Tower Hamlets Pension Board is set to enhance its engagement with scheme members following discussions at a meeting held on Monday, 15 September 2025. The board is looking to improve communication and participation in the pension scheme, particularly in light of upcoming changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
The move to boost engagement comes as the government is consulting on changes to the LGPS through its 'Access and Fairness' consultation. These proposed changes aim to improve accessibility and fairness within the LGPS, including expanding eligibility to more part-time and low-paid workers, adjusting contribution rates, and providing greater flexibility for early retirement options.
Several initiatives are planned to boost scheme engagement, including improvements to the Pension Fund Information Forum (PFIF). The board has requested officers to report back with a proposed engagement plan that includes improvements to the PFIF's format, accessibility, and feedback mechanisms in response to national LGPS consultation themes. The specific themes are not detailed in the Public reports pack, but the improvements aim to align with these themes.
David Stephen Thompson, Representing Retired/Deferred Pension Fund Members, emphasised the importance of promoting the benefits of the scheme to employers. John Jones, Independent Chair, supported this, stating that the board is very supportive of the engagement
and looked forward to the proposed Pension Fund Employer Forum in October 2025, outlined in the Agenda frontsheet, which aligns with the evolving policy environment and consultation themes.
The board has agreed to consider the potential implications of these proposed changes on the Tower Hamlets Pension Fund and has delegated authority to officers to draft and submit a response to the 'Access and Fairness' consultation, in consultation with the Chair of the Pensions Committee, by the deadline of 7 August 2025.
