All Costs and charges articles – Page 10
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NewsDraft CDC regulations hampered by poor definitions, industry warns
The government’s consultation into draft regulations governing collective defined contribution schemes requires more work on definitions if these pension funds are to be properly implemented, with the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association warning it could create a “back door” for unscrupulous employers.
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NewsStrike action ‘inevitable’ after employers agree USS reforms
The University and College Union is to ballot its members over industrial action, branding strikes “inevitable” after employers agreed to press ahead with reforms of the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
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NewsTPR’s ESG guidance raises industry concerns on privacy and penalties
The Pensions Regulator’s draft guidance on climate change reporting and governance is not sufficiently clear on what constitutes compliance, and the watchdog needs to provide clarity on its approach to discretionary penalties, the Society of Pension Professionals has warned.
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NewsIndustry bodies to 'develop the case' for DC illiquid investments
Industry bodies including the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, the Association of British Insurers and the Investment Association will “develop the case” for defined contribution schemes to invest in less-liquid assets, as part of a push to secure “long-term value” for its members.
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NewsIsle of Man civil servants to choose between DB and DC
On the go: Civil servants on the Isle of Man are to be given a choice between an existing defined benefit scheme and a new defined contribution arrangement, the island’s government has announced.
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NewsTPR to amend single code as industry slates new requirements
The Pensions Regulator’s combined code of practice has been dealt a blow after widespread industry criticism forced it to scrap new rules on unregulated investments, while the fate of its proposed “own risk assessment” remains uncertain.
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NewsActuaries propose changes to public sector pension increases
The Association of Consulting Actuaries is calling on the government to change the way it calculates pension increases for unfunded public sector schemes, proposing that these are based on economic growth rather than inflation, as this would be “fairer” for future generations of taxpayers.
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NewsHousing associations to suffer following SHPS valuation
On the go: Housing associations are facing average contribution rate increases of 17 per cent following the Social Housing Pension Scheme’s 2020 valuation, a full 50 per cent higher than expected under the current deficit repayment plan, LCP has said.
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NewsDWP sets up working group to explore ‘statements season’
On the go: The Department for Work and Pensions has established a working group looking at options to develop the ‘statements season’ proposed in its recent simpler annual benefit statements consultation.
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NewsDIY strategies are ‘better and cheaper way’ to do ESG investing
Customisation of index strategies and direct ownership of equities is a more efficient and cost-effective way of investing sustainably than using ‘off-the-shelf’ index products, according to SigTech, which offers quant technologies to investors.
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NewsNest govt loan increases 66% in pandemic year
On the go: The loan from the Department for Work and Pensions to Nest increased by 66 per cent in 2020-21, as the government-backed master trust saw a rise in members and assets under management.
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NewsUSS employers pledge greater covenant support
Universities UK, the group representing 340 Universities Superannuation Scheme employers, has pledged additional covenant support to the pension scheme, in a move it said will spare its members the crippling contribution rate rises announced following the scheme’s 2020 valuation.
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NewsIndustry experts predict limited roll-out of CDC schemes
The government's consultation on regulations governing collective defined contribution schemes was received as a welcome step forward in the industry, but experts have cautioned that initial demand is likely to be low due to the restrictive conditions and high costs imposed on the market.
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NewsDWP’s move to DC universal charge structure could do ‘serious damage’
Industry commentators are worried about the Department for Work and Pensions’ proposal to introduce a universal annual management charge in defined contribution default funds, warning that the move is premature and could do “serious damage” to the pensions market.
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NewsGovt to reform discount rate and cost-control mechanism
The government has proposed aligning the discount rate review periods with the valuation cycles of public service pension schemes, and is taking forward reforms to the cost-cap mechanism first proposed by the government actuary.
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NewsRushing DC consolidation could hurt member outcomes
The Department for Work and Pensions wants to speed up consolidation among schemes with less than £5bn in assets. Although the initiative was broadly welcomed, experts have warned that rushing its implementation could worsen member outcomes.
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NewsPMI launches new accreditation regime for lay trustees
On the go: The Pensions Management Institute is launching a new accreditation regime for lay trustees, in a move that follows the launch of an accreditation programme called APTitude for professional trustees last year.
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NewsBespoke funding route could save charities 65% in cash contributions
On the go: Charities could cut their defined benefit cash contributions by between 35 and 65 per cent if they opt for the bespoke option over the fast-track route in the new DB funding code, according to analysis by Hymans Robertson.
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NewsGovernment actuary proposes cost control mechanism reform
Martin Clarke, the government actuary, has proposed changing the cost-control mechanism used in the reformed public service pension schemes in a bid to tackle the “perverse outcome” of the 2016 valuation.
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NewsOmbudsman reports failing AE employer to the regulator
On the go: The Pensions Ombudsman has upheld a complaint against accounting company Berics over £678 in unpaid auto-enrolment contributions, reporting the employer to the Pensions Regulator.