Issue

Funding Level

14 stories · discussed at 1 council meeting · 11 councils

Hackney Pension Fund's funding level reached 140% in September 2026, as other councils address impacts of discount rate changes and investment returns.

Hackney Pension Fund's estimated funding level reached 140% in September 2026, with assets growing to £2.48 billion and a surplus of £0.71 billion, according to an actuarial and funding update reviewed by the Pensions Committee. This follows a 138% funding level reported in July 2026, attributed to positive asset performance and decreasing liabilities. Newham Pension Fund also reported a 103% funding level and a £60 million surplus in March 2026.

In contrast, Harrow Pension Fund's funding level dropped to 100% in March 2026 from 108% in March 2025, primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate, as reviewed by the Pension Board in July 2026. Westminster Pension Fund's estimated funding level also decreased to 126% in March 2026 from 140% the previous year, attributed to a reduction in the funding discount rate within the actuarial model.

Investment performance continues to be a focus for pension funds, which measure their ability to meet future pension obligations. Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund's returns lagged benchmarks over three and five-year periods despite a strong quarterly performance reported in September 2026. Sutton Pension Fund also underperformed its benchmark in the quarter ending March 2026.

Key facts

  1. Hackney Pension Fund's estimated funding level stood at 140% as of June 30, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Hackney Pension Fund reported a surplus of £0.71 billion as of June 30, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
  3. Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund's market value increased to £1.51 billion in the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Source
  4. Harrow Pension Fund's funding level fell to 100% as of March 31, 2026. Source
  5. Westminster Pension Fund's estimated funding level decreased to 126% as of March 31, 2026. Source 1 Source 2
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Hackney Pension Fund Assets Grow to £2.48bn, Reporting Strong Surplus Hackney Pension Fund Surpasses £2.48 Billion in Assets, Boosted by Strong Investment Returns Hackney 26 September 2026
  2. Hackney Pension Fund Surplus Grows to £710m Amid Strong Investment Returns Hackney Pension Fund surplus hits £710m as investments strengthen Hackney 26 September 2026
  3. Pension fund investment returns lag benchmarks Pension fund investment returns lag benchmarks despite strong quarterly performance Kingston upon Thames 24 September 2026
  4. Harrow Pension Fund Funding Level Drops to 100% Due to Discount Rate Changes The Harrow Pension Fund's funding level has fallen to 100%, a decrease from 108% recorded at the triennial valuation in March 2025. As of March 31, 2026, the fund's assets are... Harrow 1 August 2026
  5. Hackney Pension Fund Surpasses Funding Targets, Reaching 138% Level The Hackney Pension Fund has achieved a significant milestone, reaching a funding level of 138%. This robust financial position was highlighted during a Pensions Committee... Hackney 29 July 2026
  6. Newham Pension Fund Reports £60m Surplus Amidst Market Volatility Newham Pension Fund has maintained a healthy surplus of £60 million, demonstrating financial resilience despite significant market volatility. The fund's funding level stands at... Newham 18 July 2026
  7. Sutton Pension Fund Investment Performance Lags Benchmark in Latest Quarter The Sutton Pension Fund experienced a challenging quarter ending March 31, 2026, with its value decreasing by £25 million and underperforming its benchmark. Katherine Gray, Head... Sutton 18 July 2026
  8. Westminster Pension Fund Reports Negative Returns and Decreased Funding Level The Westminster Pension Fund recorded a negative absolute return of 2.95% for the quarter ending March 31, 2026, falling short of its benchmark. This performance dip was... Westminster 11 July 2026