Pension fund performance
Kingston upon Thames' pension fund returns lagged benchmarks in September 2026, while other councils continue to review fund performance and investment strategies.
In September 2026, the Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund's investment returns lagged benchmarks over three and five-year periods, despite a strong quarterly performance. The fund's market value increased to £1.51 billion in the quarter ending June 30, 2026, with a 7.6% return, outperforming its 7.3% benchmark. However, its one-year return of 13.7% was below the 14.7% benchmark.
Councils are regularly reviewing pension fund performance and investment strategies. Islington Council's Pensions Board reviewed fund performance in September and July 2026, also discussing draft annual reports and financial accounts. Barking and Dagenham Council's Pensions Committee reviewed quarterly performance in September 2026, while Bromley Council's Pensions Committee reviewed performance and discussed its triennial valuation in June 2026.
The financial performance of pension funds, which involves evaluating investment returns against benchmarks, is a continuous focus for councils. In November 2025, Westminster Council's Audit and Performance Committee reviewed its Pension Fund's performance, noting the fund had surpassed £2 billion.
Key facts
- The Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund's market value increased to £1.51 billion in the quarter ending June 30, 2026. Source
- The Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund's one-year return was 13.7%, below its 14.7% benchmark. Source
- The Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund's three-year annual return was 10.8%, underperforming its 11.1% benchmark. Source
- The Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund's five-year annual performance was 6.4%, lagging its benchmark. Source
- In November 2025, Westminster Council's Pension Fund had surpassed £2 billion. Source
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.