension Board members;

3.  To agree the delegation of authority to the Strategic Director for Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Community Resources to provide appropriate officer resource to support the Pension Board; and

4.  To approve the amended Terms of Reference for the Avon Pension Fund Committee.

[Notes:

1 - An amendment was moved during debate by Councillor John Bull, seconded by Councillor Eleanor Jackson, to defer consideration of this item until confirmation was secured that the proposals were in line with the regulations.  The amendment was lost, with 4 Councillors voting in favour, 4 abstaining and the rest voting against the amendment.

2 – The successful resolution was passed with 3 Councillors voting against, 2 abstaining and all remaining Councillors voting in favour.]