LCP reappointed as strategic pensions partner to the National Housing Federation

LCP has been reappointed as the National Housing Federation’s (NHF) strategic pensions partner, following a competitive tender process.

The reappointment builds on three years of work supporting housing associations with practical pensions insight and policy influence. Over that period, LCP and NHF have delivered webinars, conference sessions, briefings and sector research, helping members navigate a complex pensions landscape.

The next phase of the partnership comes at an important time for the sector. Housing associations face significant opportunities and challenges across pension arrangements. These include navigating the implications of the Verity court case, opportunities arising through improving funding positions and potential new options for managing legacy pension liabilities, as well as major reforms to the DC market and the emerging potential of collective defined contribution schemes.

LCP will continue to provide NHF and its members with early warning of policy, regulatory and market developments, alongside clear, practical support on the actions housing associations may need to take. The partnership will also support NHF’s engagement with policymakers, regulators, pension providers and LGPS funds, ensuring the sector’s particular circumstances, financial resilience and social purpose are recognised.

Tim Gilbert, Partner at LCP, commented: “Over the past three years, we have developed a strong and productive relationship with the NHF team and its members, bringing together the NHF’s sector leadership with LCP’s pensions, policy and market expertise.

“Pensions remain a material strategic issue for housing associations. Our role is to help member organisations understand the risks, act early on opportunities and make decisions that support both their people and their wider social purpose.”

Mike Richardson, Partner and Head of Social Housing at LCP, said: “The sector is facing a period of real change. Improved funding levels, evolving DB policy, the outcome of the Verity case, DC reforms, CDC developments and the next LGPS valuation cycle all require thoughtful and proportionate action.

“We want to build on the partnership we have established with NHF. Our particular skill is in turning complex pensions developments into practical insight for finance leaders, HR teams, boards and senior executives. Our focus will remain on helping associations reduce avoidable cost and risk, improve outcomes for employees and identify opportunities that might otherwise be missed.”

Helen Collins, Head of Partnerships at the National Housing Federation, added: “LCP’s detailed understanding of the housing sector, combined with their deep pensions expertise and ability to communicate complex issues clearly, has been valuable to our members over the past three years. “We look forward to working together to provide our members with timely insight, practical support and a strong collective voice on issues that affect the sector.”