Regulator finalises DB code of practice
The Pensions Regulator has published the final version of its code of practice on defined benefit (DB) funding. Key changes to the code following the consultation (see the December 2013 issue of Update) include:
• Changing the emphasis from repaying deficits as quickly as reasonably affordable to considering the appropriate period in which to do so;
• Accepting that there can be potential rewards from upside risk;
• Ensuring that proportionality is properly referenced throughout;
• Renaming the ‘Balanced Funding Outcome’ the ‘Funding Risk Indicator’;
• Making clear that the regulator will continue to engage with some small schemes.
The regulator has also published its third annual funding statement which provides market commentary and direction for schemes with valuation dates between 22 September 2013 and 22 September 2014. The statement recognises that with interest rates continuing to be low, some schemes may find themselves in “challenging” positions.
Finally, there is an ‘essential guide’ to the DB code which provides an overview of the fundamental principles and the risk themes of funding, employer covenant and investment. www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk/docs/essential-guide-db-code-trustees.pdf
PPF consults on next triennium
The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) has launched a consultation on its plans for the levy over the next triennium (2015/16 to 2017/18). The key change is the introduction of a new, PPF-specific insolvency risk model developed by Experian. This model results in a significant redistribution of the levy of around £230 million, with more levy payers seeing a fall in their levy than an increase. The consultation seeks views on whether schemes facing a significant increase should be given some form of transitional protection (which would be paid for by an increase in the scheme-based levy multiplier).
The consultation also proposes new approaches for the treatment of asset backed contributions, parental guarantees and associated last man standing schemes.
Queen’s Speech 2014
The Queen’s Speech on 4 June included two Pensions Bills, one to give effect to the changes to the pension tax rules announced in the Budget and the other to enable ‘defined ambition’ schemes, that share more of the risk between parties.
In particular, the Bill would enable ‘collective’ schemes that pool risk between members, potentially giving greater stability around pension outcomes – although it is fair to say that the initial reaction was lukewarm!
Meanwhile, the Pensions Act 2014, which will bring into force the single tier state pension, abolish salary-related contracting-out and enable a framework for state pension age to be reviewed in future, has received Royal Assent. The Act also introduces the Pensions Regulator’s new statutory objective to minimise any adverse impact on the sustainable growth of an employer when applying its scheme funding powers.
Company news
Pension Insurance Corporation (PIC) has concluded a pension insurance buy-in with the Trustee of the Total UK Pension Plan. The transaction covers £1.6 billion of pensioner liabilities, representing 60% of the plan’s total liabilities.
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