Cornwall Pension Fund’s recently published Pensions Committee Public Document Pack, dated October 30, 2025, reveals the fund’s strategic response to the disbandment of the Brunel Pension Partnership and outlines ongoing investment and governance activities.
Strategic Shift: Brunel Pension Partnership Disbandment and New Pool Selection
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) informed the Brunel Pension Partnership on April 9, 2025, that its proposals did not meet government expectations, leading to the disbandment of the pool. Each administering authority is now required to identify and partner with a new pool, with an in-principle decision due by September 30, 2025. The Cornwall Pension Fund is actively working with Brunel and other partners to assess options and ensure a smooth transition to a new pool. The fund anticipates costs in the region of £10 million arising from the sale and trading of investments and winding down the Brunel Pool. The Cornwall Pension Fund has written to all six Cornwall MPs to request lobbying the Government for financial contributions to cover these costs, citing the New Burdens Doctrine. (Pensions Committee Public Document Pack, Agenda Item 15, Page 6; Agenda Item 16, Page 7; Agenda Item 20, Page 8; Cornwall Pension Fund Annual Report 2024-25, Page 118; Cornwall Pension Fund Financial Statements 2024/25, Note P6, Page 26)
New Infrastructure Fund Investment
For the fiscal year 2024-25, the Cornwall Pension Fund expanded its Local Impact portfolio by introducing the Octopus Energy Transition Fund. Capital committed to this fund began to be drawn down during the fiscal year. (Cornwall Pension Fund Financial Statements 2024/25, Note P10, Page 32; Cornwall Pension Fund Annual Report 2024-25, Page 146)
Investment Consultant Reappointment
Mercer, the incumbent investment consultant, was successfully reappointed for another two-year term following a tender process run through the LGPS National Framework. The decision was based on Mercer’s responsible investment credentials, breadth and depth of knowledge, and team experience. Mercer’s performance will be continuously monitored by the Pensions Committee and Fund officers. (Cornwall Pension Fund Annual Report 2024-25, Page 173)
Actuarial Consultant Reappointment
Hymans Robertson, the incumbent actuary, was successfully reappointed for another term following a tender process run through the LGPS National Framework. An annual review of their service is conducted, and the Fund expressed satisfaction with the service provided. (Cornwall Pension Fund Annual Report 2024-25, Page 174)
Employee Representative Appointment to Pensions Committee
Emma Causer, a Functional Family Therapist and GMB Convenor for Cornwall Council, has been nominated to fill a vacant Employee Representative position on the Pensions Committee. Her nomination is recommended for approval by the Committee, followed by a recommendation to the Full Council for appointment. (Pensions Committee Public Document Pack, Agenda Item 2.1, Page 363)
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