Table 31c i)2024/25 £000's2025/26 £000's
Present Value of the defined benefit obligation(1,316,485)(1,355,242)
Fair value of plan assets1,528,6661,694,127
Net (liability)/asset arising from defined benefit obligation post asset ceiling212,181338,885
Impact of asset ceiling*(263,062)(338,885)
Net Liability arising from defined benefit obligation post asset ceiling(50,881)-

*IAS 19 allows for an asset ceiling which is the present value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

Reconciliation of the Movements in the Fair Value of Scheme (Plan) Assets:

Table 31c ii)2024/25 £000's2025/26 £000's
Opening fair value of scheme assets1,491,1251,528,666
Interest Income72,81888,524
Remeasurement gain/(loss) on the return on plan assets(23,332)83,657
Contributions from employer41,39243,855
Contributions from employees into the scheme12,37713,414
Benefits paid(63,869)(62,034)
Other(1,845)(1,955)
Closing fair value of scheme assets1,528,6661,694,127

Reconciliation of Present Value of the Scheme Liabilities (Defined Benefit Obligation):

Table 31c iii)2024/25 £000's2025/26 £000's
Opening balance at 1 April(1,469,564)(1,316,485)
Current service cost(30,700)(22,856)
Interest cost(70,748)(74,946)
Contributions from scheme participants(12,377)(13,414)
Remeasurement (gains) and losses:-
Experience (gains) / loss1,82010,383
assumptions197,343422
Actuarial (gains) and losses from changes in demographic assumptions4,804655
Benefits paid63,86962,034
Past Service Cost--
Losses / (gains) on curtailments(932)(1,035)
Liabilities extinguished on settlements--
Closing balance at 31 March(1,316,485)(1,355,242)

Change in asset ceiling:

Table 31c iv)2024/25 £000's2025/26 £000's
Asset ceiling impact at 1 April77,686263,062
Interest on surplus above asset ceiling3,80715,258
Change in asset ceiling (net of interest)181,56960,565
Asset ceiling impact at 31 March263,062338,885

The Pension Fund net liabilities must be reviewed every three years by an actuary and a recovery plan agreed to eliminate any deficit. An actuarial valuation of the London Borough