Pensions Buzz
Simpler statements will boost engagement, says industry
Nearly two-thirds of this week’s 133 Pensions Buzz respondents believe the introduction of simpler and standardised annual benefit statements will help more members engage with their pension.
DWP must review general levy calculation
A review of how the general levy is calculated must be undertaken by the Department for Work and Pensions, 70% of this week’s 90 Pensions Buzz respondents said.
NHS is not responsible for tapered allowance issues, says industry
The vast majority of this week’s 120 Pensions Buzz respondents rejected the idea that the NHS should bear any responsibility for members facing tax bills due to the tapered annual allowance.
Pensions too complicated for general election campaigns
Pensions are too complicated a topic for political parties to discuss in any detail on the general election campaign trail, a majority of this week’s 110 Pensions Buzz respondents said.
Pension schemes bill should be reintroduced in existing form, say respondents
Most of this week's 108 Pensions Buzz respondents agreed the pension schemes bill should be reintroduced in its exisiting form.
Industry agrees DC master trusts have set a good example for other schemes
This week's 88 Pensions Buzz respondents agreed that defined contribution (DC) master trusts have set a good example for other types of DC schemes during the authorisation process.
Governance more important than member engagement, say Buzz respondents
This week’s 96 Pensions Buzz respondents said good governance was more important than member engagement, noting the former could lead to the latter.
Industry welcomes pensions bill
Most of this week's 94 Pensions Buzz respondents agreed the bill is good for pensions if it gets through parliament.
Schemes with poor record keeping should receive harsher punishments
Schemes with poor record keeping should be handed harsher punishments, say the majority of this week’s 83 Pensions Buzz respondents.
Don't limit DC savers' choice, respondents say
Defined contribution (DC) savers should not have their choices limited when it comes to savings plans and retirement decisions, a majority of this week’s 93 Pensions Buzz respondents say.
Industry split on compulsory workplace pension membership
A narrow majority of this week's 108 Pensions Buzz respondents said there was no need to make workplace pension scheme membership mandatory.
Most schemes neglecting Brexit contingency planning
The majority of schemes have claimed political and economic uncertainty has led them to disregard contingency planning for the range of potential Brexit outcomes.
No consensus on the best political party for pensions
This week's Pensions Buzz respondents were split over which political party would be best for pensions.
Most schemes haven't chosen GMP equalisation method
Two-thirds of this week's respondents said their scheme has not yet chosen a method for equalising GMPs.
Don't name and shame Star Initiative non-participants, says industry
It would be inappropriate to name and shame schemes which do not sign up to the Star Initiative, a majority of Pensions Buzz respondents said in backlash to comments made by the pensions minister.
Industry in agreement on banning contingent charging
The majority of this week's Pensions Buzz respondents agreed with the Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) proposal to ban contingent charging on defined benefit (DB) transfer advice.
Respondents unsure if Guy Opperman will remain in post
This week's Pensions Buzz respondents were unsure whether Guy Opperman will stay in post as pensions and financial inclusion minister under the new Prime Minister.
10 weeks is appropriate for DB to DC transfer, say respondents
This week's Pensions Buzz respondents were mostly in agreement that 10 weeks is an appropriate length of time to conduct a full DB to DC transfer.
We need a new independent pensions commission, say Buzz respondents
Pensions Buzz peers agreed with pensions and financial inclusion minister Guy Opperman and former shadow chancellor Ed Balls that now might be the time for a fresh commission.
Boris Johnson would be detrimental to pensions as PM, say Buzz peers
Boris Johnson would be detrimental to pensions if he becomes prime minister later this month, a majority of Buzz respondents said.
Industry split on divesting from tobacco
This week's Pensions Buzz respondents were split on whether more schemes should follow NEST's decision to divest from tobacco.
The PPF is right to vote against CVA proposals, say respondents
This week's Pensions Buzz respondents agreed the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) is sometimes right to vote against company voluntary agreement (CVA) proposals.
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.
Schemes should not divest from fossil fuels, says industry
This week's Pensions Buzz respondents have decidedly rejected former energy and climate change secretary Sir Ed Davey's argument that schemes should divest from fossil fuel intensive companies.
