Contact: David Wilson, ext 7407

1. Introduction

1.1 The Pension Fund's eighth Annual General Meeting was held at Westley Court, Sparsholt College of Agriculture, on Thursday 22 September 2005. 30 of the Fund's employers (14% of the total) were represented, slightly down on the previous year when 31 bodies sent delegates. The majority of the principal local authorities attended, although it is disappointing to note that, despite reminders, Fareham, Hart, New Forest and Test Valley councils failed to send any delegates. Other major employers attending included Hampshire Police Authority, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority and 18 other scheduled and admission bodies.

1.2 This year's attendance at only 14% of the Fund's employers was surprisingly low, particularly at a time when pensions issues have such a high public profile. It had been hoped that the new venue would improve attendance this year. The venue had been changed from the Hampshire Records Office Cinema to Westley Court in response to comments about parking problems in Winchester experienced by delegates to the 2004 meeting.

1.3 Nonetheless, feedback from those who attended this year's meeting has been very positive. All those who commented stated that they had found the meeting useful and informative. The presentations by the Chairman, County Treasurer and Schroders were well received. There was a lively discussion, particularly on the Fund's solvency position and investment performance issues.

1.4 The delegates were very pleased with the new venue at Westley Court. A typical comment was "far better than the Records Office". Accordingly the venue has been booked again for next year's meeting on the morning of Monday 18 September 2006. The College has promised to take firmer action next year to make sure that the parking spaces reserved for delegates are not taken by students and other visitors to the College.

2. Conclusion

2.1 Overall, the AGM continues to form an important part of the Fund's communication strategy, which includes the Annual Report, the annual leaflet for pensioners and contributors, the pensioners' newsletter, the employee and pensioner representatives on the Panel and the recent appointment to the Panel of the representatives of the unitary city councils and 11 district councils.

2.2 These initiatives all enable the Fund to comply with best practice as recommended by the Government, in the Myners Report, and by the Local Government Pensions Committee. It is also an essential part of the Fund's evolving communication strategy.

Recommendations

1 That the booking of Westley Court at Sparsholt College of Agriculture on Monday 18 September 2006 for the next AGM be approved.

2 That the Panel note this report.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

Published works.

Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE FILE

None.