Decision details

Diane Lister, the Head of Your Pension Service (YPS) presented a report on the performance of the pension administration service during the period 1st April to 31^st August 2017 against agreed standards and targets.

It was reported that YPS was currently handling around 800 calculations associated with providing information to enable individuals to complete their tax returns. In response to a query Ms Lister confirmed that details of the deadlines and responsibilities in respect of HMRCs annual allowances could be circulated to members of the Board outside of the meeting.

The Board discussed the number of Pending Leavers (who were members that the YPS was aware had left employment but for whom a full notification from the employer was awaited) identified in the report and recognised that this was an issue across local government pension schemes. Ms Lister confirmed that the YPS was working with partners to develop a process to minimise any delay in processing the information in order to reduce the number of Pending Leavers.

The number of complaints was also discussed and it was suggested that in future information on the number/spread of complaints would be useful. It was noted that a new telephone system which would handle complaints was due to be introduced and would require the establishment of a new Service Level Agreement. 

During a discussion on My Pension Online a member of the Board asked for details of the number of members (listed by employer) who were registered online and suggested that employers be encouraged to make use of the online facility.

In summary the Board recognised that the interim administration report from Your Pension Service was positive, especially when compared with The Pension Regulator's report on Public Sector Pension Schemes elsewhere on the agenda.

The Chair thanked Ms Lister and her colleagues for the interim report and for the good work done to date.

Resolved: 

1.  That details of the deadlines and responsibilities in respect of HMRCs annual allowances be circulated to all members of the Board outside of the meeting.

2.  That the Practitioners Conference in November 2017 be used to encourage employers within the LCPF to engage with Your Pension Service in order to reduce the number of Pending Leavers.

3.  That members of the Board contact the Head of Your Pension Service if they wish to join members of the administration team at a drop in session or annual visit to an employer.

4.  That the Head of Your Pension Service be invited to attend the next meeting of the Board where the following items will be reviewed:

a)  compliance with COP14.
b)  fraud control within the LCPF
c)  the current Discretions Policy for the LCPF