Discount rates: The bumpy road to smoothing

Jack Jones looks at responses to the DWP consultation on smoothing discount rates

clock •

Concerns over proposals to introduce smoothing into scheme valuations have been revealed by a Department for Work and Pensions call for evidence. Although some respondents welcome the plans, which are expected to feature in the Budget this month, many warned they would have a limited impact and reduce transparency.

Responses to the consultation stressed that, if smoothing is introduced, it would have to apply to assets and liabilities and schemes would have to be given the choice over whether or not to apply ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Pensions

Become a Professional Pensions Lite Member today

  • Three complimentary articles per month covering the latest real-time news, analysis and opinion from the industry
  • Receive important and breaking news stories via our two daily news alerts
  • Hear from industry experts and other forward-thinking leaders

Are you a trustee, investment consultant or in-house pension and benefit scheme professional? You can apply for full complimentary access here

Join now

 

Already a Professional Pensions
member?

Login

More on Defined Benefit

Partner Insight: What is driving DB scheme costs?

Partner Insight: What is driving DB scheme costs?

Cost pressures have long been part of the defined benefit (DB) landscape, but the findings from the TPT DB Trustee Pulse 2026 suggest their role may be evolving.

TPT Retirement Solutions
clock 18 September 2026 • 1 min read
Poor member comms could delay buyouts, Hymans says

Poor member comms could delay buyouts, Hymans says

Poor communications can lead to complaints, member confusion and delayed transactions

Alex Levy
clock 17 September 2026 • 2 min read
Thousands of DB schemes will run until 2035, say pension professionals

Thousands of DB schemes will run until 2035, say pension professionals

Poll of 400 industry professionals reveals changing outlook for the sector

Alex Levy
clock 04 September 2026 • 1 min read
Trustpilot