Pensions
It's time for a radical rethink on exit payments
The Treasury's proposals for a cap on exit payments need a radical rethink - and ministers must also rapidly address a shopping list of more important issues for districts, says Ian Miller..
The pitfalls of risk and return
Kent CC hit the headlines after it tried to withdraw £263m of its pension pot from the Woodford Equity Income Fund, but had its investment frozen. Heather Jameson looks at whether Kent made a mistake – and asks what other councils can learn.
LGA: exit pay cap could inflate 'golden goodbye' values
The cash value of local government 'golden goodbyes' could increase if the Treasury proceeds with plans to cap public sector exit payments, Smith Square has warned.
Scotland to exclude pension strain from exit cap
Scotland will not follow England by counting the mandatory cost of pension strain towards the £95,000 cap on public sector exit payments, finance secretary Derek Mackay has said.
Time to evaluate the real cost of an ageing population
Recent reports have established that frail old age probably does not start until 80-plus and that more pensioners continue to work - and this gives an opportunity for public policy to be updated, says Michael Burton.
Capita to retain some Barnet contracts
Barnet LBC is to leave some outsourced services in the hands of Capita despite concerns over quality.
Pensions Infrastructure Platform optimistic despite Brexit
A vehicle designed to encourage council pension schemes to invest in UK infrastructure will not launch a fresh fund this year but remains optimistic.
Pension board requests 'blocked by pools'
Some local government pension boards are finding it difficult to obtain data from pools to allow them to fulfil their duties, The MJ understands.
Scottish pension fund highlights 'significant achievements'
A Scottish pension fund administered by Aberdeen City Council has posted a profit in excess of £300m over the last year.
Woodford moves to reassure Kent after trading suspension
City heavyweight Neil Woodford has sought to reassure Kent CC and other investors after they were blocked from withdrawing from his multi-billion pound fund.
EXCLUSIVE: Miller in talent exodus warning
The ‘vilification’ of public servants risks driving considerable talent out of local government, former president of chief executives’ organisation Solace, Jo Miller, has told The MJ.
Uncertain wait for pension funds
Pension funds are mired in uncertainty as they wait to find out whether the Supreme Court accepts the Government’s request to appeal the McCloud case.
Amazon rejects pension fund climate calls
The shareholders of one of the world’s largest companies have voted against council pension fund calls for it to adopt a group-wide climate change plan.
Public finances remain robust
The public finances continue to remain robust despite uncertainty over Brexit, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Government urges pensions managers to adopt new tools
New tools aiming to help local government pension schemes achieve value for money by standardising costs reports have been launched.
We need to give the full picture about high earners
Some facts were missing from this week's TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) 'Town Hall Rich List', says Michael Burton.
Local government pension reforms challenged
The legality of proposed reforms to local government pension schemes has been questioned.
Have you allocated 3% to housing?
Dan Batterton argues that while ‘not only ticking the social value box’, the risk/return profile and income focus of the build to rent (BTR) sector makes it ‘a perfect match for Local Government Pension Schemes’.
It’s time local government woke up to older age
Ben Page explains that old age needn't follow a narrative of decline - as long as all of us, including the local government sector, start preparing now.
How does public spending break down?
The latest annual statement from HMRC reveals how little leeway the chancellor has when it comes to planning the next Spending Review, says Mike Burton.