The Access Pool has confirmed that its 11 Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) partner funds are unlikely to choose a single pooling partner, signalling a likely split ahead of the government's 30 September 2025 pooling partner selection deadline.

Access was one of two LGPS pools that failed to receive the green light from the government on its pooling plan, with the government stating that the proposals from both Brunel Pensions Partnership and Access Pool did not meet its vision for the future of the LGPS.

The pool expressed its “extreme disappointment” with this news at the time, arguing that its plan was consistent with those approved and highlighting concerns that the rejection overlooked key cost-efficiency elements.

However, a recent update from the pool confirmed that the authorities are now nearing the end of their internal review process, and not all 11 member funds are expected to select the same pooling partner.

Access's update confirmed that, over the summer, the 11 authorities involved will undertake further governance steps with their selected partners to secure the necessary assurances.

"Access authorities are progressing towards key decisions in response to the government’s 'Fit for the Future' policy, which presents significant challenges for individual LGPS funds, the Access collaboration, and the sector as a whole," the update stated.

"In light of these challenges, authorities are actively assessing all available options against their strategic criteria to ensure the continued delivery of strong outcomes for members, employers, and stakeholders."

Despite the likely disbanding, Access confirmed that the 11 authorities are still being supported by the Access Support Unit (ASU), which remains committed to delivering scale and efficiency benefits as the largest asset pool.

"They continue to proactively manage costs and mitigate risks associated with the uncertainty of reorganisation," the group stated.

"Access remains focused on delivering value and stability for its members and stakeholders during this period of transition."

Access’s 11 current member authorities are: Cambridgeshire County Council (CC), East Sussex CC, Essex CC, Hampshire CC, Hertfordshire CC, Isle of Wight Council, Kent CC, Norfolk CC, West Northamptonshire Council, Suffolk CC and West Sussex CC.

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