This paper examines issues relating to pre-1997 indexation in DB pension schemes including the costs of protection, scheme member perspectives, trustee duties and considerations for employers.
It also highlights some of the issues with a proposed across the board legislative change and comments on various potential solutions – including the possibility of discretionary payments.
Tags: DB Schemes, legislation, pension, Pension Schemes, Pensions, Pre-1997 Indexation, SPP,
This wide-ranging paper on the topical issue of surplus release from DB pension schemes explores what constitutes a surplus, when releasing surplus may and may not be appropriate, the benefits and risks for members and employers, investment and governance issues, and the wider consequences for the DB pensions landscape.
An SPP paper explaining what salary sacrifice for pensions is, why it matters, how it is used and by whom, and what the implications would be if government were to impose restrictions or abolish this longstanding arrangement.
Tags: legislation, NICs, payroll, pension, Pensions, salary sacrifice, Tax,
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) response to the
House of Lords Economic Affairs Finance Bill Sub-Committee
October 2025 call for evidence on reforming inheritance tax: unused pension funds and death benefits.
Tags: inheritance tax, legislation, Lords, pension, Pension Pots, Pensions, Tax,
The SPP has two key concerns with this draft legislation – the proposed definition of “tax adviser” and therefore the scope of the legislation and the current omission of any exemption for pension professionals.
Tags: draft legislation, IHT, inheritance tax, legislation, pension, Pensions, Tax,
This consultation response suggests various improvements to ensure this legislation better delivers the original policy intent and avoids unintended consequences.
Tags: IHT, inheritance tax, legislation, pension, Pensions, Tax,
The SPP very much supports the Bill and most of its broad aims from PPF levy flexibility and surplus release to the concept of default decumulation and improving Value for Money for DC schemes. However, we have made various suggestions as to how the Bill could be improved and we fundamentally oppose the the reserve power for government to mandate investment in private market assets.