Latest news

This month around 20,000 randomly selected members are receiving an invitation to participate in the investments survey. The survey will ask whether they think the Fund should continue investing in Aerospace & Defence companies.

As we look back on the past year, we're proud to share the progress we've made together. From strengthening our financial position to enhancing the services we provide, it’s been a year of meaningful change and improvements for the Fund and its members.

We have selected a research partner who will provide expert guidance and best practice in research methods. We expect to email members the survey later this summer. 

As agreed in its Committee meeting of 28 March 2025, the Avon Pension Fund will survey members on Aerospace & Defence investments. 

We will work with an independent research organisation to ensure expert guidance and best practice in research methods.  

In a public meeting in Bath on 28 March, the Avon Pension Fund Committee voted to maintain its current approach to investing in Aerospace & Defence. 

Now that the Committee has made a decision in principle, we will consult our members, which will inform the Committee’s final decision. 

We’re pleased to announce a £50m investment in local businesses, supporting regional growth. 

This investment represents the third in our local impact strategy, with significant progress already made in the areas of green energy and affordable housing.

On 28 March the Avon Pension Fund Committee will meet to review its aerospace and defence investments. 

This follows significant work which the Fund has already undertaken, following petitions in December and appeals from Bristol City Council to divest from aerospace and defence companies which supply Israel.

The pension fund has £18m or 0.3% of its £6 billion assets invested in such companies, which primarily supply NATO partners and the UK government.

We’ve received questions about our investments, particularly those in aerospace and defence industries. The Pension Committee on 13 December was also asked about our investments in companies whose products are used by the Israeli military. 

The Committee will review the statements and the legal and financial position, and consider the issue at a public Committee meeting in early 2025.

Our 2024 Responsible Investment Report highlights the investment risks and opportunities the Fund faces. These include climate change, human rights and biodiversity. 

This year we examine the investment case for solar energy, positive impact via affordable housing investments and a forward look on natural capital investing.

We outline our focus areas for 2025 to ensure we meet our environmental, social, and financial priorities.

We’re investing £50 million to build affordable homes in the south-west and nationally over the next few years. 

Our new investment will fund approximately 250 new affordable homes for up to 1,000 people, a fifth of which will be in the Avon area.