Five stories you may have missed this week

The biggest stories were predictions the Chancellor would introduce a flat rate of tax relief, Merchant Navy Officers closing defined benefit to future accrual, and KPMG expanding its defined contribution team by a third.
Other top stories included analysis on how a Brexit would impact pensions, and the regulator warning trustees to move quickly on chair's statements to avoid being fined. 1) Osborne will introduce...
More on Law and Regulation
Boohoo acquisition of Debenhams leaves schemes with PPF
The Debenhams brand and website has been acquired by online fashion retailer Boohoo for £55m, although the pension scheme, shops, and stock will not be purchased.
Con Keating: Buzz views show true depth of DB funding code disquiet
Con Keating says last week’s Pensions Buzz survey indicates the true feeling of directly affected schemes to The Pensions Regulator’s DB funding code proposals.
New TPR powers could lead to upsurge in clearance applications
The Pension Regulator’s (TPR) strengthened powers under the Pension Schemes Bill could lead to a revival of its clearance process, according to advisers and lawyers.
USS: Cost of scheme is 'growing challenge' as future returns 'likely to be lower'
The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) trustee board has warned investment returns will be lower in the future than expected as it edges closer to concluding its 2020 valuation.
Pension Schemes Bill gets final approval and waits for Royal Assent
The long-debated Pension Schemes Bill has received parliamentary approval, guaranteeing its place on the statute book.