The Month in Pensions - Gowling WLG

The Month In Pensions – December 2021 – Working from home 2.0

In The Month In Pensions for December 2021, Ian Chapman-Curry looks at what a return to working from home and the broader shift to agile working means for the pensions industry. We then look over some of the key developments that have made the headlines in the world of pensions in December 2021, including: * Deadline reminder for trustees to submit compliance statement to the CMA - Click here for the CMA’s order and reporting requirements [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-investment-consultancy-and-fiduciary-management-market-investigation-order-2019] * FCA publishes final rules on facilitating a stronger nudge to Pension Wise guidance - Click here for the FCA’s final rules and guidance on the stronger nudge to guidance [https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/policy-statements/ps21-21-stronger-nudge-pensions-guidance-feedback-cp21-11-and-final-rules-and-guidance] * DWP consults on changes to the charge cap for default funds used for automatic enrolment - Click here for the DWP’s consultation ‘Consultation on enabling investment in productive finance (30 November 2021)’ [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/enabling-investment-in-productive-finance/consultation-on-enabling-investment-in-productive-finance] * TPR announces inclusion of the first superfund on its online register - Click here for TPR’s DB superfunds list and assessment [https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/trustees/managing-db-benefits/db-superfunds/db-superfunds-list-and-assessment] * TPR issues guidance on the governance and reporting of climate-related risks and opportunities - Click here for TPR’s guidance ‘Governance and reporting of climate-related risks and opportunities (16 December 2021)’ [https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/regulatory-guidance/climate-related-governance-and-reporting] * PPF publishes its final levy rules for 2022/23 - Click here for the PPF’s final levy rules [https://www.ppf.co.uk/levy-payers/levy-2022-23] We then look to the coming year to see what the key developments and trends will be for pensions in 2022. You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3sZb05X [https://gowlg.co/3sZb05X]  For more Insights, or to find out more about the pensions team at Gowling WLG, please visit www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk [http://www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk]    Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East. We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r [https://gowlg.co/35efH2r]  Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41 [https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41]    Want to get to know us? Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB [https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB] Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY [https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY]  Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N [https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N]  Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq [https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq]    This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

The Month In Pensions – October 2021 – Prosecco over pensions

In The Month In Pensions for October 2021, Ian Chapman-Curry looks at what the Autumn budget and spending review covered on pensions (or, rather, what it didn't cover). In this month's interview, Ian Gordon takes us through two key cases (Britvic and Axminster), judgments for which were handed down in June. We also look over some of the other developments that have made the headlines in the world of pensions in October 2021, including: * Pension Schemes Act 2021 brings in new TPR powers - ‘Pensions law is changing on 1 October 2021 - Are you ready? (29 September 2021)’ [https://gowlingwlg.com/en/insights-resources/articles/2021/pension-schemes-act-2021-1-october-changes/]. * TPR sets out how it intends to use its new powers - ‘The Pension Schemes Act 2021: The new landscape for DB schemes (26 October 2021)’. [https://gowlingwlg.com/en/insights-resources/on-demand-webinars/2021/the-new-pensions-landscape-for-the-employers-with/] * The PPF consults on its 2022/23 levy rules * TPO issues guidance on communicating with members * ‘Annual Report shines a spotlight on activity at The Pensions Ombudsman (7 October 2021)’ [https://loupedin.blog/2021/10/annual-report-shines-a-spotlight-on-activity-at-the-pensions-ombudsman/]; and * TPO’s ‘Communicating with members (1 October 2021)’ [https://www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/sites/default/files/publication/files/Final%20TPO%20Communications%20guidance_0.pdf]. * DWP finalises legislation for simpler annual benefit statements - ‘Government response: Simpler annual pension benefit statements (19 October 2021)’. [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/simpler-annual-benefit-statements-draft-regulations-and-statutory-guidance/outcome/government-response-simpler-annual-pension-benefit-statements] * DWP consults on portfolio alignment metrics for climate risk reporting - ‘Climate and investment reporting: setting expectations and empowering savers – consultation on policy, regulations and guidance (21 October 2021)’ [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/climate-and-investment-reporting-setting-expectations-and-empowering-savers/climate-and-investment-reporting-setting-expectations-and-empowering-savers-consultation-on-policy-regulations-and-guidance]. Then we take a quick look at what is coming down the tracks for pensions in November 2021. You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3jY39Ac [https://gowlg.co/3jY39Ac]  For more Insights, or to find out more about the pensions team at Gowling WLG, please visit www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk [http://www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk]    Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East. We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r [https://gowlg.co/35efH2r]  Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41 [https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41]    Want to get to know us? Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB [https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB] Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY [https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY]  Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N [https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N]  Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq [https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq]    This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

The Month In Pensions - March 2021 - You wait for one consultation…

In The Month In Pensions for March 2021, Ian Chapman-Curry looks at the wave of consultations that have been released by government departments and The Pensions Regulator. In this month's interview, Liz Wood explains the impact that the Pension Schemes Act 2021 will have on employers that sponsor defined benefit pension schemes. We also look over some of the other developments that have made the headlines in the world of pensions in March 2021, including: * TPR launches consultation on draft single code of practice - Click here for TPR's ‘New code of practice consultation’ (17 March 2021) [https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/consultations/new-code-of-practice]. * DWP consults on information gathering powers - Click here for the DWP's consultation ‘Strengthening The Pension Regulator’s Powers: Contribution Notice and Information Gathering Powers Regulations 2021’ (18 March 2021) [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-pensions-regulators-powers-contribution-notice-and-information-gathering-powers-regulations-2021/strengthening-the-pensions-regulators-powers-contribution-notice-and-information-gathering-powers-regulations-2021]. * TPR consults on employer resources test regulations - Click here for the DWP’s consultation ‘Strengthening The Pension Regulator’s Powers: Contribution Notice and Information Gathering Powers Regulations 2021’ (18 March 2021) [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/strengthening-the-pensions-regulators-powers-contribution-notice-and-information-gathering-powers-regulations-2021/strengthening-the-pensions-regulators-powers-contribution-notice-and-information-gathering-powers-regulations-2021]. * DWP consults on diversification of DC investment portfolios - Click here for DWP’s consultation ‘Incorporating performance fees within the charge cap’ (18 March 2021) [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/incorporating-performance-fees-within-the-charge-cap/incorporating-performance-fees-within-the-charge-cap]. * TPR issues its revised 15 year strategy for the future - Click here for TPR’s strategy paper ‘TPR Strategy: Pensions of the future’ (10 March 2021) [https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/en/document-library/corporate-information/corporate-plans/tpr-strategy-pensions-of-the-future]. * No surprises for pensions in the March Budget statement - Click here for HM Treasury’s Budget 2021 documents webpage [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2021-documents]. Then we take a quick look at what is coming down the tracks for pensions in April 2021. You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3QF9JJl [https://gowlg.co/3QF9JJl]  For more Insights, or to find out more about the pensions team at Gowling WLG, please visit www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk [http://www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk]    Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East. We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r [https://gowlg.co/35efH2r]  Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41 [https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41]    Want to get to know us? Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB [https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB] Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY [https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY]  Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N [https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N]  Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq [https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq]    This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

The Month In Pensions – February 2021 – The end of the quarterly trustee meeting?

In The Month In Pensions for February 2021, Ian Chapman-Curry looks at a survey of defined benefit scheme trustees that suggests the age of the quarterly trustee meeting is over. We also look over some of the other developments that have made the headlines in the world of pensions in February 2021, including: * Government issues further consultation on climate change risk - * * See details of the new consultation 'Taking action on climate risk: improving governance and reporting by occupational pension schemes - response and consultation on regulations' on the Department for Work and Pensions' consultation webpage [https://bit.ly/3q0PBUM]; and * Listen to our on demand webinar on ESG implementation – challenges and practical solutions [https://bit.ly/2PnScLY]. * The Pensions Regulator (TPR) confirms increase in regulatory activity in Q4 2020 - Visit  the TPR’s press release 'Enforcement activity rises as expected to protect savers (18 February 2021)' [https://bit.ly/3q06AXm]. * Pensions Protection Fund (PPF) publishes levy rules and policy statement for 2021/22 levy year - See the PPF’s 2021/22 levy webpage [https://bit.ly/3bOJvli] for details. * The Pensions Administration Standards Association (PASA) issues guidance on tax issues in GMP equalisation - Visit the PASA GMPEWG Guidance Note on Tax Issues [https://bit.ly/3kC58cM]. * The Pension Schemes Act 2021 becomes law – * * Visit our Pension Schemes Act 2021 hub [https://loupedin.blog/tag/pension-schemes-act-2021/]; and * See our one-page overview of what the Pension Schemes Act 2021 will mean for trustees [https://loupedin.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/The-Pension-Schemes-Act-2021-one-page-overview-trustees.pdf]. Then we take a quick look at what is coming down the tracks for pensions in March 2021. You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3xlZF1g [https://gowlg.co/3xlZF1g]  For more Insights, or to find out more about the pensions team at Gowling WLG, please visit www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk [http://www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk]    Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East. We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r [https://gowlg.co/35efH2r]  Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41 [https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41]    Want to get to know us? Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB [https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB] Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY [https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY]  Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N [https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N]  Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq [https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq]    This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.

The Month In Pensions – January 2021 – Time for the Pension Schemes Act 2021

In The Month In Pensions for January 2021, Ian Chapman-Curry focuses on the legislation that will become the Pension Schemes Act 2021. At the point of recording, the Pension Schemes Bill 2019 – 21 was on the cusp of receiving Royal Assent so this episode focuses on what it will mean for pension scheme trustees and employers. When enacted, the Pensions Schemes Bill 2019 – 21 will see changes to the funding regime for defined benefit pension schemes along with giving The Pensions Regulator more powers. It will also provide the statutory framework for pensions dashboards and collective defined contribution schemes. We've created one page overviews of the key issues and actions for trustees and scheme sponsors: * Trustees for our one page overview for trustees [https://loupedin.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Pension-Schemes-Act-2021-one-page-overview-trustees.pdf]; and * Sponsors for our one page overview for scheme sponsors [https://loupedin.blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Pension-Schemes-Act-2021-one-page-overview-sponsors.pdf]. We'll also look over some of the other developments that have made the headlines in the world of pensions in January 2021, including: * DWP publishing its response to default fund charge cap consultation (DWP’s consultation response ‘Review of the Default Fund Charge Cap and Standardised Cost Disclosure’ [https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/review-of-the-default-fund-charge-cap-and-standardised-cost-disclosure/review-of-the-default-fund-charge-cap-and-standardised-cost-disclosure]); * Government announces expansion of Dormant Assets Scheme to certain pension assets ( press release issued by HM Treasury and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport [https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-government-announces-major-boost-to-coronavirus-recovery-through-expansion-of-dormant-assets-scheme?fhch=9154a6fa55a82f5b23403f0a25bd616d]); * TPR issues interim response to its funding code consultation ( TPR’s DB funding code of practice consultation interim response [https://www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/-/media/thepensionsregulator/files/import/pdf/db-funding-code-of-practice-consultation-interim-response.ashx]); * PPF issues response to its levy consultation (the PPF’s ‘Outcome of the 2021/22 levy consultation’ [https://www.ppf.co.uk/news/outcome-202122-levy-consultation]); and * Small Pots Working Group issues report (Small Pots Working Group Report [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/945319/small-pots-working-group-report.pdf]). You can find this episode and the accompanying transcript on our website: https://gowlg.co/3DfNlDs [https://gowlg.co/3DfNlDs]  For more Insights, or to find out more about the pensions team at Gowling WLG, please visit www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk [http://www.gowlingwlg.com/pensions-uk]    Gowling WLG is an international full-service law firm working across a range of industry sectors including real estate, government, financial services, life sciences and technology. We operate across the world with offices in the UK, Europe, Canada and the Middle East. We regularly talk about a broad range of topics that may be of interest to you. Subscribe to receive our latest articles, podcasts and webinars straight to your inbox: https://gowlg.co/35efH2r [https://gowlg.co/35efH2r]  Alternatively, you can view our full selection of insights and resources here: https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41 [https://gowlg.co/3IwEr41]    Want to get to know us? Follow us on: LinkedIn: https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB [https://gowlg.co/3hqmatB] Twitter: https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY [https://gowlg.co/35Do0nY]  Facebook: https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N [https://gowlg.co/3th2w8N]  Instagram: https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq [https://gowlg.co/3tEf2iq]    This podcast may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.