Issue - meetings

That the report be noted.

Helen Burnham, Pensions Administration Manager, highlighted the key points from the report.  She commented that the KPI reporting is not included as they are still being developed but it is hoped that they will be included for the next meeting. She also highlighted that progress can now commence on the procurement for a provider for GMP reconciliation as the national framework will shortly be available.

            Mrs Burnham highlighted an increase in the volume of work with good progress being made with the backlog cases being managed within the Council. The backlog outsourced to Mercers had been delayed and is now targeting a completion by the end of November (subject to resolution of a number of issues), rather than September.  This was due to office relocation, training and ICT operation and access issues.

            She highlighted that all Annual Benefit Statement have been issued other than approximately 400 deferred cases which are delayed due to further guidance being required as a result of negative revaluation.

            There are a number of new small employers joining the scheme, details of which will be available at the next meeting.

            Mrs Burnham then highlighted the key administration and communications risks as outlined in paragraph 4.0 of the report.  She referred to the initial risk around the inability to meet the Fund's legal and performance expectations due to employer issues.  She explained that the idea had been shared with the steering group, involving the three unitary authorities, and they had welcomed the proposition to create an employer liaison team to assist with their responsibilities, with costs then being recharged to the employers.  Helen Burnham then asked for Committee's approval to proceed with putting this team in place.  The Committee agreed and asked for further information to be provided as this project progressed. 

            Councillor Andrew Rutherford enquired if these delays and issues were causing frustration with current staff as clearly these issued had been continuing for some time. Mrs Burnham responded stating that some of the employers are suffering cut backs and cannot uphold the Service Level Agreements. The Administration Team have been covering some of the employers' responsibilities for some time within their existing resources.

            Mrs Burnham highlighted that the details of how the service will work are still to be developed and it is hoped this service could also be rolled out to other employers.

            Mark Owen requested feedback on year end reconciliation sooner, to give an opportunity for corrections. Mrs Burnham assured Mr Owen that the members affected have low impact. Karen Williams responded stating reconciliation cannot be completed until all year end data has been received and matched, which gives very little time for employers then to respond by the year end deadlines.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.