Council Pension Fund has committed £30 million to the major new UK Social Investment Fund launched by M&G plc.
This investment is contributing to M&G's ambition to unlock over £1 billion of long-term investment over the next three to five years in affordable housing, regeneration, clean energy and essential infrastructure across the UK.
Social and Economic Outcomes
The commitment positions the council as one of the first investors in the M&G UK Social Investment Fund, which aims to deliver positive social and economic outcomes while generating long-term returns for pension members. The Fund will support projects that improve community wellbeing, provide affordable homes, decarbonise infrastructure and stimulate local economic growth.
The financing will bring institutional capital into projects across the country, including opportunities to work with local authorities and housing providers on purpose-built accommodation for young care leavers and the delivery of additional affordable homes.
Councillor David Parker, Chair of the Pension Fund Committee
"We are delighted to be investing in M&G's new UK Social Investment Fund, which represents a major opportunity to channel long-term capital into projects that genuinely improve lives. This commitment will help drive economic growth and support communities right across the country, with high-quality initiatives that deliver real and lasting impact.
"We are confident that M&G's strong track record and expertise will ensure this investment brings meaningful benefits to local areas throughout the UK."
The Fund will be managed by M&G's private markets business and is aligned with the UK Government's policy objectives to encourage Local Government Pension Scheme funds to support long-term UK economic growth.
It focuses on five core impact areas:
- local economic growth
- improved health outcomes
- decarbonisation
- access to homes
- access to essential services and infrastructure
The council's Pension Fund's investment is made alongside M&G's own With Profits Fund and aims to attract further investment from other pension schemes and institutional investors. The wider M&G group currently has over £100 billion invested in the UK economy.