Simpler annual benefit statements – an update

Following on from my August 2021 blog post on the DWP’s plans to introduce simpler annual benefit statements, we have now had some time to digest the DWP’s response in October to its consultation and the finalised Regulations, which...

Collective DC: the dawn of a new era?

Earlier this year the Pension Schemes Act 2021 provided the long awaited statutory framework for Collective Money Purchase (“CMP”) schemes, commonly referred to as Collective Defined Contribution (or “CDC”) in the UK.   This was...

Top Tips for Trustees: Crystallising discretions on buy-in

Sarah Henderson’s blog last month, “Why the rules are just the beginning…”, looked at steps to building a benefits specification for a bulk annuity policy. One of the steps was crystallising trustee discretions. Let’s look at...

TPR’s single code: a marathon, not a sprint (but you need to start training)

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) consulted earlier this year on its proposed new single code of practice (the Code). The Code is to combine 10 of TPR’s existing 15 codes of practice into an updated and online format, and with content that...

Why the rules are just the beginning…

The benefit specification from start to finish When securing benefits through a bulk annuity policy with an insurer, it’s important to ensure the benefits are carefully documented in your benefit specification. Why? Because, otherwise,...

Gender recognition by pension schemes: the legal position

For many occupational pension schemes there is an interplay between the scheme’s benefit structure and gender that continues to necessitate the inclusion of a member’s gender on their scheme record. As such, schemes should ensure they...

Considering marital status tracing? – Think data protection

As defined benefit schemes mature, de-risk and edge ever closer to buy-out and wind up, companies and trustees are increasingly focusing on different types of risk exposure. One risk they may be looking at more closely is the risk which...

Bulk annuity contracts: Thinking about risks in risk transfer

A bulk annuity transaction is a transaction about risk.  Funding and administering a DB pension scheme involves lots of risks. A bulk annuity transaction looks to transfer some of those risks from the scheme and its sponsor to an...

Enforcing UK court judgments in Europe: is there still hope for Lugano?

At the end of the Brexit transition period, certain regulations and conventions governing jurisdiction and enforcement ceased to apply to the UK, making the process for enforcing UK court judgments in EU member states, Iceland, Norway and...

Simplification of annual benefit statements

Earlier this year, the Department of Work and Pensions (the “DWP”) published a consultation on draft regulations introducing new standard requirements for annual workplace pension benefit statements for members (excluding pensioners)...