CHESHIRE Pension Fund invests over £4 billion on behalf of local government employees in Cheshire, Warrington and Halton.

Over 220 councils and organisations are in the fund which has over 86,000 members.

In the last few years many pension funds are under pressure to invest more ethically.

This is even more important for a local government fund, working to benefit and advance the communities of Northwich.

There are different views on how to do that, but most campaigns agree we should avoid companies that trade in the UK yet do not pay UK Corporation Tax.

Tax avoidance is always in the news.

Local government and housing is mostly funded through taxation and if taxes are not paid, we would not be able to function.

Others arguments concentrate on companies that use zero-hours contracts or do not pay the minimum wage.

Also any investments in tobacco, gambling, payday loans, and carbon extraction are detrimental to society and families.

It is a surprise therefore to see that Cheshire Pension Fund yet again keeps large investment in companies famously avoiding UK Corporation Tax.

The two largest investments listed in the 2016 Annual Report just published are Amazon (£55 million) and Facebook (£41 million).

Taxes support our benefits, education, infrastructure and housing. Growth and prosperity in the Northwich area follow.

Investments such as these do not make sense.

How can a pension fund for employees who work in local government and housing associations continue this support of these companies year after year?

Dave Plunkett Cheshire