Agenda and minutes
PDF 105 KBVenue: Members' Conference Room, County Hall, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2DN
Contact: Ben Cullimore 020 8213 2782
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE AND SUBSTITUTIONS
To receive any apologies for absence and substitutions. Minutes: Apologies were received from Trevor Willington and Katy Meakin. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests from Members in respect of any item to be considered at the meeting.
Notes:
· In line with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012, declarations may relate to the interest of the member, or the member’s spouse or civil partner, or a person with whom the member is living as husband or wife, or a person with whom the member is living as if they were civil partners and the member is aware they have the interest · Members need only disclose interests not currently listed on the Register of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests · Members must notify the Monitoring Officer of any interests disclosed at the meeting so they may be added to the Register · Members are reminded that they must not participate in any item where they have a disclosable pecuniary interest Minutes: None received. |
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QUESTIONS AND PETITIONS
To receive any questions or petitions.
Notes:
1. The deadline for Members’ questions is 12.00pm four working days before the meeting (12 July 2019). 2. The deadline for public questions is seven days before the meeting (11 July 2019). 3. The deadline for petitions was 14 days before the meeting and none have been received. Minutes: None received. |
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MINUTES FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING: 25 APRIL 2019
To agree the minutes as a true record of the meeting. Minutes: The minutes were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting. |
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The Board is asked to review its action tracker. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
Ben Cullimore, Democratic Services Assistant Ayaz Malik, Pensions Accountant Advisor John Smith, Senior Advisor (Pensions)
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. Members were provided with an updated version of the action tracker, which is attached to these minutes as Annex 1. 2. A Member of the Board questioned whether it would be possible to receive further training on how to use the Pensions Regulator toolkit and was told by the Pensions Accountant Advisor that he would look into it. 3. The Senior Advisor provided the Board with an update to A7/19, which was concerned with the Discretions Exercise Report. He informed Members that a further mailshot would be sent out at the end of July 2019 and that the Council was to draft a policy that was expected to be published in September 2019. 4. Responding to a question about A20/19 – ‘Officers are to ensure the Surrey Pension Fund website is updated’ – the Pensions Accountant Advisor told the Chairman that a new member of staff had been hired in the pensions administration team and would take the lead on this. The Board was told that it would be updated on the progress made at its next meeting on 24 October 2019.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
1. The Pensions Accountant Advisor is to examine the possibility of further toolkit training being provided. 2. The Board is to be updated on the progress made to A20/19 at its next meeting on 24 October 2019.
Resolved:
The Board reviewed its action tracker. |
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The Board is asked to review its forward plan. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
Ben Cullimore, Democratic Services Assistant
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. Members were provided with an updated version of the forward plan, which is attached to these minutes as Annex 2.
Actions/ further information to be provided:
None.
Resolved:
The Board reviewed its forward plan. |
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SUMMARY OF THE PENSION FUND COMMITTEE MEETING OF 7 JUNE 2019
The Board is asked to note the content of this report. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
Ayaz Malik, Pensions Accountant Advisor
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Chairman introduced the report and informed the Board that he had made comments to the Surrey Pension Fund Committee about the administration risk register. He went on to explain the amendments that had been made. 2. The Pensions Accountant Advisor ran through the highlights of the report and explained that an ESG forum had been organised for 26 September 2019 and would include representatives from Border to Coast and the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum. An email would be sent out to Members asking if they would be interested in attending. 3. The Board heard that the draft accounts were presented to the Committee, and that this was the first time this had happened before being seen by external auditors. The accounts would soon be signed off by the Audit and Governance Committee and would be ready to be presented to the Board at its next meeting on 24 October 2019.
Actions/further information to be provided:
An officer from the pension fund team is to email Board Members about the ESG forum taking place on 26 September 2019.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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INTERNAL AUDIT REPORT - REVIEW OF SURREY PENSION FUND ADMINISTRATION 2018/19
The purpose of this report is to present the 2018/19 Internal Audit Report findings to the Board. It is asked to note the content of the report from internal audit and make recommendations as necessary. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
David John, Audit Manager Andrew Marson, Pensions Lead Manager Adele Seex, Business Support Officer John Smith, Senior Advisor
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Audit Manager introduced the internal audit report and provided the Board with a background to the work that had been done. He explained that it was published in April 2019 and was based on work that had been undertaken between the end of 2018 and March 2019. The issues outlined were largely legacy issues and pre-dated the introduction of the current Pensions Lead Manager. The Audit Manager went on to say that the governance in place was different to what had come before and this had resulted in Internal Audit feeling positive about the direction of travel and the steps in place. A follow-up audit report would be completed around October or November 2019. 2. A Member of the Board questioned why the Audit Manager thought the situation was better now compared to how it had been in the past. In response, the officer explained that there was a different culture and mindset in place, as well as a greater desire to engage with audit and scrutiny. 3. As a follow-up to the Audit Manager’s point, the Chairman spoke about the decision by the Chief Internal Auditor to put a report to the executive and leadership, which would be signed off by the Audit and Governance Committee and included a section on the issues being discussed by the Board. He also informed Members that he had met with the new Cabinet Member for Corporate Support and had the opportunity to discuss her key priorities, which included dealing with the pensions administration issues. The Chairman went on to propose that the Board put in writing its thoughts on the matter and raise them with the Cabinet Member, the Section 151 Officer and the Surrey Pension Fund Committee. 4. The Vice-Chairman spoke about his main concern being governance and issues surrounding the availability of extra resources. In response, the Audit Manager said that he was encouraged by the service’s prioritisation of the problems identified by the internal audit report and that an ownership of the issues meant they could be rectified without the need for further resources. 5. Speaking about measures that had already been put in place, the Pensions Lead Manager explained to Members that a project board had been established and would meet monthly. Referring to the 12 findings outlined in the internal audit report, the Pensions Lead Manager went on to inform the Board that he considered Items 2, 6, 8 and 12 to be have been completed, subject to agreement at the follow-up audit. 6. Discussion turned to the first finding outlined in the internal audit report, which was concerned with the review of key documents. The Pensions Lead Manager explained that a review of service specification was currently underway and the plan was for a report to be presented to the Surrey Pension Fund Committee at its next meeting on ... view the full minutes text for item 44/19 |
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ADMINISTRATION UPDATE (1 APRIL 2019 TO 30 JUNE 2019)
The Board is asked to note the content of this report and make recommendations if any further action is required. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
Andrew Marson, Pensions Lead Manager
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Pensions Lead Manager introduced the report and ran through its highlights. He explained to the Board that improvement actions were being undertaken regarding complaints raised through the internal audit, GMP reconciliation was on track and there had been engagement with officers and Pension Fund representatives, the system review was continuing, and progress to plan was being made regarding the end of year/annual benefit statements. 2. The Chairman highlighted that only 23 members out of approximately 37,000 were still required to produce end of year returns for active members, benefit statements had been produced for 26,818 out of the 34,700 that needed them, and just 542 queries were still outstanding at this stage. He went on to congratulate the service for their work. 3. Referring to problems with deferred member addresses, the Pensions Lead Manager informed Members that statements would be generated for every member but that tracing agencies would be employed to help a more rigorous tracing mechanism from September 2019. 4. Discussion turned to the key risks and issues outlined on page 82, with the Pensions Lead Manager explaining that the issue concerning the JLT checking bottleneck had been addressed but was being watched. He went on to say that 2,101 cases had been completed but that there were questions about the data quality, as 677 were unable to progress because of employer-related problems. 5. A Member of the Board asked if there were any performance milestones for the work being done by JLT and was told by the Pensions Lead Manager that they were only paid for successfully completed cases. There was a rate to which expectations were set but this approach ensured that JLT were incentivised to complete as many cases as possible. The Pensions Lead Manager then went on to explain that completed cases that were returned with data queries were raised with employers and follow-up pieces of work went back to JLT for completion. 6. The Pensions Lead Manager spoke about the Improvement Plan and explained to the Board that it represented a big picture view of what was happening in the service. The total work outstanding was 26,559 cases, with 10,968 of those not previously appearing in any performance figures. The oldest case involving an unidentified leaver went back to 1991 and the clearance of backlog work was generated new work requests at an approximate rate of 1 in 10 members. The vast majority of the work went back approximately 10 years and was primarily related to deferred members and refunds. The Pensions Lead Manager went on to explain that most members would contact the service when they reached retirement age, which meant they were unlikely to be sitting on a significant amount of work with a financial impact and risk. However, the service still needed to keep in mind the reputational impact and risk and make sure deadlines were met. 7. The Chairman sought clarity on the work given ... view the full minutes text for item 45/19 |
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ADMINISTRATION PERFORMANCE REPORT (QUARTER ONE)
The Board is asked to note the content of this report and make recommendations to the Pension Fund Committee if appropriate. Additional documents: Minutes: Key points raised during the discussion:
The Chairman agreed to consider the report as part of Item 9.
Actions/further information to be provided:
None.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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RISK REGISTERS 2019/20 (QUARTER ONE)
The Board is asked to note the content of this report and the Fund Risk Register (shown as Annex 1) and Administration Risk Register (shown as Annex 2) and make recommendations to the Pension Fund Committee if required. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
Ayaz Malik, Pensions Accountant Advisor Andrew Marson, Pensions Lead Manager John Smith, Senior Advisor (Pensions)
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Board heard from the Pensions Accountant Advisor, who explained that three risks had been added to the risk register – one in the pension fund risk register and another relating to pension administration. He also proposed to remove Risk 8 from the pension fund risk register as a permanent Section 151 Officer and new Director of Corporate Finance were now in place. 2. Referring to Risk 28 in the pension fund risk register, the Chairman recommended that the net risk score was raised from green to amber. He also noted that Risk 29 – ‘Failure to hold personal data securely’ – would be considered at the next meeting of the Board on 24 October 2019. 3. Responding to a question about Risk 33, the Pensions Lead Manager informed the Board that discussions were being had about the renewal of his work contract until March 2020. The Chairman then recommended that the net risk score was amended to amber, whilst both risk scores for Risk 34 should be amended to red. 4. Explaining the methodology behind the amendments made to the risk register, the Senior Advisor explained that in order to ensure risks were updated to either amber or red, officers were having to move individual risks into categories that were higher than they necessarily warranted. He went on to say that officers wanted to ensure there was a range of risks so that the key ones were flagged up and easy to identify. 5. Discussing inherent and reputational risks, the Senior Advisor informed the Board that officers had viewed the risks as they were at the time of formulation and scored them assuming that mitigating factors were properly applied and executed. In response, the Chairman said that until the Board had received assurances of the delivery process, risks needed to remain amber. He went on to suggest that the residual risk for A12 was amended to red. 6. The Senior Advisor explained the methodology of risk assessment, and it was agreed by the Board that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman would meet with officers to agree amendments to the risk register.
Actions/further information to be provided:
1. Risk 8 is to be removed from the fund risk register. 2. The net risk score of Risk 28 in the fund risk register is to be raised from green to amber. 3. The net risk score of Risk 33 in the fund risk register is to be raised from green to amber. 4. The total risk and net risk scores of Risk 34 in the fund risk register are to be raised from amber to red. 5. The Chairman and Vice-Chairman are to meet with officers to agree amendments to the risk register.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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SURREY LOCAL PENSION BOARD ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19
The purpose of this report is to present the 2018/19 annual report to the Board. It is asked to notethe content of the report and make recommendations if necessary.
Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
Ayaz Malik, Pensions Accountant Advisor
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Pensions Accountant Advisor introduced the draft report and explained that it would form part of the final Surrey Local Pension Board Annual Report for 2018/19. This would then be presented to the Board at its next meeting on 24 October 2019. 2. The Pensions Accountant Advisor requested that Board Members reviewed the Register of Interest and updated officers of any amendments that needed to be made.
Actions/further information to be provided:
Board Members are to review the Register of Interest and update officers of any amendments that need to be made.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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As part of the governance and oversight of the Pension Fund, a regular review and update to the governance framework, policies and procedures is essential to ensure that the Fund is compliant with latest legislation, regulations and good practice.
At its meeting of 14 September 2018, the Pension Fund Committee agreed to commission a review of the fund governance. This was carried out by Hymans Robertson.
This report provides details of this review, which includes the definition of a mission statement for the Fund and key strategic objectives in investments, funding, governance and delivery. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
Ayaz Malik, Pensions Accountant Advisor
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Pensions Accountant Advisor explained the background to the governance review report, which was presented at the last meeting of the Surrey Pension Fund Committee on 7 June 2019. 2. The Board heard that the governance review had been undertaken by Hymans Robertson and highlighted that the pension fund had strong governance in place. Officers were currently in the process of reviewing all of the nine recommendations set out in the review before presenting a report on the progress made at the next meeting of the Surrey Pension Fund Committee on 13 September 2019.
Actions/further information to be provided:
None.
Resolved:
The Board:
1. Noted the governance report and recommendations from Hymans Robertson and that the recommendations are included in the 2019/20 Business Plan. 2. Noted the mission statement for the Surrey Pension Fund. 3. Noted the objectives for the Surrey Pension Fund with regard to investments, funding, governance and delivery. 4. Noted the Business Plan for 2019/20. |
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ADDITIONAL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS GOVERNANCE REVIEW (INTERIM) REPORT
The Board is asked to note the content of this report and make recommendations to the Pension Fund Committee if appropriate. Additional documents: Minutes: Witnesses:
John Smith, Senior Advisor (Pensions)
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Senior Advisor explained to the Board that Barnett Waddingham (BW) had been commissioned to undertake a comprehensive additional voluntary contributions (AVC) review and that there were two highlights outlined in the interim report. The first concerned Equitable Life, which was in the process of being acquired by Utmost Life. An independent report was to be prepared to consider whether the proposal was in the best interests of members. This report would then be presented to the High Court, which would determine whether the acquisition could go ahead. The Senior Advisor explained that, as a policy holder, the pension fund would have a vote on whether to approve the acquisition. 2. In response to a question from the Chairman about the number of members who could be affected, the Senior Advisor said that the acquisition would be a positive development for most members in the with-profit fund but that some may be disadvantaged. The recommendations were scheduled to be published around October 2019 and implementation would take place towards the end of the year. 3. Turning to the issues surrounding Prudential, the Senior Advisor explained that it had effectively closed the two funds that make up the Surrey Pension Fund’s life styling option by abruptly switching off the transitioning between them. It had been agreed that the Fund would transition all of the funds and alert members to what had happened and what other funds were available. The Prudential had offered alternative life style funds with different characteristics and slightly higher charges. Although BW advised the pension fund to continue to offer a lifestyling option, they also recommended drawing members’ attention to the option to transfer to other funds free of charge. 4. The Chairman requested that the Board was presented with a draft version of the letter that would be sent to members to alert them of the aforementioned changes.
Actions/further information to be provided:
The Board is to be presented with a draft version of the letter that will be sent to members to alert them of the AVC changes.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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REVIEW OF INTERNAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION CASES IN 2019/20 (QUARTER ONE)
The Board is asked to note the content of this report. Minutes: Actions/further information to be provided:
None.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LGPS
The Board is asked to note the content of this report and make recommendations to the Pension Fund Committee if appropriate. Minutes: Witnesses:
John Smith, Senior Advisor (Pensions)
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. Discussing post-2014 refunds, the Chairman explained to the Board that there may have been a breach of law if any had not been paid within the required timeframe but that more facts were needed before a final determination could be made. 2. The Senior Advisor informed the Board that it had been announced that the McCloud Judgement would be rolled out across the whole of the public sector but the cost may not be as great as had been initially feared.
Actions/further information to be provided:
None.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
Recommendation: That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information under the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.
PART TWO – IN PRIVATE Minutes: Resolved: That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information under the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.
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BREACH OF LAW REPORT (1 APRIL 2019 TO 30 JUNE 2019)
The Board is asked to note the content of this report and make recommendations to the Pension Fund Committee if appropriate. Minutes: Witnesses:
John Smith, Senior Advisor
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Chairman questioned whether the breach of law should be reported to the regulator. The Senior Advisor commented that the breach only needed to be reported if it was material, and as there would be no material harm to members and the pension fund could recover any costs, this was unlikely to be the case. 2. Responding to a question about whether the Fund would be disadvantaged and was planning on charging interest, the Senior Advisor informed the Board that it would be possible to charge interest for late payments and that any other costs could be recovered from the employer under the terms of the admission agreement. 3. The Chairman recommended that the breach of law was not reported as long as the Fund and its members were not disadvantaged in any way. This was agreed by the Board.
Actions/further information to be provided:
None.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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BORDER TO COAST UPDATE
The Board is asked to note the content of this report. Minutes: Witnesses:
Ayaz Malik, Pensions Accountant Advisor
Key points raised during the discussion:
1. The Pensions Accountant Advisor introduced the report and ran through the key points, which included legal advice being sought for a conflict of interest relating to a non-executive director. He informed the Board of what was agreed at the last meeting of Border to Coast Pension Partnership Joint Committee and the financial commitments that had been made. 2. The Board also heard that investment training would be held on 6 August 2019 and that Members would be notified by email.
Actions/further information to be provided:
An officer from the pension fund team is to notify Members about the investment training taking place on 6 August 2019.
Resolved:
The Board noted the content of the report. |
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PUBLICITY OF PART 2 ITEMS
The Board is to consider whether the items considered under Part 2 of the agenda should be made available to the press and public. Minutes: The Board agreed that the Part 2 items remain confidential and restricted from the public. |
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DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Surrey Local Pension Board will be held on 24 October 2019. Minutes: The next meeting of the Surrey Local Pension Board will be held on 24 October 2019. |