Unison in battle to represent members on council pension funds

摘要

Trade union Unison is fighting for representation on the eight pension pools to be formed by English and Welsh local authority funds. The Government has confirmed schemes should make decisions 'in the best long-term interests of scheme beneficiaries' but has failed to respond directly to Unison's call. There are concerns that the Treasury will try to meddle in decisions made by the new so-called British wealth funds, which are being created in an attempt to increase investment in infrastructure. Fears the Government could 'gamble away members' money on infrastructure' are now expected to be raised in Parliament after a Unison petition reached the 100,000 signature threshold that usually prompts a debate. A source said: 'Pressure must be put on the Government to answer why they are asserting that the local government pension scheme is invested in the best interests of scheme members while failing to provide evidence that this is backed by legislation.'