The Wiltshire Pension Fund (WPF) has selected Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Central as its preferred pooling partner, after Brunel Pension Partnership, its current pooling partner, failed to get the government's green light on its pooling plans.

The government consulted on a number of major reforms to the LGPS last year, including a requirement for all LGPS assets to be pooled by 31 March 2026, and for funds to take investment strategy advice from their respective pools.  

LGPS pools shared their pooling plans with the government as part of this, and whilst six of the eight funds were given the grrenlight on their pooling plans, Brunel and Access Pool confirmed that their proposals were rejected, with the Pensions Minister stating that the proposals did not meet the government’s vision for the future of the LGPS.

As a result, WPF, along with 20 other LGPS funds, was directed to seek a new pooling partner, with a final decision required by 30 September 2025.

WPF said that it had since carried out a "rigorous and forward-looking" assessment process, supported by its independent investment advisors Redington, to determine the most suitable partner to deliver the government's expectations as well as ensure alignment with the fund's investment strategy and culture.

It then presented its preferred pooling partner to the committee on 24 July, suggesting that the partnership with LGPS Central would mean that the fund's voice would be heard, ensuring a cultural fit through effective collaboration, driving positive outcomes in the future. 

The fund argued that selecting a new investment pool is a "significant decision".

But early engagement with the process allowed the fund to better manage the risk of instability and prioritise key assessment criteria, in order to ensure the best possible outcome with employers' and members' best interests in mind.   

However, the fund clarified that whilst this is a "significant milestone" in meeting the government's challenge to find a new pool, it is not the end of the process, as the decision to admit a new fund to the LGPS Central Pool rests with their shareholders. 

Commenting on the news, WPF head, Jennifer Devine, said: "During our selection process, the openness demonstrated by the senior leadership team at LGPS Central gave us a high level of conviction that our voice would be heard, providing the best prospect of being able to collaborate and help drive positive outcomes in the future. 

"We felt that the culture at LGPS Central was something that we wanted to be a part of, and we are excited about the next stage of the process.  

Adding to this, WPF committee chair, Cllr George Simmonds, said: "The committee has approached the monumental task of identifying a new investment pool with considerable diligence.

"In this time of change we have been intentional in our pursuit of a partner that not only demonstrates a strong customer focus but also aligns culturally with the values of the Wiltshire Pension Fund. The committee is confident that a move to LGPS Central would fulfil these aspirations and support us in meeting the government's pooling requirements.

LGPS Central CEO, Richard Law-Deeks, added: "We welcome the opportunity to work with all prospective partners in building a model which works for all, and secures the future of LGPS investments, recognising the key role we play in supporting the payment of pension benefits.

"We're pleased that, following Wiltshire Pension Fund's rigorous due diligence, we have emerged as their preferred pool.

"This is a positive step that now enables us to work with our existing partner funds, in line with our governance framework, to consider the appropriate next steps on a potential new fund joining the pool." 

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