Pension Fund investments have the ability to do good in addition to the provision of an income for retirees. I have previously reported that I like to influence the way the money is invested in the Hampshire Pension Fund and so it can be frustrating when constituents contact me wanting the Panel to do more to mitigate Climate Change, when it is my belief that our investments are one of the most forward thinking in the country. The problem is that when they read what we are doing, it is in a very technocratic language. I raised this last month and I am very happy to report that as of this week, the communications budget has been increased by £20,000 to facilitate reports to be written in plain English.
Still on the subject of Climate Change, I accompanied the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Hampshire Pension Fund on a Property Investment Manager tender last week. We interviewed four property investment managers where among the parameters important to me is ESG (Environment, Social and Governance). Currently, investment in property is showing amongst the highest returns, but it also has the ability to have the most beneficial affect on climate change if managed properly.