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This introduction discusses the challenges faced by public sector pensions and reforms proposed by Lord Hutton. It covers topics like affordability, sustainability, and the shift from RPI to CPI. The text explores key issues such as increased member contributions and changing retirement ages, along with the implications for different public sector schemes. It also addresses the need for long-term sustainability, fair pensions, and effective communication with scheme members. Investment review highlights the impact of global economic factors on pension funds.
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Welcome and Introduction Anthony Mayer Chairman London Pensions Fund Authority
The LGPSScheme Developments Mike Taylor Chief Executive London Pensions Fund Authority
Public and political perception Affordability and sustainability Life expectancy or longevity Inter-generational equity Public Sector Pensions -The Main Challenges
Funded schemes 1.7 million actives Local Government MPs Unfunded schemes (Pay as You Go) 3.3 million actives Teachers National Health Service Civil Servants Police Fire-fighters Armed Forces Public Sector Pensions
Slow death of private sector defined benefit pensions Unfairness taxpayers paying for public sector pensions without equivalent pension rights themselves Rising cost, particularly longevity Clamour for Change – why?
Reduce the total liability of public sector pensions Estimated in excess of £1 trillion Address the annual structural budget deficit Address rising costs Government’s priorities
Independent Public Sector Pensions Commission Chair, Lord Hutton Started July 2010 Interim report October 2010 Final report March 2011 Changed basis of indexation July 2010 (effective from April 2011) RPI to CPI Affects pensions in payment Saves £1.8bn per annum by 2014/15 Government action to date
Budget Spending Review (October 2010) Increases in member contributions from April 2012 Average 3.2% by 2014/15 £2.8 billion per annum including £900 million for LGPS No increase for lowest paid members Review state retirement age Government action to date (contd)
All pension funds are sustainable if … Increase contributions – pay more Reduce benefits – get less Increase retirement age – work longer Affordability & sustainability
Lord Hutton’s report “Hutton report welcomed as positive and sensible by London Pensions Fund Authority” “Public sector schemes risk collapse with contribution increase” “Treasury proposals could break LGPS before Hutton can fix it, LPFA warns” New public sector pension schemes
Retain defined benefit Switch from final salary to career average Protect accrued rights Increase retirement age Review employee / employer balance Lord Hutton’s conclusions
Shared risk and automatic regulation Independent scrutiny Improved governance Abolition of fair deal New legislative framework Implement by 2015/16 Lord Hutton’s conclusions (contd)
Retain LGPS funded status Lord Hutton’s conclusions for LGPS
Future Local Government Pension Scheme • Statutory scheme • Career Average, Defined Benefit • Retirement Age raised in line with State Retirement Age • Now 65 • 66 by 2020 • 67 by 2026 • Accrual may be 1/60th or lower –perhaps 1/70th • Other public sector schemes • Similar
RPI to CPI Already accounted for in valuations Subject to Judicial Review (Autumn 2011) Changed Indexation
Increased Employee Contributions • No agreement between Treasury, Cabinet Office, Trades Unions • Major concerns about members opting out • LGPS can be treated differently • New discussions between CLG, Employers (LGA), Trades Unions • Consultation on how to implement • Smaller increase in contributions • Reduce benefits by changing accrual rate • Bring forward change in retirement date
Key Issue Either • Single change • Merge employee contribution rate issue with implementation of new scheme • New scheme from April 2014 Or • Two changes • employee contribution rate rises from April 2012 • New scheme from April 2015
Objectives • Long term sustainability • Maintain the fund for future entrants – Prevent mass opt outs
Future Challenges • Are the new schemes affordable? • Will it last for a generation? • Retaining membership • Explaining the scheme • Declining numbers in workforce • Impact on Investment Strategy • Ageing population • Further longevity improvements
Prerequisites for reform • Comprehensible to scheme members • A fair pension • Pension seen as key part of members’ pay and reward • Good communication by employers and administrators
Investment Issues • Opt outs will lead to rapid maturing of the schemes • Less scope for investment risk • More Bonds, Liability Driven Investment strategies • Less equities, less illiquid alternative assets
Investment Review Vanessa James Director of Investment London Pensions Fund Authority
European Crisis US downgraded from AAA debt status, Republicans and Democrats can’t agree on deficit reduction. China growing too fast, then too slowly. China asked to help fund Europe’s problems! The Last Twelve Months
Markets have continued to test inadequate European lender of last resort provisions pushing bond yields higher. The scale of the non domestic holding of Italian debt requires more money to guarantee than is even being dreamed of in official European communiqués. European Crisis
Politicians are having to take tough decisions that are not in their country’s SHORT term interest and so are not popular ……as a result they are continually behind the curve. All asset markets are reacting to the latest piece of news causing high volatility and are growing tired of the politicians lack of decisive action
What needs to be done short term: The ECB(?) must guarantee all deposits in European banks The ESF must gear up to 4x the sizes being spoken of at the moment There needs to be a severe restructuring of debt As well as worrying about deficit reduction, lack of economic growth needs to be dealt with as a priority…….Germany a problem here European Crisis
What needs to be done longer term: Fiscal policy must be closely aligned across those countries in the Euro Myriad of possible solutions here True fiscal integration----------------------only the old DM block Uncharted territory means an uncomfortable ride and lower growth European Crisis
The USA is down but not out The Far East and South America growing more strongly but growth is slowing here too Corporate sector in the best shape. Interest rates remain low and QE being repeated. The most likely and optimistic economic outcome is muddle through. Lower returns expected from all asset classes over the next 3-5 years Is there any good news?
What the Fund Holds Distribution at 30th September 2011:
Fund cash positive for ? Years What effect will the proposed increased contributions have on the likely cash flow? The Investment Committee will be meeting to re-examine strategy based on new cash flow projections from the actuary once the new contribution rates are agreed So is the Strategy Fit for Purpose?
The LPFA fund totalled £3861m on Sept 30th 2010. Given all that has happened what was the size at the end of September 2011? - 20% to -10%, -10% to 0, 0 to +10% Something for you now
Employer Covenant Checks Tony Williams Employer Services Team Manager London Pensions Fund Authority
Background Legal Requirements Employer Responsibilities LPFA Checks Next Steps Agenda
Prevent liabilities falling to other employers Improve risk management Reasons
Becoming insolvent Changes to Government funding Grant reductions/grant removal Causes
LPFA Statutory Duty to maintain and administer the fund for both employers and fund members LPFA have a duty of care to look to best protect the pension fund. Legal Requirements
Employers To disclose material events to LPFA under: The Occupational Pensions Scheme (Scheme Administration) Regulations 1996 Legal Requirements
Any material change Matters likely to affect participation. Change in status Take over Amalgamation, liquidation or receivership Change in the nature of business Breach of banking covenant Cease trading in the UK Reportable Events
Credit rating report. Monitoring companies house. Web tracking – Google Alerts. Annual Declaration form. Engaging with employers. LPFA Checks/Controls
Cessation valuation payment plan Valuation recovery spread period OR when LPFA believe appropriate CHECKS Full review of accounts Additional security More Detailed Checks
What happens? Maximise monies through liquidation process Appoint new liquidators to protect fund Seek specialist legal advice Insolvency
Report to our Board Employer updates Encourage engagement and participation Next Steps
Background Legal Requirements Employer Responsibilities LPFA Checks Next Steps Summary
but by all employers working together, we can minimize these! THERE ARE ALWAYS RISKS
Automatic Enrolment Andrew Fleming The Pensions Regulator
Performance Administration Strategy Mike Allen Director of Pensions London Pensions Fund Authority
Consultation with employers November 2009 to January 2010 Employers comments taken on board February 2010 Final strategy issued and employers signed up April 2010 onwards LPFA employer liaison officer appointed The Background
Clarify employer and LPFA roles and responsibilities Improved data flows and data accuracy Improved service for scheme members Preparing for future challenges – new scheme, auto-enrolment, valuation The Reasons Behind the Strategy