Agenda item

Breach of the Law - Late issuing of 2017 Annual Benefit Statements

Report of the Chamberlain

Minutes:

The Board received a report of the Chamberlain that sought Members’ approval for the reporting of late Annual Benefits Statements for 2017 to the Pensions Regulator as a breach of the law.

 

The Chairman noted that there was no current breach policy in place.  He suggested that perhaps a deadline such as 30 days from the date of the breach should be in place for reporting.  He explained that the Board Members should be notified outside of meetings, except in the event that a meeting of the board was scheduled within the 30-day period.

 

The Comptroller & City Solicitor explained that the current policy draft was not yet satisfactory, but that a final draft would be completed by the end of February for submission to the next Local Government Pensions Scheme Board meeting, and circulation to Police Pensions Board Members. (5)

 

The Comptroller & City Solicitor explained that a 30-day period may be too long, and the Chairman agreed that the period could be as short as was deemed necessary.  The Chairman also noted that the breach referenced within this report was, although regrettable, not a major offence.  He explained that it was necessary to report all breaches deemed to be RED and AMBER, and to record all those deemed to be GREEN.

 

The Chairman queried if the Annual Benefit Statements for 2018 would be issued on time.  The Chamberlain is not aware of any upcoming changes to the regulations that would hinder this.  The Chamberlain explained production of the Annual Benefit Statements was also dependent on receiving timely payroll data.  An update on the progress on issuing 2018 Annual Benefit Statements will be given at the next board meeting by the Chamberlain.

 

 

The Chairman explained that the governance responsibility of the Board was to scrutinise and improve following any breaches that do occur.

 

The Chairman requested that the final policy draft be submitted to the next meeting of the Police Pensions Board.  The Chamberlain explained that the intention was to submit the final draft to the next meeting of the Local Government Pensions Board on 28 February 2018, and for Members of the Police Pensions Board to agree to delegate authority to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to give approval on behalf of the Police Pensions Board.  Members agreed with this approach. The Chairman requested that Members be given two weeks from the date of the final draft circulation to provide comment before authority is delegated to the Town Clerk, in consultation with the Chairman and Deputy Chairman, to approve it. (5)

 

RESOLVED – That the recommendation to report the breach of the law due to the late issuing of the 2017 Annual Benefit Statement be approved.

 

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