All Actuarial articles – Page 5
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NewsBT Pension Scheme deficit falls on back of recovery plan
On the go: The BT Pension Scheme deficit is expected to have improved by roughly £3.4bn over the year to June 2021 to around £4.6bn, due to sponsor contributions and strong returns on growth assets.
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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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NewsUSS sponsor claims members will be ‘priced out’ without reform
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.
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NewsPPF to appoint specialist panel to assist with overfunded schemes
On the go: The Pension Protection Fund is looking to appoint four new specialist companies to provide transaction advice to schemes in assessment that are overfunded on a PPF basis.
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NewsSTV Group reaches agreement on DB schemes’ valuations and funding
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.
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NewsIsio snaps up Premier Pensions
On the go: Isio has announced the acquisition of Premier Pensions, subject to approval by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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NewsReal Good Food uses sale proceeds to wipe DB deficit
On the go: Liverpool-based cake decoration specialist Real Good Food has used the proceeds from the sale of its snack bar business to “eliminate” its defined benefit scheme deficit.
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NewsStrike ballot set for October in ongoing USS row
On the go: The University and College Union has announced it will ballot staff over strike action in October following a breakdown in negotiations over the Universities Superannuation Scheme’s controversial 2020 valuation.
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NewsUSS pushes ahead with reform proposals despite strike threat
The Universities Superannuation Scheme trustee is to push ahead with a reform package agreed by USS employers, despite threats of strike action from the University and College Union.
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NewsPandemic impacts DB schemes’ deficit recovery periods
On the go: The deficit recovery periods of defined benefit schemes with valuations in 2020-21 was impacted by the pandemic-led crisis, with these schemes having a smaller reduction than expected, according to new analysis.
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NewsDraft CDC regulations hampered by poor definitions, industry warns
The government’s consultation into draft regulations governing collective defined contribution schemes requires more work on definitions if these pension funds are to be properly implemented, with the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association warning it could create a “back door” for unscrupulous employers.
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NewsStrike action ‘inevitable’ after employers agree USS reforms
The University and College Union is to ballot its members over industrial action, branding strikes “inevitable” after employers agreed to press ahead with reforms of the Universities Superannuation Scheme.
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NewsEY fined £3.5m for Stagecoach pension audit failings
EY has been fined £3.5m and given a “severe reprimand” by the Financial Reporting Council, in part for failing to meet requirements when auditing Stagecoach’s defined benefit scheme obligations.
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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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NewsHousing associations to suffer following SHPS valuation
On the go: Housing associations are facing average contribution rate increases of 17 per cent following the Social Housing Pension Scheme’s 2020 valuation, a full 50 per cent higher than expected under the current deficit repayment plan, LCP has said.
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NewsUK meat board appoints actuarial adviser for DB schemes
On the go: The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has appointed an actuarial adviser for its two legacy defined benefit schemes, the circa £25.4m Home-Grown Cereals Authority Pension Plan and the circa £203.2m Meat and Livestock Commission Pension Scheme.
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NewsShell pensions close funding gaps
On the go: The Shell Contributory Pension Fund fund has moved into surplus, while its sister scheme, the Shell Overseas Contributory Pension Fund is close to reaching full funding, results from the two schemes’ latest triennial actuarial valuations show.
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NewsDeficit woes deepen as shortfall continues to plague USS
The deficit of the Universities Superannuation Scheme now exceeds £15bn as an increase in assets was outweighed by rising liabilities, in a year the pension fund’s portfolio performed below its benchmark for the first time since 2013.
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NewsAlmost a third of tranche 14 schemes in surplus
Detailed analysis of triennial valuations with due dates up to January 2021 has shown that almost one in three defined benefit and hybrid schemes are in surplus, but many pension funds face a headwind due to falling interest rates.
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NewsLeek United Building Society joins Enplan platform
On the go: The circa £45m Leek United Building Society Pension and Assurance Scheme has joined the Enplan Pension Platform, which will provide governance, actuarial, investment and administration services to the scheme.