All Actuarial articles – Page 2
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NewsPandemic damage mitigated as quarter of schemes are in surplus
More than a quarter (27 per cent) of defined benefit and hybrid schemes with tranche 15 valuations were in surplus on a technical provisions basis, despite the market shock of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Pensions Regulator’s latest scheme funding analysis.
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NewsUSS annual report shows significant improvement but angers unions
The significant improvement in the Universities Superannuation Scheme’s funding position and resilience has angered the University and College Union, which argued that benefit cuts implemented in April were “totally unnecessary” in light of the scheme’s strength.
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NewsUSS review sees ‘much improved’ deficit cut by £12bn
Despite an accelerated year-end review conducted by the Universities Superannuation Scheme revealing a “much improved deficit”, with a reduction of £12bn, the trustee board is reluctant to agree to interim changes to benefits of contribution rates before the scheme’s 2023 valuation.
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NewsTPR supports actuaries’ climate report, Smart commits to net zero
ESG spotlight: A roundup of the latest news on environmental, social and governance initiatives, including a new climate change report for actuaries, Smart Pension announcing a net zero target for 2040, and savers supporting the government’s push for greener pensions.
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OpinionWhat is on the horizon for the LGPS?
Michael Welford, consultant and actuary at Quantum Advisory, considers the next steps for the Local Government Pension Scheme, with the results of its triennial valuation due later this year.
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NewsDe La Rue agrees £320mn buy-in
On the go: The £988.7mn De La Rue Pension Scheme has agreed a £320mn buy-in with insurer Scottish Widows.
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NewsCleveland Potash schemes appoint pension services provider
On the go: The £285mn Cleveland Potash Pension Schemes has appointed Willis Towers Watson’s OneDB to provide combined actuarial, fiduciary management and administrative services.
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NewsLecturers’ USS lawsuit frustrated by centuries-old precedent
A lawsuit against Universities Superannuation Scheme directors alleging climate inaction and breaches of duty has failed on a technicality dating back to 1843, though the judge in the case did find that beneficiaries of a pension fund corporation do sometimes have the right to sue directors.
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NewsCapital build-up sees Lloyds make extra £500mn deficit contribution
On the go: Lloyds Banking Group has made £1.3bn in deficit contributions to its three main defined benefit pension schemes.
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NewsTPR funding statement flags uncertainty impact for valuations
High levels of uncertainty surrounding inflation, interest rates, mortality, energy prices and economic growth will put additional pressure on trustees completing their tranche 17 valuations this year, according to the Pensions Regulator’s annual funding statement.
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NewsInstitute and Faculty of Actuaries issues climate risk alert
On the go: The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries has published a new alert warning of the risk that actuaries may not be appropriately considering or communicating the impact of climate change, and has committed to releasing new guidance in this area.
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NewsPPF seeks admin and actuarial services company
On the go: The Pension Protection Fund has launched a tender to appoint a new company to join its specialist administration and actuarial services panel, which provides assistance to the lifeboat fund and schemes when they enter the PPF assessment period.
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NewsNew strike mandate at universities over USS pensions row
On the go: Staff at 27 universities have a mandate to take strike action over pensions that will last until October 2022, after the University and College Union secured the support of its members.
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NewsMcCloud remedy causes three of four schemes to breach cost cap
The Government Actuary’s Department has published the cost cap valuations of four public sector schemes, confirming that the cost of implementing the McCloud remedy has led to a breach of the cost control mechanism, cancelling previously-agreed benefits increases.
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NewsUSS trustee concerned by ‘misleading’ use of financial reports
On the go: The Universities Superannuation Scheme trustee has issued an update on scheme finances, and expressed its concern that previous use of monitoring statements by parties involved in the ongoing 2020 valuation dispute could be “misleading” members about the true state of the scheme.
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NewsUCU calls for an end to USS cuts in light of improved finances
On the go: The University and College Union has called on employers to reverse plans for what it called “brutal cuts” to staff pensions, in light of a “drastic improvement” in Universities Superannuation Scheme finances.
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NewsNew British Steel scheme to make £58mn additional payout
Some 50,000 pensioner members of British Steel Pension Scheme II will receive a one-time extra payment, worth collectively £58mn, due to the pension fund’s positive results.
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NewsUCU calls for staff welfare inquiry as two-thirds consider quitting
On the go: Two-thirds of university staff could quit the higher education sector altogether over mounting dissatisfaction with pay, pensions and working conditions, the University and College Union has warned, as it calls for the Education Select Committee to set up an inquiry into staff welfare.
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NewsPlumbing Pensions to use member funds to fight section 75 claims
The Court of Session in Edinburgh has granted Plumbing Pensions permission to use member funds to defend against legal claims from employers over its pursuit of section 75 liabilities.
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NewsAnother wave of strikes begins as USS valuation row escalates
On the go: Staff at 40 universities have begun the next round of industrial action over the controversial conclusion of the Universities Superannuation Scheme’s 2020 consultation.