Priorities for the new local government minister include tackling deficits, according to findings of a recent survey by the NAPF

The survey of Local Government Pensions Scheme members, which asked what the local government minister should focus on, found more than one third (35%) said the priority was tackling deficits, with 9% saying governance and 4% merging funds.

Speaking at the NAPF Local Authority Conference 2015, Joanne Segars said: "It's important the LGPS community comes together to focus on making the right chances and delivering a scheme that's sustainable and affordable in the long-term."

She added that dealing with the GBP 47bn deficit is the "defining issue" for the LGPS over the next couple of years.

Local pensions boards, the latest addition to the LGPS governance mix, will also present a challenge, she said.

The NAPF poll of LGPS members found that almost all local pension boards (96%) have been set up as single board, with the remaining 4% set up as joint boards.

Two key challenges have emerged since the boards have been established; uncertainty about the board's role and ensuring members have sufficient training and skills.

To support LGPS members, the NAPF plans to publish a guide to LGPS governance and also extend the existing NAPF training programme to support LGPS members, including those on pension boards.

Segars went on identify valuations as a challenge for 2016, saying they will put "even greater pressure on employers at a time when austerity will be already presenting problems for councils and participating employers."

"The LGPS is a great scheme, but we know there's room for improvement and one of the great strengths of the scheme is that drive for continual improvement – that common ambition to deliver a lasting and sustainable LGPS that binds us together," she said.

First published 21.05.2015

Lindsay.sharman@wilmingtonplc.co.uk