Law and Regulation
Industry generally positive over TPR guidance on investment governance
As The Pensions Regulator’s consultation on investment governance guidance closes, Holly Roach looks at the industry’s response.
Trustees prepared for upcoming ESG regulations but admit to implementation challenges
Some 96% of trustees are ready for upcoming ESG regulations which will require schemes to agree their approach to responsible investment, according to Hymans Robertson.
Star: Defining and demonstrating transfer excellence
Schemes already face a legislative requirement to carry out transfers promptly and efficiently, so they should voluntarily get on board with the industry-developed solution, says Tom McPhail
PP Brexit Advisory Panel: Why schemes must prepare for all outcomes
Professional Pensions' expert Brexit Advisory Panel discusses the key considerations for schemes ahead of the UK's potential exit from the European Union
Why TPR is asking whether professional trustees should be mandatory
Professional trustees can improve scheme governance, clear up misunderstandings, and ensure regulatory compliance, argues David Fairs
TPR launches prosecution against director of professional trustee firm
The director of a professional trustee firm is being prosecuted by The Pensions Regulator (TPR) for failing to provide information and documents requested as part of an ongoing investigation.
UPDATED: The full list of pensions ministers since 1998
There have been a total of 15 ministers responsible for pensions since 1997. Here is the list in full.
One year on from Hampshire: Uprated PPF benefits being paid but answers still needed
Key questions are still yet to be answered over how much compensation members receive from the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) a year after a landmark court ruling.
Labour plans for company share redistribution could 'cost pension funds £25bn'
The Labour party's proposed inclusive ownership proposals could cost UK workplace pension funds £25bn, according to an analysis by international law firm Clifford Chance.
Smart Pension and Lewis master trust authorised
Smart Pension and The Lewis Workplace Pension Trust have been authorised by The Pensions Regulator (TPR), taking the total number of approved schemes to 22.
TPR to prosecute businessman over failure to provide company documents
A businessman is to be prosecuted by The Pensions Regulator (TPR) for failing to reveal information about companies he owns or runs.
Demolishing the tax structure
Any changes to pensions taxation must be deliberate, planned and controlled, with a clear end objective in mind, says Richard Butcher
Pensions bill possible as date set for Queen's Speech
Boris Johnson's government will deliver its first Queen's Speech on 14 October, the prime minister has announced.
Armed forces hit by annual allowance issue
Nearly 4,000 members of the Armed Forces Pension Schemes breached their annual tax-free pensions savings limit in 2017/2018, a freedom of information (FOI) request has revealed.
Updated: Key dates for pensions
PP has compiled a list of what to watch out for over the coming months.
Ombudsman to appoint COO and NEDs after government review
The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) must make significant changes to its leadership structure in order to provide "additional insight… and more challenge on organisational strategy", a governmental evaluation has concluded.
Boris Johnson will create pension tax relief 'losers' with mooted income tax reforms
Boris Johnson's mooted income tax reforms would create a double-edged sword whereby income tax winners would become pension tax relief losers, according to research by Aegon.
Standalone funds not always subject to CMA tender rules
Pension funds that decide to invest in standalone fiduciary management funds are being reassured that they will not be subject to mandatory tendering requirements.
London-based employer handed £350,000 fine for pension duties failure
An unnamed London-based employer has been hit with a £350,000 fine from The Pensions Regulator (TPR) for failing to fully comply with its pension duties.
Court ruling 'raises the bar' for pensions rectification cases
Pension schemes have been warned they may now face a more challenging legal test if they wish to fix drafting errors.
Remember, remember the 10th of December…
Trustees risk leaving their scheme ungovernable if they do not get in place strategic objectives for investment advisers, warns John Paterson.
David Fairs: Trustees have a tremendous responsibility, so it is right to expect knowledge and understanding
Member-nominated trustees bring clear value to scheme boards, but it is important their knowledge is up to scratch, says David Fairs
DWP to legislate for additional ombudsman powers to facilitate early resolution
The government is looking to bring forward legislation to give The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO) additional powers, including an early resolution function, "in due course".
Government to review tapered pension tax rules for NHS doctors
The government has put forward proposals to review pensions tax relief rules in order to give senior NHS clinicians full flexibility over the amount that they contribute to their pensions.
