surplus release


The SPP welcomes the DWP draft Regulations on surplus flexibilities for DB pension schemes as they provide an appropriate framework for well-funded schemes to release surplus while protecting members. However, we are calling for changes to make the regime more practical, particularly for schemes intending to remain on a long-term run-on basis. The proposed process is geared towards one-off payments and could make regular or phased distributions unnecessarily burdensome.

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.

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.