Surplus


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.

Although the £14billion in Pension Protection Fund (PPF) reserves represents a significant opportunity, it also carries a responsibility to safeguard the PPF’s core mission. Striking the right balance between prudence and innovation will be critical as policymakers consider how the PPF can evolve from a “lifeboat” into a broader legacy institution for the UK pensions system. This paper explores how this could be achieved.