AE
Ed Balls: I back Opperman on need for fresh pensions commission
Ed Balls has backed the idea of holding a fresh pensions commission after the minister for pensions and financial inclusion, Guy Opperman, indicated support for such a review.
Minimum AE contribution rates could rise to 12% by 2030
Auto-enrolment (AE) minimum contribution rates could rise to 12% by 2030, with a 50/50 split between employer and employee, the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) says.
Female participation in workplace schemes soars as a result of AE
The number of women participating in a workplace pension has increased by 70% since auto-enrolment (AE) began, analysis by Equiniti reveals.
Occupational scheme membership rises to 45.6 million people
Membership of occupational pension scheme membership has risen to a record high of 45.6 million people as of the end of last year, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Government must show leadership on AE
Steps to improve auto-enrolment are uncontroversial and obvious, but the government is dawdling on introducing the necessary changes, argues Jack Jones.
Living Wage Foundation campaign to tackle work insecurity still leaves workers ineligible for AE
The Living Wage Foundation has launched a campaign to tackle work insecurity after research found one in six workers are in low-paid, unstable work.
People should not use their pension to buy a house, says industry
This week's Pensions Buzz respondents rejected James Brokenshire's suggestion that savers should be able to use their pensions to fund deposits for house purchases.
Pension participation rises to 87% of eligible workers
AE has had 'truly staggering' impact
Charles Counsell: Over 1,000 schemes to feel 'gentle hand' of enhanced TPR supervision
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has set out plans to use "new regulatory initiatives" with over 1,000 schemes as it aims to tighten its regulatory grip and boost member outcomes.
More thought needed on mid-life MOTs, says House of Lords committee
Mid-life MOTs are in danger of "missing those most in need of support", the government has been warned following a review of intergenerational fairness.
Smart Pension and Moore Stephens fined for non-compliant chair's statements
The trustees of the Autoenrolment.co.uk and Moore Stephens master trusts have been fined for "deficient" chair's statements after failed court action against The Pensions Regulator (TPR).
Occupational scheme membership rises three points over 2018, finds ONS
Nearly four in five UK employees are now members of an occupational pension scheme, Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveals.
Five pension changes for the new tax year
The new tax year brings a number of changes for pensions including the long-awaited name change for the Single Financial Guidance Body (SFGB).
PLSA policy board sets inaugural priorities; addresses consolidation challenges
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association's (PLSA) policy board has agreed a four-year plan focusing on consolidation, adequate contributions, effective management and well-run schemes.
Inflation edges up to 1.9% on higher food prices
Inflation in the UK rose slightly in February to 1.9% on the back of higher food prices, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Why calls for charge cap cuts must be resisted
Jonathan Stapleton asks if we need a more fundamental rethink on the issue of DC investment charges.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week's top stories included an accountant admitting fraud and making employer-related investments in the latest criminal prosecution pursued by The Pensions Regulator.
DWP: 'Newborn' employers and workers 'positive' about AE contribution rate rises
The government has explored the views and experiences of the most recent cohort of employers who were required to implement AE, and their workers. Kim Kaveh looks at the findings
Phase in dashboard compulsion gradually, says industry
Smaller schemes should be given more time to prepare data for the pensions dashboard while larger counterparts should be brought on earlier, this week's Pensions Buzz respondents say.
Government will not 'force pace of change' in AE
Guy Opperman has rejected calls to speed up changes to auto-enrolment (AE) despite increasing pressure to boost contribution rates and overall savings pots.
'Truly transformative' AE policy brings 10 million into pensions
Auto-enrolment (AE) has now brought 10 million workers into occupational pensions since its introduction in 2012, latest government figures reveal.
Accounts manager ordered to pay £5,000 for lying to TPR about meeting AE duties
An accounts manager has been ordered to pay £5,000 after trying to hide that fact that restaurants he worked with had not given their staff access to workplace pensions.
Government delays to pension reform 'could cost low earners £12,000'
A six-year delay in overhauling a pensions rule that penalises the low paid could cut a saver's pension by as much as £12,000, according to the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
Uber loses third battle over drivers' pension rights
Uber drivers have had their pension rights confirmed once more after the Court of Appeal ruled they should be classed as workers and entitled to associated rights.