MP questions impact of pooling reforms

Published: July 16, 2025

Jayne Kirkham MP has warned that the reforms to pooling may reduce local control and weaken investment in regional priorities like housing and clean energy. 

The Truro and Falmouth MP raised concerns about the Government’s plans to consolidate local government pension schemes into six national investment pools. Kirkham said the move risks undoing recent progress made under the current eight-pool system. 

Kirkham also questioned whether larger, geographically spread pools would limit the ability of local funds to pursue environmental and community investment goals. 

In response, Andrew Western, an Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Work and Pensions, said the reforms aim to reduce fragmentation and improve efficiency while protecting local fiduciary duties. 

Western also confirmed that administering authorities would still be able to work with local strategic bodies to identify investment opportunities, though the mechanism for doing so remains under discussion. 

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