Autumn Statement
Cold calling ban shelved, govt says
The upcoming Financial Guidance and Claims Bill will not include the pensions cold calling ban, the Department for Work and Pensions has said.
Industry unsurprised by non-compliance with scheme returns
Most respondents in last week's Pensions Buzz were not shocked by the revelation that thousands of DC schemes are breaching scheme return rules.
Why the government must stop the tinkering
The chancellor's first Autumn Statement tinkered further with pensions. Jonathan Stapleton explains why this is the wrong way to approach long-term savings.
Salary sacrifice restrictions: The list of affected and exempt benefits
Here it is… A full list of all the benefits PP thinks will be exempted, protected and affected by the salary sacrifice restrictions announced by chancellor Philip Hammond yesterday.
Autumn Statement: Hammond keeps triple lock but hints it could come under threat after 2020
The chancellor has confirmed the government will keep the state pension triple lock but warned it could be cut in future due to rising longevity.
Autumn Statement 2016: The key announcements on pensions
Cuts to the Money Purchase Annual Allowance; a £1bn raid on salary sacrifice schemes; a pledge to keep the pensions triple-lock; and increases in the Insurance Premium Tax… Professional Pensions takes a look at the key Autumn Statement announcements....
Government reaffirms clamp down on pensions cold calling in Autumn Statement
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to crack down on pensions cold calling and give firms more powers to block suspicious transfers.
Government to consult on slashing Money Purchase Annual Allowance
The government has announced a consultation into reducing the money purchase annual allowance (MPAA).
Autumn Statement: Government to crack down on pension scams
The chancellor will outline plans to ban pensions cold calling and give firms more powers to block suspicious transfers in this Wednesday's Autumn Statement.
Autumn Statement: What the chancellor should do for pensions
There is much speculation over what next week's Autumn Statement could throw up for pensions, so what does the industry want to see?
What were the top pension stories last week?
The most popular stories were a potential RAA for British Steel Pension Scheme if the government shelves plans to change pension law, and Treasury plans to launch the pensions dashboard by next Spring.
Tax relief reform 'attractive' for chancellor in Autumn Statement
A single rate of tax relief could be "far too attractive" for chancellor Philip Hammond to not consider introducing through his Autumn Statement, says public policy expert Iain Anderson.
NEST should be auto-enrolment default micro-employers
NEST should be made the default auto-enrolment provider for small firms, according to a majority of respondents to Professional Pensions research.
We need to increase AE minimums
This year's Autumn Statement saw planned increases to AE minimums delayed by six months. Helen Morrissey is not impressed.
Five stories you might have missed: Autumn Statement, DC code, Bulk annuity entrant
Top stories online this week include the Autumn Statement, an updated code of conduct for defined contribution schemes, and a first bulk annuity deal for Scottish Widows.
Government scolded over auto-enrolment contributions delay
Six-month delays 'disappointing' for an ageing population, critics argue
Autumn Statement: Treasury to backdate IHT drawdown exemption
Statement brings 'clarity' to the current situation
Autumn Statement: Government publishes criteria for pooling LGPS into six funds
The government has published criteria and guidance for pooling the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) into six "British wealth funds" worth at least £25bn each.
Autumn Statement: Free childcare eligibility cut
The chancellor has cut eligibility for free childcare and tax-free childcare to families earning less than £100,000 and parents working more than 16 hours a week.
Autumn Statement: Osborne unveils 0.5% apprenticeship payroll tax
Large employers face an additional payroll tax of 0.5% to fund the chancellor's apprenticeship programme.
Autumn Statement: Treasury to consult employers on salary sacrifice
The government is to consult employers on the use of salary sacrifice schemes and "remains concerned about the growth" of such schemes.
Autumn Statement: Key pension announcements
PP's quick fire guide to what the Autumn Statement means for pensions.
Autumn Statement: AE contribution increases delayed six months
Planned increases to minimum auto-enrolment contributions will be delayed to align them with the start of the tax year, the government has revealed.
Autumn Statement: Employers hit with £1.3bn diesel car tax rise
Chancellor George Osborne has extended the removal of the diesel supplement on company cars until 2021 - costing employers an estimated £1.36bn extra.
