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Investment pooling
From 1 April 2026, Kent Pension Fund formally became shareholders in the Border to Coast Pensions Partnership (BCPP), transferring the management of its investments from ACCESS.
This transition forms part of the Government's ongoing LGPS pooling agenda, which set the requirement for LGPS Funds to join FCA-regulated investment pools. The decision to join Border to Coast was approved at the full Council back in December 2025, following a robust and thorough assessment with information gathering and assimilation by external experts which determined that BCPP are the best fit for Kent.
Border to Coast is now the largest LGPS investment pool in the UK, with the total number of partner funds expanding from 11 to 18 as a result of the Kent Pension Fund's move, alongside 6 other former ACCESS Funds.
Border to Coast now manages almost £120bn in Fund assets for a total of around 2 million members and more than 5,000 employers. As a result, the pool is in a great position to harness benefits of scale thus ensuring greater value for money and opportunity on behalf of the Funds and its members.
Visit the Border to Coast website to find out about the partnership expansion
Kent Pension Fund Business Plan for 2026/27 to 2028/29
Kent Pension Fund’s Business Plan for 2026-2029 was approved by the Fund’s Committee on 26 March 2026. It outlines the strategic priorities, governance framework and operational activities required to deliver a high-quality pension service. The Fund’s Business Plan is updated on an annual basis, this year’s business plan replaces the previous Business Plan for the Fund, 2025/26 – 2027/28. The Fund’s Business Plan is due to be reviewed again in March 2027.
KPF’s vision
Administered by Kent County Council and valued at over £9.4 billion, Kent Pension Fund serves over 195,000 members across more than 600 employers within the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). The Business Plan aims to provide clarity on the Fund’s objectives, define improvement priorities, and enable performance monitoring. It also incorporates financial planning and budgeting. The Fund’s vision is to deliver a “best in class” service to members and employers. Its objectives are structured across 3 key areas - Governance, Funding and Investment, and Administration:
- Governance focuses on strong decision-making, regulatory compliance, skilled personnel and transparency.
- Funding and Investment priorities include maintaining full funding, balancing risk and return, sustainable investment targets and ensuring efficient asset pooling.
- Administration aims to ensure accurate and timely benefit payments, high-quality data, effective stakeholder communication and strong employer relationships.
Future priorities (2026 to 2029)
These include managing regulatory and structural changes, transitioning assets to Borders to Coast Pensions Partnership, preparing for the 2028 valuation, improving data quality, delivering the Pensions Dashboard, procuring a new administration system and addressing legacy casework. The plan sets a clear roadmap for maintaining strong governance, delivering financial sustainability and improving service quality amid a changing regulatory landscape.
Change in the LGPS regulations from 1 April 2026
The government changed some of the LGPS regulations from 1 April 2026. They improve fairness in the LGPS. We are working on updating our website and communicating the changes to members and employers. Find out about improving access and fairness in the LGPS
Pension Pulse - newsletter for current members
We published the Spring 2026 newsletter for current members on 13 April 2026. This is for members who are currently paying into the Kent Pension Fund. Read the Pension Pulse Spring 2026 newsletter (opens in a new window) (PDF, 1.6 MB)
Open Lines Spring 2026 - newsletter for members in receipt of a pension
We published the Open Lines newsletter on 1 April 2026. Read the Open Lines newsletter Spring 2026
Valuation of the Fund
We published the results of the 2025 valuation on 31 March 2026. A valuation of the Fund is undertaken every 3 years. The latest valuation was at 31 March 2025. It includes details of employer contribution rates from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029.
Read the 2025 Barnett Waddingham valuation report (opens in a new window) (PDF, 2.7 MB)
Communication Policy
We have updated our Communication Policy in March 2026. Read the Communication Policy
Data Quality Policy
We have updated our Data Quality Policy in March 2026. Read the Data Quality Policy
Funding Strategy Statement (FSS)
We have updated our FSS in March 2026. It details how we manage the Fund. Read the Funding Strategy Statement
LGPS to open membership to Councillors and Mayors in England from May 2026
The government provided a partial response to the Access and Protections Consultation in March 2026. It confirmed that membership of the LGPS in England will be extended to a wider group of elected representatives. This development follows several years of engagement with local authorities and stakeholder groups. They aim to strengthen access to public service pensions.
Who becomes eligible
From 11 May 2026 (the first Monday following local elections) the following individuals will be eligible to opt in to the LGPS:
- All mayors and deputy mayors
- All councillors at principal authorities
- All London Assembly members.
This extension restores access for councillors in England. They previously ceased to be eligible for the LGPS in 2014.
Opt in requirement
Membership will not be automatic. Eligible office holders who wish to join the LGPS will need to opt in through their relevant authority. We (Kent Pension Fund) will share details about how to do this closer to the implementation date.
Next steps for members and employers
We will share more detailed guidance as soon as the final regulations and administrative processes are issued.
In the meantime:
- Eligible individuals taking office from May 2026 should consider whether LGPS membership is right for them.
- Local authorities should prepare their onboarding and payroll processes for opt in membership.
We will update employers and scheme members as more information becomes available.
If you have any queries, please contact us
Pension increase 2026
Current, deferred, and pension in payment accounts are adjusted each April in line with the cost of living. In March 2026 the government confirmed that LGPS accounts will be adjusted by 3.8%.
The increase is based on the September to September adjustment to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). The CPI index for the year up to September 2025 was 3.8%.
This means current and deferred pension accounts will be revalued by 3.8% in April 2026.
Pensions in payment will increase by 3.8% from 6 April 2026. April pension payments will have a part month increase.
Contribution pay bands 2026/27
In February 2026 the 2026/27 contribution pay bands were published. The contribution pay bands change from 1 April 2026. Find out the contribution pay bands 2026/27
Recruitment for an Independent Member of the Local Pension Board
The application invite closed on 25 February 2026.
Kent County Council wish to appoint an Independent Member of the Local Pension Board. It is intended that they will be eligible to be appointed as Chair of the Pension Board from 31 March 2026.
Please read the job description for the role of Independent Member of Kent Pension Board (opens in a new window) (PDF, 336.5 KB) The main responsibilities for Kent Pension Board Chair are also outlined.
Applications are invited from 26 January 2026 to 25 February 2026.
If you are interested, please read the Kent Pension Fund Local Pension Board Independent Member advertisement (opens in a new window) (PDF, 154.9 KB) It includes details about how to apply.
Report and accounts 2025
We published the final report and accounts to 31 March 2025 in December 2025. Read the Kent Pension Fund Report and Accounts ending 31 March 2025 (opens in a new window) (PDF, 2.4 MB)
Pensions increase 2026
LGPS accounts are adjusted each April in line with the cost of living. The increase is based on the September to September change in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). The CPI increase for the year up to September 2025 was 3.8%.
This means that we expect LGPS accounts to increase by 3.8% in April 2026. This applies to current member accounts, deferred member accounts, and pensions in payment.
LGPS statistical release
The government provide a statistical release in October each year. It details the performance of the LGPS at a national level. Read the Local Government Pension Scheme Funds for England and Wales: 2024 to 2025 statistical release
Consultation - Local Government Pension Scheme in England and Wales: Scheme improvements (access and protections)
This consultation closed on 22 December 2025.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government (MHCLG) launched a consultation on 13 October 2025. It covers 4 proposals relating to the LGPS:
- Normal Minimum Pension Age
- Pension access for mayors and councillors
- Academies in the LGPS
- New Fair Deal.
The consultation closes on 22 December 2025.
Find out about the LGPS: Scheme improvements (access and protections) consultation It includes how to respond. The government invites responses from the public and especially LGPS members and employers.
Kent Pension Fund will be responding to the consultation.
Communication policy
We have updated the Kent Pension Fund communication policy in October 2025. It details how we communicate to scheme members and employing authorities. Read the communication policy (opens in a new window) (PDF, 516.3 KB)
Open Lines Autumn 2025 - newsletter for members in receipt of a pension
We published the Open Lines newsletter on 15 October 2025. Read the Open Lines newsletter Autumn 2025
Report and Accounts 2025
We published the draft report and accounts 2025 in October 2025.
Pensions dashboards are coming
Find out about pensions dashboards
State Pension age review
The government is conducting the third review of the State Pension age (SPa). They are seeking views on what factors they should consider to determine the SPa for the future. Their call for evidence closes on 24 October 2025. If you wish to respond, visit the Third State Pension age review: independent report call for evidence on the GOV.UK website
Annual Benefit Statements 2025 - for current members paying in
Statements are available on MyPension Online from 19 August 2025. Create an account or log in to MyPension Online
Find out about annual benefit statements
Deferred annual benefit statements 2025 - for deferred members no longer paying in
Statements are available on MyPension Online from 31 July 2025. Create an account or log in to MyPension Online
Find out about deferred annual benefit statements
Pension Pulse - newsletter for current members
We published the Summer 2025 newsletter for current members on 1 July 2025. This is for members who are currently paying into the Kent Pension Fund. Read the Pension Pulse Summer 2025 newsletter (opens in a new window) (PDF, 525.4 KB)
Pension Connection - newsletter for deferred members
We published the Summer 2025 newsletter for deferred members on 30 June 2025. This is for members who have stopped paying in and their pension is held in the Fund until it is payable. Read the Pension Connection newsletter Summer 2025 newsletter (opens in new window) (PDF, 736.3 KB)
Consultation - LGPS in England and Wales: Access and fairness
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) launched a consultation on 15 May 2025. It is about changes to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) in England and Wales. It is called the Access and fairness consultation.
The proposed changes are intended to improve fairness in and access to the LGPS. The proposals include:
- addressing survivor pensions and deaths grants. For example, removing the age 75 limit for death grant eligibility.
- addressing the gender pension gap. For example, extending the time limit for electing to buy back lost pension from 30 days to 12 months.
- collecting data on how many members opt out of the scheme and why.
The consultation closes on 7 August 2025.
Read the government’s LGPS in England and Wales: Access and fairness consultation It includes information about how to respond.
Pension Pulse - newsletter for current members
We published the Spring 2025 newsletter for current members on 10 April 2025. This is for members who are currently paying into the Kent Pension Fund. Read the Spring 2025 Pension Pulse newsletter (PDF, 493.7 KB)
Neonatal care leave and pay
Neonatal care leave is a new statutory entitlement from 6 April 2025. Find out about neonatal care leave and pay and how it impacts your pension
Open Lines Spring 2025 - newsletter for members in receipt of a pension
We published the Open Lines newsletter on 3 April 2025. Read the Open Lines newsletter Spring 2025
Pension overpayment and write off policy
We updated our policy in March 2025. It details how we manage pension overpayments. Read the overpayment and write off policy
Contribution pay bands 2025/26
In February 2025 we updated our website with the 2025/26 contribution pay bands. The contribution pay bands change from 1 April 2025. Find out the contribution pay bands 2025/26
Free MoneyHelper budget planner
MoneyHelper is a government-backed service that helps make your money and pension choices clearer. You can find more information about their services and how to find free, impartial guidance on the MoneyHelper website
MoneyHelper’s free budget planner helps you track how much money is coming in and how you are spending it. The budget planner will give you:
- a place to record all your spending
- a breakdown of how you spend your money
- personalised tips to make the most of your money.
Carer's leave
New laws came into effect from April 2024. If criteria is met, everyone is entitled to one week unpaid carer's leave. Find out how carer's leave interacts with the LGPS
MyPension Online
Member self service (MSS) has been upgraded to MyPension Online. If you are not already registered on MSS, create an account. If you are already registered on MSS, update your login details. Find out about MyPension Online
Responsible Investment Policy
The policy sets out Kent Pension Fund's approach to responsible investment. We updated our policy in June 2024. Read the Responsible Investment Policy (PDF, 624.1 KB)
Pensions Dashboard
Most people will change jobs several times during their working life, meaning that they may have more than one pension pot. Pensions dashboards is a government initiative which will enable you to see simple information about your Scheme pension as well as any other pension savings that you have, including your State Pension, online, securely and in one place. This facility should also help you to find any lost pension pots.
When you use a pensions dashboard, you will be asked to input certain personal data. We will then use that data to search our records and determine if you have a pension with us. This process is called ‘matching’. To match you with your pension benefits it is essential that the personal data we hold for you, such as first name (given name), surname, date of birth and current address is correct. If you think that we hold incorrect information about you, please contact us so that we can update our systems and avoid any delays when the dashboard becomes available.
The project had a reset last year and a new connection deadline for pension schemes and providers of 31 October 2026 has been announced.
Lifetime Allowance (LTA) abolition
The government abolished the LTA from 6 April 2024. Find out about lump sum tax free allowances
Net zero commitment
In December 2023, the Kent Pension Fund Committee agreed an ambitious policy package to address climate risk, including a headline net zero target of 2050. Find out about Kent Pension Fund's net zero commitment
McCloud letter to members
In December 2023, we wrote to all members about the McCloud remedy. You do not need to take any action. The letter included a factsheet. Read the McCloud remedy for the LGPS factsheet (PDF, 900.2 KB)
The McCloud Remedy in the LGPS
The Local Government Association (LGA) have produced a suite of information for members. It includes key dates, FAQs, and an online tool to find out if you are affected. Find out about the McCloud remedy in the LGPS for members
The Bereavement Benefits (Remedial) Order 2022
This Order extends eligibility for:
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance (WPA), and
- the higher rate of Bereavement Support Payment (BSP).
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) makes these payments.
Eligibility now includes surviving cohabiting partners with dependent children. It has retrospective effect back to the 30 August 2018. Before the changes, only those who were married or in a civil partnership with their deceased partner were eligible for WPA or BSP.
Currently WPA is up to £126.35 per week and BSP is a one off amount of up to £3,500 and 18 monthly payments of up to £350. Eligible beneficiaries can claim back to 30 August 2018.
If you know any surviving cohabiting partners with dependent children that this may impact, please tell them to contact DWP.
FAQs about the cost of living crisis
The Local Government Association (LGA) has produced some FAQs about the cost of living crisis. It includes information about reducing or stopping contributions and help for pensioners on low incomes. Read the FAQs about the cost of living crisis
Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA)
The Finance Act 2022 became law in February 2022. It includes the provision that the Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA) will increase from age 55 to 57 from 6 April 2028.
McCloud ruling
The McCloud ruling is about discrimination in public sector pension schemes.
The government confirms that you do not have to make a claim for your pension benefits to be brought in line with this ruling. Many members will not see an increase in their pension benefits and any increase is likely to be small. We will keep you updated.
Read about the McCloud court case - FAQs for LGPS members on the national LGPS website
Exit cap payment
February 2021
The exit payment restrictions were revoked on 12 February 2021. It was concluded that the restrictions had unintended consequences. The government have stated:
- it is still vital that exit payments deliver value for the taxpayer,
- employers should always consider that exit payments are fair and proportionate, and
- HM Treasury will bring forward proposals at pace to tackle unjustified exit payments.
If you think this could affect you, please contact your employer.
November 2020
On 4 November 2020 the government introduced a £95,000 cap on the total value of an exit payment to employees in the public sector. The cap includes costs to the employer for releasing a pension early. It could impact your pension. If you think this could affect you, please contact your employer.