All articles by Benjamin Mercer – Page 9
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NewsUCU calls for an end to USS cuts in light of improved finances
On the go: The University and College Union has called on employers to reverse plans for what it called “brutal cuts” to staff pensions, in light of a “drastic improvement” in Universities Superannuation Scheme finances.
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NewsCharge cap proposals criticised as govt launches illiquids consultation
The government has said it will “take time to consider” industry concerns around its proposals to exclude performance fees from the charge cap, and has launched a combined consultation into other ways in which to encourage defined contribution schemes to invest in illiquid assets.
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NewsLabour accuses government of undermining pensions ‘consensus’
On the go: Labour’s shadow secretary of state for work and pensions, Jonathan Ashworth, has accused the government of breaking with pensions “consensus” and undermining workers’ protection with its planned pension reforms.
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NewsPensions industry in dire need of 'real' fee transparency
On the go: Asset managers charging lower fees for global active equity funds often deliver better value for money, but the fees collected differ greatly from those presented in the public domain, according to a report from ClearGlass Analytics.
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NewsRegulator's notifiable events regime could be delayed
On the go: Industry commentators are asking whether the Pensions Regulator’s new notifiable events regime might be delayed, as the government has yet to respond to last year’s consultation into the expansion of the regulator’s powers.
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NewsPASA covers crossovers, tax and death benefits in GMP guidance
On the go: The Pensions Administration and Standards Association has launched guidance tacking frequently asked questions around guaranteed minimum pension equalisation, including tax implications, death benefits, commutation, and the ‘look-back’ approach for crossover members.
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NewsOpperman calls for industry input on CDC expansion
On the go: Pensions minister Guy Opperman has called on the industry to work with government on expanding the nascent collective defined contribution market, though experts have previously warned that draft regulations are too strict to allow for real growth in the sector.
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NewsNatWest pumps £427mn into pensions as govt reduces its stake
NatWest Group has paid £427mn into its pension scheme as a result of an off-market purchase of ordinary shares from HM Treasury, which saw the government’s stake in the banking group drop beneath 50 per cent for the first time since the 2008 financial crash.
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NewsUCU calls for staff welfare inquiry as two-thirds consider quitting
On the go: Two-thirds of university staff could quit the higher education sector altogether over mounting dissatisfaction with pay, pensions and working conditions, the University and College Union has warned, as it calls for the Education Select Committee to set up an inquiry into staff welfare.
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NewsRegulator’s CDC plans risk strangling the sector at its birth
The Pensions Regulator’s draft code of practice for collective defined contribution schemes is unnecessarily strict and risks severely hampering growth in the sector, industry bodies have warned.
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NewsGovt to consult on McCloud tax legislation this summer
On the go: The government has committed to provide tax-free compensation to members who choose reformed scheme as opposed to legacy scheme benefits under the McCloud remedy, and will consult on the necessary legislation in the summer.
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NewsGovt allocates £425mn for teachers’ remedy back payments
On the go: The government has allocated £425mn for back payments to members of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, and others within scope of the Goodwin ruling from 2020.
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NewsPlumbing Pensions to use member funds to fight section 75 claims
The Court of Session in Edinburgh has granted Plumbing Pensions permission to use member funds to defend against legal claims from employers over its pursuit of section 75 liabilities.
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NewsPension schemes to tackle deforestation in climate push
Pension schemes in the UK will be expected to do more to tackle deforestation as part of the government’s climate policies, pensions minister Guy Opperman has warned.
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News‘Build back better’ hits wall as trustees report trouble aligning
On the go: Trustees and investment managers are struggling to bring their investment strategies into line with the government’s ‘build back better’ initiative, citing a lack of opportunities and long-term planning.
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NewsAnother wave of strikes begins as USS valuation row escalates
On the go: Staff at 40 universities have begun the next round of industrial action over the controversial conclusion of the Universities Superannuation Scheme’s 2020 consultation.
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News‘Quirk’ sees public sector pay freeze hit teachers’ pensions annual hikes
A ‘quirk’ in the way teachers’ pensions are calculated could mean some teachers stand to suffer an extra loss as a result of the public sector pay freeze, as pension calculations normally triggered by a change in earnings have not occurred.
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NewsPublic sector scheme members get retirement calculator
On the go: The Government Actuary’s Department has released an online tool designed to help public sector scheme members better understand their options for benefits and retirement.
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NewsTeachers accept GDST pensions offer but union remains concerned
Further industrial action at the Girls’ Day School Trust has been averted after teachers accepted an updated pensions and pay offer from the trust, though the National Education Union has refused to endorse it.
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NewsFirefighters reach pensions agreement with government
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the government and the Fire Brigades Union over pension rules for retained firefighters, potentially allowing thousands to claim pension entitlements dating back earlier in their careers once legislation is passed.