All Policy articles – Page 8
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NewsAgeing a bigger problem for pensions than Covid-19
The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on pensions could be relatively short-lived should the global economy continue to recover, but an ageing population presents long-term challenges with no simple solutions, according to a new report from the OECD.
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NewsGovt to consult again on McCloud implementation in 2022
The Cabinet Office, Home Office, Department for Education and Ministry of Defence have each opened consultations into the first phase of the McCloud remedy, covering regulations that will see all legacy schemes close to future accrual from March 2022. However, new consultations on phase two of the remedy will be launched next year.
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PodcastsPodcast: McCloud costs dispute could damage members’ morale
Podcast: The dispute between doctors, firefighters and the Treasury over who should bear the costs of the McCloud remedy could have implications beyond the directly affected schemes, damaging trust in pensions, and lowering member morale. Hymans Robertson partner Michael Ambery and Quietroom co-founder Mark Scantlebury discuss McCloud, the statements season and the evolution of member communications.
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NewsGovernment considers overturning PPF’s Bauer ruling
The government is looking to remove the effects of the Bauer ruling, impacting the Pension Protection Fund, from UK law and will introduce primary legislation in the near future, according to a letter sent to various industry stakeholders.
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NewsRodda keen to expand AE but remains silent on pensions tax
Shadow pensions minister Matt Rodda has said he is keen on expanding auto-enrolment and called for a negotiated settlement between unions and the Universities Superannuation Scheme, but he would not be drawn on Labour’s plans for pensions taxation during a talk with the Society of Pension Professionals.
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NewsBudget 2021: Sunak announces further changes to DC charge cap
Chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday that the government will consult “within the next month” on further changes to the charge cap intended to encourage more investment in illiquid assets by defined contribution schemes. But experts have said this is “missing the point”.
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NewsGreen finance roadmap still missing key details
The government has published its “roadmap to sustainable investing”, laying out a number of new reporting requirements. However, some experts have warned that the plan does not go far enough to make a real difference.
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NewsExperts warn against major pension tax changes this autumn
The government’s attempts to source billions of pounds in spending by altering pensions taxation are unlikely to be successful, although the Autumn Budget is unlikely to produce major announcements in this area, experts have said.
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NewsPublic sector schemes told to conclude 2016 valuations
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.
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PodcastsPodcast: Mandating net zero could ‘cut straight through’ fiduciary duties
Podcast: The government mandating default funds be aligned with ‘net zero’ would be a way around concerns about fiduciary responsibility, but there are questions about what this would mean in practice. Stuart O’Brien, partner at Sackers, and Gareth Stears, pensions technical consultant at Aries Insight, discuss environmental, social and governance issues, social housing, and the Pensions Regulator’s controversial criminal powers.
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NewsGovt presses ahead on public sector schemes cost-control reform
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.
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NewsCD&R called to reassure MPs over Morrisons takeover
On the go: Labour and Liberal Democrats MPs have warned Clayton, Dubilier & Rice that it must make guarantees to workers and rule out asset-stripping as it looks set to complete its £7.1bn Morrisons takeover.
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NewsGuidance ‘stronger nudge’ still poses more questions than answers
Regulators are unclear about how the take-up levels of pensions guidance should look like as a result of the “stronger nudge”, since parts of the proposal have yet to be tested, the Work and Pensions Committee has heard.
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NewsCalls for climate reporting harmony as FCA and DWP rules diverge
The Financial Conduct Authority’s climate-related disclosure rules for asset managers, life insurers and its regulated pension providers should be brought into line with Department for Work and Pensions regulations to give greater clarity and consistency, the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association has said.
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NewsIndustry fears another missed dashboards deadline
On the go: The pensions industry doubts whether the pensions dashboards will be delivered on time, as more than three-quarters of respondents to a Pensions Management Institute survey said they thought the project would still not be operational by 2023.
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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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NewsPPI to launch pensions framework report by 2022
On the go: The Pensions Policy Institute will be launching its first report providing a picture of trends, issues and outcomes of the UK pensions system in 2022.
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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.