Researching member views on Aerospace & Defence

6 May 2025

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.  

Safeguarding your financial future

7 April 2025

We’d like to offer you a reassuring reminder about the Avon Pension Fund. 

Avon Pension Fund is a local government pension scheme (LGPS) backed by the UK government. 

Your pension is not affected by ups & downs in stock markets, Trump tariffs, or any other economic news you read.

Committee votes to remain invested in Aerospace & Defence

28 March 2025

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. 

Committee to debate investments

11 February 2025

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.

Investments and conflict-affected areas

17 December 2024

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.

Annual Report 2023/24: a year of progress

3 December 2024

It has been a year of encouraging progress and development. 

The Fund is in robust financial health, with an improved 98% funding level at 31 March 2024. 

This improved position has enabled us to deliver stable employer contributions, critical given ongoing strain in local government finances. 

We’re responsible investors

8 November 2024

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 boosting the supply of affordable housing

28 August 2024

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.