Barnet Pension Fund has seen its net assets grow to £1.86 billion in the financial year 2025/26, an increase of £143 million, despite paying out more in benefits than it received in contributions.
The fund's accounts, presented to the Pension Fund Committee on Monday, September 14, 2026, show that contributions rose by 3.9% to £76.3 million, while benefits paid out increased by 6.2% to £81.2 million. This greater increase in benefits compared to contributions reflects the growing maturity of the fund, leading to a cash flow deficit on an operational basis.
However, this deficit was more than compensated by a significant rise in investment income, which increased from £52.8 million to £137.8 million. This surge in investment returns was attributed to the fund's strategy of investing in income-generating assets.
The external audit for the 2025/26 financial year, conducted by Grant Thornton, was described as more positive than in previous years, with expectations of an acceptable opinion rather than a disclaimer of opinion.
