John Raisin, the Independent Chair of the Local Pensions Board, introduced the report that provided an overview of the Board’s activities during 2019-20 and work plan for 2020-21. The appendices to the report contained the Pension Board Annual Review and the Pension Board Terms of Reference.

The Independent Chair highlighted that the Board’s terms of reference had been revised to permit virtual meetings and define terms of attendance and noted the two crucial issues of Good Governance – LGPS and the McCloud case.

The report included reference to Board Meetings, Training and Development and Reporting Breaches of the Law to the Pensions Regulator.  Mr Raisin also commented that, as in previous years, the Board had received extremely positive support, advice and guidance from the officers of Merseyside Pension Fund. On behalf of the Board he thanked the Officers for their positive approach and their reports, guidance and advice.

The Independent Chair also placed on record his tribute to Paul Wiggins, Member of the Pensions Board who had sadly passed away in June of this year and expressed his gratitude for his positive contribution to the work of the Board.

The Chair of the Pensions Committee thanked the Independent Chair of the Local Pensions Board for a positive and comprehensive report and it was;

moved by the Chair, formally seconded by Councillor Cherry Povall and;

Resolved – That;

1 the report of the Independent Chair of the Pension Board be noted.

2 the amendments to the Board’s Terms of Reference be approved.