Briefings
Updates
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has confirmed its key decisions on what’s changing in the levy rules for the 2021/22 levy year. This briefing summarises the changes and provides a reminder of key deadlines.
Read moreThe UK’s membership of the EU has ended, with the transitional period due to end on 31 December 2020. At the time of writing, we are still uncertain whether or not a deal will be agreed between the UK and the EU. Whatever the result, trustees should be taking stock...
Read moreFollowing the Spending Review speech last week, the Government released the response to the RPI reform consultation. This briefing provides a summary of the position and its implications. What was announced: • The chancellor will not consent to RPI being reformed before 2030 • The UK Statistics Authority...
Read moreJustice Morgan has given his final judgment in the Lloyds Banking Group case, which relates to GMP equalisation. The outcome of the judgment is that trustees will need to revisit some past transfers out and consider whether a top-up payment is required to address GMP equalisation. This briefing summarises the...
Read moreThe Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has published the latest updates for the 2020/21 levy year and a Covid-19 easement plan to help employers who are struggling to pay. This briefing sets out what actions you can take to make sure your levy is correct and spread your levy payments.
Read moreIn this briefing, we discuss the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on UK pension schemes, with focus on the economy, markets and investments, and the impact of excess deaths. We also summarise the most recent guidance issued by The Pensions Regulator.
Read moreThe Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published its 2020 Annual Funding Statement. It looks at how the impact of Covid-19 can be allowed for in the valuation, recognising that valuations may be at different points in the process.
Read moreThe Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published further guidance on the impact of Covid-19 on DB pension schemes and their sponsoring employers. Read our briefing to find out what has changed, what has stayed the same, and how trustees should consider their options.
Read moreThe Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has published the final determination and policy for the 2020/21 levy year. This briefing provides a reminder of the changes since the 2019/20 levy year, what actions you should take to help make sure your levy is correct, and the key submission deadline dates.
Read moreThe Pension Protection Fund (PPF) is changing its provider of insolvency risk information from Experan to Dun & Bradstreet. In this briefing, we discuss the background and the impact of the change, and set out actions that employers and schemes will need to take in preparation for the takeover.
Read moreThe Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published the first of two consultations on DB funding, in preparation for a revised Code of Practice. The consultation discusses how TPR proposes to regulate funding and the principles that should underpin the new framework. Read our March briefing for the key points.
Read moreThe UK Statistics Authority (UKSA) is planning to amend the calculation of RPI to align it with CPIH. The Chancellor will issue a consultation as part of the 2020 Budget to gauge the impact and identify the RPI changes required. How will this affect pension schemes?
Read moreIn our August First briefing, we look at the new stronger governance arrangements around investment duties which will apply to trustees and managers of occupational pension schemes from 10 December 2019.
Read moreEach year the Pensions Regulator prepares an Annual Funding Statement and the 2019 edition has just been published. Our March briefing takes you through the important new developments covered in this year's statement.
Read moreSuperfunds are one of the more interesting DB consolidation solutions to emerge recently. Essentially they involve a third party providing additional capital to replace the covenant of the sponsoring employer. We take a detailed look at how superfunds work and whether you should be considering them for your scheme.
Read moreApril 2019 will bring two updates to auto-enrolment regulations – the last of the planned increases in contribution phasing, and changes in qualifying earnings and other limits. Read on for further details in our latest First Briefing.
Read moreIf your business is under relentless pressure to make cost savings while keeping staff onside, salary sacrifice is worth considering. Implementing salary sacrifice on pension contributions is a potential win-win, offering National Insurance (NI) savings for both employer and employer. Find out how in our opening First Briefing of 2019.
Read moreThe judgment in the Lloyds Banking Group case has at last provided clarity on how to deal with Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation, although it may not have given the answer many had hoped for. This briefing covers the recent judgment and considers where we go from here.
Read moreThe Chancellor of the Exchequer presented his Budget on 29 October 2018. This briefing sets out some of the key points around pensions and other employer-provided benefits.
Read moreThe PPF have recently published for consultation their draft rules for determining the PPF levy for 2019/20. This briefing looks at the key points, giving key deadlines and specific guidance on contingent assets,
Read moreThe announcement that Equitable Life is to transfer all its policies to Reliance Life will have widespread ramifications across the pensions world. We look at what it will mean for Equitable Life policyholders, and recommend actions that trustees can take at this stage.
Read moreFollowing the DWP's 2017, the government has now issued regulations and guidance on the disclosure of cost and charge information relating to occupational money purchase benefits. This should make it easier to compare value for money between schemes. In this First Briefing, we take you through the key elements of...
Read moreIn March, Government published a policy paper on how it intends to increase the protections for DB scheme members and make improvements to the pensions system. This First Briefing gives a summary of the main themes of the proposals, with some comment and analysis from First Actuarial.
Read moreWhen the government introduced auto enrolment in 2012, it set minimum contribution levels that would increase over time. The first increase of this 'contribution phase' takes place on 6 April 2018. This briefing sets out the new rates and provides guidance on member communication and consultation, and the processing of...
Read moreAlthough the automatic enrolment regime is not yet fully rolled out, the DWP has already carried out a review. The results of this review, which examined coverage of automatic enrolment, how engagement can be improved and future contributions have just been published. We provide a digest of the review's proposals and findings, assess the...
Read moreIn November 2017, the Pensions Regulator published an update to its original guidance on record-keeping. The new guidance looks at measuring and improving the quality of pension scheme data. This briefing takes you through the new guidance and recommends a number of steps trustees should take.
Read moreConcerned about the risk of an Employer contribution increase as a result of high liabilities, Trustees of the Kennel Club Pension Fund turned to First Actuarial.
“They’re extremely professional and helpful. Their input always seems sound, logical and well presented. First Actuarial handled the transition well, they provide us with helpful guidance, and have delivered what they promised when they pitched for the work.”
The RSPB was determined to minimise the impact of its new defined contribution scheme on employees, and appointed First Actuarial to support the transition and select a provider with strong ethical values.
“I would definitely recommend working with First Actuarial. Their consultants went over and above the call of duty to make sure the project progressed smoothly.”
Taking responsibility for care services previously provided by a local authority, Bolton Cares turned to First Actuarial for help in setting up a competitive and affordable DC pension scheme for its staff.
“They’ve been really helpful and professional throughout the project, and we’ll use them again if we need specialist advice.”