Latest articles from Benjamin Mercer

DWP’s dashboards consultation criticised over launch date proposals

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A second government consultation into pensions dashboards has been criticised over plans to give schemes just 90 days’ notice before the dashboards go live, with experts warning of a capacity crunch.

Industry calls for clarity on TPR’s enforcement powers

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Industry experts, though broadly supportive of the Pensions Regulator’s approach to its new enforcement powers, have nonetheless called for additional clarity in how they will be used, with some concerned that outcomes could be determined in part by “luck”.

Retirement guidance is improving but decumulation challenges remain

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On the go: Support available to those approaching retirement is improving, particularly in master trusts, but a comprehensive framework is still required to ensure all savers get the help they need, according to new research.

PDP connects first commercial dashboard provider

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On the go: The Pensions Dashboards Programme has completed the connection of the first commercial dashboard provider, alongside another integrated service provider.

Weekly Roundup: Lower your shields and prepare to be onboarded

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This week – trustees warned about ‘truly’ imminent dashboards deadline, the cost of discretionary pension increases soars to £18bn, the ABI calls for the minimum auto-enrolment contribution level to be raised to 12 per cent, and another initiative is launched to encourage people to make greener pension choices.

ONS reveals schemes’ overseas investments and assets

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On the go: The Office for National Statistics has published data on UK-funded occupational pension schemes’ overseas assets and direct investments for the first time.

Cost of discretionary increases to combat inflation could hit £18bn

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The cost of awarding discretionary increases to members could now add £18bn to defined benefit schemes' liabilities, experts have warned, as inflation continues to rise.

Govt to push ahead with firefighters and police McCloud reforms

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The government will press ahead with planned reforms implementing the McCloud remedy with respect to members of the police and firefighters’ pension schemes, making amendments to ill-health provisions for the latter, despite concerns the remedy might itself be discriminatory.

PASA guidance addresses ‘ever-changing’ DC landscape

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On the go: The Pensions Administration Standards Association has updated its defined contribution guidance to account for the “ever-changing” complexities in the sector.

TPR’s new DB funding code expected in September 2023

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The Pensions Regulator expects its much-anticipated new defined benefit funding code to be in place and operational by September 2023, according to its latest corporate plan.