All articles by Benjamin Mercer – Page 16
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NewsClara Pensions to begin accepting transfers after TPR clearance
The Pensions Regulator has cleared consolidator Clara Pensions to begin accepting transfers, opening up a new endgame option for defined benefit schemes.
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NewsCabinet Office opens consultation as McCloud challenges mount
The Cabinet Office has launched a consultation on how the McCloud remedy is to be implemented for members of the civil service pension scheme, while the GMB union has joined the list of those challenging it in the courts.
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NewsRegulatory burden prompts fears of trustee exodus
On the go: Three-quarters of employers fear the trustees of their pension schemes will consider resigning rather than face an “onslaught” of regulatory and legislative change, according to a survey from the Association of Consulting Actuaries.
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NewsUnion ballots for strike action over schools’ exit from Teachers’ scheme
On the go: The National Education Union is balloting its members on industrial action over plans by the Girls’ Day School Trust to exit the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
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NewsTeachers’ Pension Scheme faces high-profile ombudsman complaints
The Teachers’ Pension Scheme is facing a number of potential high-profile complaints to the Pensions Ombudsman over alleged maladministration, including a grievance about a £98,000 overpayment, Pensions Expert can reveal.
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NewsCOP26 sees 12% uptick in net zero commitments
More than half (52 per cent) of insurers and 50 per cent of pension funds have committed to making their portfolios net zero by 2050, up 12 per cent from last year, according to a new report from Aviva Investors.
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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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NewsBMA joins firefighters in threatening McCloud legal action
The British Medical Association is the latest public sector body to threaten legal action should the government persist with plans to make its members pay for the cost of the McCloud remedy.
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FeaturesCould CDC solve the USS crisis?
Collective defined contribution has been touted as a possible long-term solution to the problems of the Universities Superannuation Scheme, but experts and unions are not convinced of its suitability.
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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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News£450bn of inflation-linked liabilities remains unmatched
On the go: Some £450bn of inflation-linked liabilities belonging to defined benefit schemes remains unmatched due to a shortage of long-dated gilts, according to analysis by Alpha Real Capital.
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NewsNine in 10 unsure of their pension entitlements
On the go: Nine in 10 people are unsure of what pension they are entitled to or whether they are receiving any pension contributions, according to new research from financial services comparison site Money.
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NewsUCU demands a new USS valuation
On the go: The University and College Union has published a list of demands of Universities UK, the group representing 340 Universities Superannuation Scheme employers, which it says must be met if strike action this winter is to be avoided.
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NewsFormer TPR director served with summons over Section 75 debacle
On the go: Alan Pickering, formerly a non-executive director of the Pensions Regulator and former chair of Plumbing Pensions, has been added to the summons in an employer’s £256,000 claim against the scheme’s trustee over its mishandling of Section 75 debt.
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NewsOpperman not rushing CDC, defends statements season
Pensions minister Guy Opperman has confirmed there will be no regulations on multi-employer collective defined contribution schemes before the end of next year, set out targets for Pension Wise uptake, and become embroiled in a spat with former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb over the effectiveness of the proposed “statements season”.
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NewsThree-quarters of pension savers need more professional advice
On the go: Three-quarters of savers lack the confidence to manage their own pensions and need professional advice, according to a survey from NerdWallet.
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NewsUUK tries to dispel valuation myths as UCU presses on with strike action
Universities UK, the group representing 340 Universities Superannuation Scheme employers, has argued that the rate increases facing USS members would not be alleviated by a new valuation, countering claims made by the University and College Union.
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NewsUniversity of Dundee urged to agree pensions deal with striking staff
On the go: The Scottish government’s higher education minister has urged the University of Dundee to reach an agreement with staff striking over controversial plans to move low-paid workers to a defined contribution scheme.
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NewsUCU members back strike action over USS pension cuts
University and College Union members have backed industrial action over cuts proposed by the Universities Superannuation Scheme trustee and Universities UK, the group representing 340 USS employers.