Agenda item

The Finance & Systems Manager (Pensions) presented the budget report. Net expenditure had been £1.542m under budget and directly-controlled administration expenditure had been £347,000 under budget for the reasons set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report. There had been an underspend on communications because of the Government’s delay in bringing the new scheme regulations, but the costs of additional communications this year could be contained through increased use of electronic communication.

A Member asked about late payers. Officers explained that some small employers were filling in forms incorrectly and continuing to calculate contributions at the old rate.

The Communication and Public Relations Manager presented the performance report. There had been a 48% increase in workload because of enquiries relating to the new LGPS scheme and the ongoing severance programme at Bristol City Council. The roadshow programme had continued, and 1,500 members had attended by the end of May. A number of training events had also been held. The staff time consumed by roadshows and training events would impact on performance. He drew attention to the progress towards full electronic self-service (ESS) given in section 10 of the report. 72% of the Fund’s membership was now covered by ESS.

RESOLVED to note:

1. administration and management expenditure incurred for 12 months to 31 March 2014;

2. Performance Indicators & Customer Satisfaction feedback for 3 months to 30 April 2014;

3. Summary Performance Report for period from 1 April 2011 to 30 April 2014;

4. member roadshow events and employer training sessions undertaken to communicate the New LGPS 2014, including sample customer feedback;

5. the Risk Register.