Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Resources which set out the Fund’s Procedure for Reporting Breaches in relation to the Durham County Council Pension Fund and provided an overview of its operation (for copy see file of Minutes).

Councillor J Shuttleworth left the meeting at 10.28am

Councillor D Sutton-Lloyd asked if there was a RAG (red, amber, green) system in place similar to other safeguarding processes.  The Head of Pensions noted that there were internal RAG ratings, with minor breaches reported to the Local Pension Board, any major breaches to additionally be reported to through to the Committee.

Councillor B Kellett asked as regards any cases from across the country where a Local Authority has been in breach.  The Head of Pensions noted there were 85 Administration Authorities across the country, and it was likely there were some breaches, such as not issuing benefit statements on time.  He added it that it would likely depend upon the severity of the breach as to whether it would have been of public interest.  He added that other potential instances could include incorrect administration within a scheme, usually dealt with on individual cases, with the Pension’s Ombudsman deciding upon outcomes.

Resolved:

(a)   That the Pension Fund Committee note the report, including the attached Reporting Breaches Procedure;

(b)   That the Corporate Director of Resources be authorised to finalise and operate the Procedure, taking into account any comments from the Pension Fund Committee and Local Pension Board.