The Head of Pensions Administration introduced the report to members. The report provided an update on legislation related to the ‘McCloud Remedy’, and the guidance that had been published to support implementation by the Fund’s Administration Team.

Members of the board requested officers to enquire whether any of the administration cost of the remedy could be recovered from government.

Members of the board provided feedback regarding recent LGA fundamental training and suggested it could be improved.

Officers provided a cyber security update, explaining to board members that phishing emails are becoming more frequent and sophisticated but assuring staff are aware of this and all have undertaken the Cyber Ninja training. Members commented on the low score of the risk on the risk register, officers explained that this was because of the way Wirral Council currently score these risks, and the fact that a cyber security team is in place, so scores were likely to change.

It was suggested that the costs to the fund of remedying McCloud could fall within the New Burdens Doctrine and officers were asked to write to the Department to this effect.

Resolved – To note that the legislative change to remove the age discrimination from the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), and  implementation of the revised regulations is a major resource intensive project to ensure the Fund’s continued compliance in delivering the ‘McCloud Remedy’.

That officers write to the Scheme Advisory Board as the liaison body, representing LGPS fund views to the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC), with regard to the costs of implementing McCloud and requesting reimbursement under the New Burdens Doctrine.

Officers to discuss the scope and format of the Fundamental Training Course with LGA to ensure the course meets the needs of delegates.