Form

SF3: Local government pension scheme funds - Validation notes

Updated 3 July 2026

Applies to England

1. Summary of validation checks

The SF3 is subjected to a strict validation process. We include validation tests within the form in DELTA and will perform other tests once the form is received to ensure the form has been completed correctly and the data are of good quality.

Most of the data input cells in the form will only accept positive figures. Figures should be rounded to the nearest whole number except for the primary contributions (line C1) percentage rate which should be reported to 2 decimal places and the number of full-time equivalents in Section G who should be reported to an appropriate number of decimal places.

Where the data on SF3 2025-26 varies significantly from that provided on SF3 2024-25 we seek an explanation for the variance. The SF3 form in DELTA has in-built validation checks which clearly identify areas where further information is required. Local authorities are asked to complete the explanation boxes with reasons for the variance, where applicable. If explanations are not provided or provide insufficient explanation, then we will contact the named local authority contact to resolve an error or seek an explanation for all entries that fail our validation tests. Examples of insufficient explanations are: ‘OK’, ‘Data up or down’ or ‘Checked’.

Specific details on the validation checks on each part of the SF3 are described in this document.

2. Validation of Part 1: Statement of Expenditure and Income 2025-26

Line 1: Total expenditure

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total expenditure against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±10%.

Line 16: Total income

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total income against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±20%.

3. Validation of Part 2: Membership, retirements and additional expenditure and income items

3.1 Section A – Membership at 31 March 2025

Line A1: Total number of employers

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total number of employers against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±10% and an actual change of ±25, or where there is no change.

Line A2: Total number of contributing members

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total number of contributing members against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±5% and an actual change of ±500, or where there is no change.

Line A3: Number of pensioners

We compare the figure for 2025-26 number of pensioners against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±5% and an actual change of ±500, or where there is no change.

Line A4: Number of former members entitled to deferred benefits

We compare the figure for 2025-26 number of former members entitled to deferred benefits against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±5% and an actual change of ±1,000, or where there is no change.

Line A5: Number of flexible retirees

We compare the figure for 2025-26 number of flexible retirees against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±25% and an actual change of ±25, or where there is no change.

3.2 Section B – Realisation of fund assets at 31 March 2025

Line B3: Net profit on realisation of assets

You need to explain if the net profit equals zero.

We compare the figure for 2025-26 net profit on realisation of assets against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±30% and an actual change of ±£250 million, or where there is no change.

3.3 Section C – Employers’ contributions during 2025-26

Line C3: Total contributions

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total contributions against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±20% and an actual change of ±£20 million, or where there is no change.

Line C2a / Line C2: Section 16 (2)(b) contributions as a percentage of secondary contributions

If the Section 16 (2)(b) contributions (line C2a) in 2025-26 are more than 15% of the total secondary contributions (line C2) in 2025-26 we require an explanation.

Note: A statement will also appear if the figure in C3 does not match the figure in Part 1 Line 12. Please check your figures and correct where necessary before you submit. Unless the difference is less than ±10 (assumed to be due to rounding), then you will not be able to submit your form until this has been resolved.

3.4 Section D – Investment income during 2025-26

Line D5: Total income

We compare the figure for 2024-25 total income against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±20% and an actual change of ±£10 million, or where there is no change.

Note: A statement will also appear if the figure in D5 does not match the figure in Part 1 Line 13. Please check your figures and correct where necessary before you submit. Unless the difference is less than ±10 (assumed to be due to rounding), then you will not be able to submit your form until this has been resolved.

3.5 Section E – Market value of the fund

Line E2: At 31 March 2025

We compare the figure for 31 March 2025 against the figure for 31 March 2024; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±5% and an actual change of ±£250 million, or where there is no change.

At 31 March 2024 vs 1 April 2024

We compare the figure for 31 March 2024 from the 2024-25 SF3 form against the figure for 1 April 2024 from the 2025-26 form. We require an explanation if the figures are different.

3.6 Section F – Pensions (increase) payments reimbursed by employers during 2025-26

Line F1: Total expenditure

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total expenditure against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±£50,000, or where there is no change.

3.7 Section G – Administration staff of the fund at 31 March 2025

Line G1 + Line G2: Total number of staff

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total number of staff against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain if there is an actual change of ±5.

3.8 Section H: Management expenses charged to the fund during 2025-26

Line H4: Total management expenses charges to the fund

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total management expenses charged to the fund against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±15% and an actual change of ±£5 million, or where there is no change.

The figure for the Investment management expenses (line H1) should be greater than the sum of: Administration expenses (line H2) and Oversight and governance expenses (line H3). You will need to provide a comment if this is not the case.

Note: A statement will also appear if the figure in H4 does not match the figure in Part 1 Line 8. Please check your figures and correct where necessary before you submit. Unless the difference is less than ±10 (assumed to be due to rounding), then you will not be able to submit your form until this has been resolved.

3.9 Section I: Retirements in 2025-26

Line I5: Sub-total

We compare the figure for 2025-26 sub-total against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±20% and an actual change of ±100, or where there is no change.

Line I6: Normal retirements

We compare the figure for 2025-26 normal retirements against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±20% and an actual change of ±100, or where there is no change.

Line I7: Total retirements

We compare the figure for 2025-26 total retirements against the 2024-25 figure; you need to explain any changes in excess of ±20% and an actual change of ±100, or where there is no change.