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Latest funding and surplus news
Budget 2026: Mineworkers scheme trustees ‘disappointed’ by surplus decision
The trustees of the £10.4bn Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme have criticised a government decision not to bring the fund’s surplus arrangements into line with the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme, despite months of negotiations.
Finance chiefs divided over how to use DB pension scheme surpluses
Key corporate decision-makers are split over how to prioritise the use of defined benefit pension scheme surpluses, according to new research by Independent Governance Group.
DB schemes navigate volatility to finish Q3 with stronger funding position
The PPF 7800 index reported that the total surplus across the 4,838 funds it covers reached £280.7bn at the end of September, equivalent to a funding ratio of 135%.
ABI: Surplus extraction - lessons from insurers
As DB schemes gain greater flexibility to extract surplus, the ABI’s Robyn Smith argues that lessons from insurance regulation could help ensure greater freedom is matched by robust safeguards for members.
SPP: Is your pension scheme ready for run-on?
The Society of Pension Professionals’ Guy Bottomley looks at how pension schemes can prepare for the new run-on and surplus release options opening up for them.
TPR data shows continued funding improvements as new regime looms
Data from the Pensions Regulator shows continued improvement in funding levels for defined benefit pension schemes, as trustees review endgame options amid an expanded menu of options.
XPS urges fiduciary manager reviews as more DB schemes consider run-on
Improved funding levels and changing DB endgames are altering what schemes need from their fiduciary managers, according to XPS Group.
More on DB from Pensions Expert
SPP: Focusing on the member behind the number
Bill Jangra of the Society of Pension Professionals reflects on keeping members at the heart of trustee decision-making, challenging established ways of working, and ensuring that processes continue to serve the people they were designed to protect.
Government to take over Northern Rock and Bradford & Bingley DB schemes
HM Treasury initially planned to take on the two defined benefit pension schemes in 2025, but this is now expected to take place by early 2028.
PPF confirms no conventional levy for third straight year
The lifeboat fund has confirmed a third year of no conventional levy, while also announcing adjustments to valuation methods and a pause on the alternative levy that will apply to superfunds.
Bulk annuities latest: Interface, Biffa and FirstGroup secure buy-ins
A trio of bulk annuity transactions have been publicised in recent days, securing the benefits of 4,700 members in deals totalling £450m.
Regulator gives green light to TPT to launch superfund
TPT has secured investment capital to back between £1bn and £1.5bn worth of transactions, and said it was already in discussions with “a growing number of schemes”.
Railpen: The role of DB in boosting pension adequacy
With pension adequacy at the forefront of industry reforms, Railpen’s Jonathan Clark urges policymakers not to forget the vital role played by open defined benefit pension schemes for millions of people across the UK.
Bulk annuities latest: L&G seals £1.7bn deal with UBS; Royal London insures steel scheme
Legal & General has completed the biggest defined benefit pension scheme buy-in so far this year, insuring 7,000 members of a section of the UBS UK Group Pension Plan.
Superfund sector set to ‘take off’ as Clara onboards six schemes in unique deal
Following four deals announced this year, Clara-Pensions’ assets under management are now in the region of £2.5bn as consultants predict “exponential growth” for the superfund sector.