7 Days is a weekly round up of developments in pensions, normally published on Monday mornings. We collate this information from key industry sources, such as the DWP, HMRC and TPR.

In this 7 Days

DWP consults on consolidation of small DC pots

On 15 September 2026, the DWP published a consultation on its proposals for the automatic consolidation of deferred small DC pots through multiple consolidator schemes. This is intended to help tackle the increasing number of small pots across the pensions system.

The consultation covers the core components of the automatic consolidation system, including how consolidator schemes will be authorised, the standards and governance arrangements they will need to meet, and the necessary digital infrastructure and ecosystem. It closes on 17 November 2026 and will inform the development of draft regulations, which the Government intends to publish alongside its response. See our Alert for further detail.

A further consultation, expected in late 2027 / early 2028, will consider requirements for ceding schemes, the supervisory approach, finalised data standards and remaining framework details. The approach to implementation and delivery timelines will also be set out “in due course”.

TPR’s 2026 DB funding analysis

On 15 September 2026, TPR published its occupational defined benefit scheme funding analysis 2026. The annual publication is an overview of the funding levels in occupational DB and hybrid schemes in the UK. The report compares the funding levels of schemes with effective valuation dates between 22 September 2023 and 21 September 2024 (“tranche 19”) to schemes with effective valuation dates between 22 September 2020 and 21 September 2021 (“tranche 16”). This is the same cohort of schemes.

Funding levels have improved in tranche 19 compared with tranche 16 across all scheme size categories. Other key findings include:

  • 67% of schemes reported being in a surplus position in tranche 19 compared to 39% in tranche 16
  • the average (mean) assets to technical provisions liabilities ratio for schemes in tranche 19 was 106% compared with 94% in tranche 16, and
  • the average (mean) recovery plan length for schemes in deficit was four years, with a median end date falling in 2027. For comparison, the average (mean) recovery plan length in tranche 16 was 5.7 years.

This is expected to be the last publication of TPR’s DB funding analysis in its current format. TPR’s new DB funding code came into force for valuations from 22 September 2024 and TPR plans to review how this new data will be used to shape these statistics in future.

New TPR compliance and enforcement bulletin

TPR has published a compliance and enforcement bulletin for the period April 2025 to March 2026, providing information about the number of times TPR has used selected powers for the regulation of schemes and in relation to automatic enrolment. This marks the first of future annual editions under TPR’s new enforcement approach.

ICO to be replaced by new Information Commission

Regulations have been made to bring into force provisions of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 which will replace the ICO with a new statutory body, the Information Commission (the “IC”), from 30 September 2026. All the functions and powers of the ICO will be transferred to the IC, with transitional provisions in place to preserve continuity. The ICO aims to “remain focused on ensuring a smooth transition”.

The change is designed to ensure that the regulator is “equipped to meet future challenges and seize opportunities”. The ICO currently operates with powers and responsibilities vested in one individual, the Information Commissioner. The IC will include non-executive and executive members with collective responsibility for decision-making. The new governance model is intended to “bring together a broader range of skills, experience and perspectives at the top of the organisation” to help ensure the regulator is “well placed to navigate rapid technological change” as well as evolving public expectations.

WPC inquiry into automatic enrolment reform

The WPC has launched a new inquiry examining how automatic enrolment could be reformed to help ensure “fair employer and employee contributions to secure a decent retirement income for low earners”.

In its call for evidence, the WPC is seeking feedback on issues including whether minimum contributions need to increase and how any increase should be shared between employers and workers, and whether there is a case for reducing or removing the lower earnings limit on contributions and/or the earnings trigger. The call for evidence closes on 26 October 2026.

PDP blog on consumer testing

On 17 September 2026, the PDP published a blog on consumer testing of the MoneyHelper dashboard. From 1 September 2026, the PDP has moved to a new stage of testing, with a more “streamlined” model and plans to grow testing volumes. The blog explains that, alongside the testing process, the dashboard passed a recent independent review looking at how well it meets user needs, accessibility and security, and whether it can be operated reliably at scale. Development of the service remains on track as testing and connection activity continues ahead of the public launch expected in the 2027/2028 financial year.

PPI report on the gender pensions gap

On 15 September 2026, the PPI published a report on the gender pension gap as part of its “Underpensioned Series”. Findings include that women aged 55-59 have approximately half (54%) the pension wealth of men of the same age. The research provides updated evidence as the Pensions Commission prepares to make recommendations to the Government on the broader questions of adequacy, fairness, and sustainability within the UK pensions system.

SPP paper on pensions in a digital world

The SPP has published a paper, “Pensions in a Digital World: Embedding Inclusion”, which examines the evolving environment as pensions become increasingly “digital by design”. It explores the nature and causes of “digital exclusion” for those less able to access these channels, and considers the implications for members, trustees, providers, policymakers, and regulators. It also highlights practical steps that could help to ensure that digital progress strengthens fairness and access across the pensions system.