DB white paper
Pension schemes bill has low chance of quick resolution
With the spectre of Brexit looming over parliament, Jonathan Stapleton has some scepticism that the pension schemes bill will be enacted any time soon.
Members failing to understand pension freedom tax issues
Scheme members are not equipped to deal with the tax implications of accessing their pension, last week's Pensions Buzz respondents said.
Opperman: Dashboard, DB and CDC legislation 'in next Queen's Speech'
The government is aiming to legislate for the pensions dashboard, defined benefit (DB) reform, and collective defined contribution (CDC) schemes next year, Guy Opperman has said.
Here is an idea DWP might (or not) want to think about...
Richard Favier says the process for regulated apportionment agreements is complex, lengthy, expensive, but there is a solution
Opperman: Long-term pension reform only works with cross-party support
The pensions and financial inclusion minister tells James Phillips about his first year in office and his philosophy behind pension policy creation.
Mixed views on £1m max fine for failure to report corporate events
Respondents were split in this week's Pensions Buzz on whether the £1m maximum penalty for failing to notify The Pensions Regulator (TPR) of certain corporate events was appropriate.
Have schemes become unintentionally locked into RPI?
Research suggests the industry believes schemes have been unintentionally locked into using the higher inflation measure but many remain unsure about an override. Victoria Ticha takes a closer look
TPR needs 'super trustees' to aid struggling schemes
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) could benefit from having a pool of "super trustees" that can be parachuted into schemes to fix problems when they arise, experts say.
PPF could seek special levy for DB consolidators
Defined benefit (DB) consolidation vehicles may be subject to a special levy if they are deemed eligible for the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) in the event of a failure.
First Actuarial's DB index surplus reaches record high in April
All 6,000 UK schemes had a surplus of £361bn by the end of last month when calculated under a best estimate return on their assets, according to First Actuarial.
We need clarity on DB white paper proposals
Malcolm McLean says the green-tinged white paper raised almost as many questions as answers and we are still far from knowing the exact direction of government policy
UPDATED: MPs urge 'cultural change' at TPR post-Carillion; extra powers not enough
Handing the pensions watchdog extra powers will not be enough without a significant overhaul of its culture and reputation, according to a damning report. Stephanie Baxter considers the criticisms
Rubenstein: 'More action' needed on 'ridiculously long' recovery periods for underfunded DB schemes
Former Pension Protection Fund (PPF) chief executive Alan Rubenstein says he would have liked to see 'more action' on recovery periods for underfunded schemes.
Work and Pensions Committee to hold inquiry on DB white paper
The Work and Pensions Committee (WPC) has announced an inquiry into proposals within the government's white paper on defined benefit (DB) schemes.
TPR's funding statement is a treasure trove of gems but far from unexpected
Patrick Bloomfield says the regulator is being more vocal about its view of what 'fair treatment' means, with the threat of using its powers to intervene
Will the white paper be a catalyst for DB consolidation?
The adoption of consolidation among DB funds has been slow to date. Paul Murphy asks if the white paper will act as a catalyst for smaller schemes to join master trusts
DB deficits rose £26bn over March; volatile markets remain 'benign for pensions'
The combined deficit of the UK's defined benefit (DB) pension schemes rose by 25% to £131bn on an accounting basis during March, JLT Employee Benefits analysis has revealed.
Regulation is responsible for smaller lay trustee pool, say respondents
The pressure of "excessive regulation" is causing a drop in the number of lay trustees and deterring people from taking up the role, according to this week's Pensions Buzz respondents.
Shadow minister: The white paper has been a long time coming and is a missed opportunity
Jack Dromey MP says the government had an opportunity to properly tackle the widespread problems facing DB schemes
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week's top stories included coverage of the much-anticipated defined benefit (DB) white paper and the sector's reaction.
Alan Rubenstein launches 'Pension SuperFund' DB consolidator
Defined benefit (DB) schemes are to be offered a new consolidator as the former chief of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) launches 'The Pension SuperFund'.
Action against 'unscrupulous' company directors a 'gesture' policy with little prospect of success
Enhanced powers for The Pensions Regulator (TPR) to prosecute and fine company directors who "wilfully or recklessly" put their defined benefit (DB) pension scheme at risk will be hard to enforce, commentators say.
UPDATE 2 - DWP publishes DB white paper: Stronger powers for TPR, DB chair statements to be introduced
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) will be given the power to fine company bosses who deliberately puts their defined benefit (DB) schemes at risk, the government has confirmed.
White paper to be announced this week; Pensions neglect to become criminal offence
A new criminal offence of neglecting pension responsibilities will be announced in a pensions white paper this week, the prime minister has confirmed.
