On the go: The latest update of the PPF 7800 Index shows the aggregate surplus of the 5,318 defined benefit schemes measured jumped by more than £25bn to £108.8bn at the end of September, up from £83.2bn at the end of August.

The Government Actuary’s Department has agreed with HM Treasury that its amendments to the cost-control framework used in public sector schemes meet the government’s policy objectives, drawing a line under the troubled 2016 valuation process and allowing public sector schemes to complete these.

Councillors have called for an independent inquiry to determine how 14 members of the Teachers’ Pension Agency found they were missing seven years’ pension contributions from their employer.

On the go: The second issuance of the government’s green gilts is expected on October 18. While the first issuance was significantly oversubscribed, concerns about the “greenium” have deterred some pension schemes from investing.

CPD: Despite a detailed report from the Bank of England suggesting a roadmap for DC schemes to invest in illiquid investments, industry professionals and members have doubts about the practical implications of these allocations, writes Benjamin Mercer.

On the go: Universities UK, the group representing 340 Universities Superannuation Scheme employers, has warned that USS members will be priced out of the scheme if the union’s threats of strike action derail reform proposals.

Podcast: Stuart O’Brien, partner at Sackers, and Gareth Stears, pensions technical consultant at Aries Insight, discuss ESG and net zero, social housing, and the Pensions Regulator’s controversial criminal powers.

On the go: Glasgow-based media company STV Group has reached an agreement with the trustees of its two defined benefit schemes over its December 2020 funding valuations and recovery plans.

On the go: The Competition and Markets Authority has announced an investigation into a planned merger between American insurance brokerage Arthur J Gallagher & Co and Willis Re, Willis Towers Watson’s treaty reinsurance business.

The government has announced its intention to push ahead with reform of the cost-control mechanism used in public sector pensions, despite criticism from some in the industry.