Apologies for absence were noted as above.

None.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which by reason of special circumstances the Chair is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting;  the reason(s) for such urgency to be stated.

None.

None.

None.

The Authority received a presentation from the Head of Pensions Administration to inform Members that the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) had issued a consultation inviting responses on The Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) (Governance) Regulations 2014; which are due to come into force from 1^st April 2015. 

Members were reminded that the previous consultation on the Governance Regulations had closed in August 2014.  The draft regulations had now been revised taking into account the consultation responses received. 

The consultation focused on a requirement for the Secretary of State to establish a National Scheme Advisory Board to advise him on the desirability of changes to the scheme.  Provision is also to be made for administering authorities to establish Local Pension Boards to assist them with the effective and efficient management and administration of the Scheme.  The consultation closes on 21 November 2014.

Members discussed in detail the potential implications for the Authorities if the proposals were implemented and agreed that it would be appropriate for this Authority to argue for the creation of a joint Local Pension Board to assist both of the South Yorkshire Funds. 

RESOLVED –

i)            That the Authority requests officers to draft a response to the consultation taking account of Members comments by the deadline of 21 November 2014. 

ii)           That a Member and Officer Working Party be established to work through the draft guidance in further detail.