All scheme funding articles
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NewsTPR data shows continued funding improvements as new regime looms
Data from the Pensions Regulator shows continued improvement in funding levels for defined benefit pension schemes, as trustees review endgame options amid an expanded menu of options.
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OpinionSharing is caring: making the right call in surplus release decisions
Maggie Rodger, co-chair of the Association of Member Nominated Trustees, explains her organisation’s response to the surplus release consultation and the crucial factors all parties need to consider.
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NewsSPP calls for surplus rules to support regular payments from DB schemes
The current wording of draft rules is skewed towards one-off payments and could make it difficult for schemes that want to ‘run on’ and make regular payouts, according to the SPP.
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NewsWarning against ‘drift risk’ as half of schemes yet to set funding target
Trustees expect to reach their endgame objectives within about six to nine years, according to new research from Barnett Waddingham, but half have yet to set a formal funding target.
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OpinionSurplus is not a windfall – it is a governance test
Louise Davey of Independent Governance Group explores the nuances and pressures of defined benefit scheme surpluses, and why strong and clear governance processes are essential.
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NewsTrustees urged to clarify surplus ownership as corporates focus more on DB schemes
Stakeholders should discuss access to surplus ahead of new rules, Hymans Robertson says, as IGG research indicates corporates are spending more time discussing pensions now schemes are overfunded.
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NewsDB schemes end first half with £264bn surplus on PPF measure
Despite the broadly positive position, the PPF’s data showed that the aggregate position of schemes in deficit on a PPF basis worsened over the course of June.
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NewsPrivate investor group supports DB scheme with capital injection
A defined benefit pension scheme has agreed a rare “capital-backed investment” transaction with a private investment firm to secure an injection of capital to improve its funding position.
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NewsSurplus release rules edge closer as DWP publishes consultation
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched its highly anticipated consultation on releasing surplus capital from overfunded defined benefit pension schemes, with rules slated to come into force next year.
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NewsReality check for surplus release: PPI research shows limits of new policy
Funding resilience, scheme rules, fiduciary duty, and other factors could all restrict the ability or willingness of trustees to return surplus to employers or members, according to a new report.
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FeaturesIn Depth: What TPR’s Annual Funding Statement tells us about endgame planning
Pensions Expert explores the latest Annual Funding Statement and gauges the industry reaction as attention turns to surplus release regulations, ahead of new rules expected next year.
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NewsDB schemes end Q1 with stronger funding ratio despite asset volatility
The conflict in Iran has not hurt the overall funding levels of DB schemes so far this year, although aggregate assets have fallen slightly since the end of 2025.
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NewsVigilance needed as geopolitical tensions drive DB sponsor profit warnings
More than a quarter of UK-listed companies with a DB scheme have issued at least one profit warning in the past 12 months, according to new analysis by EY.
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NewsSurplus sharing dominating scheme decision-making, study shows
UK pension schemes are at a crossroads as surplus distribution challenges dominate decision-making, according to new research from PwC.
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FeaturesThe PPF Purple Book: Six key charts for the corporate DB sector
The 20th edition of the Pension Protection Fund’s Purple Book shows a gradual but consistent decline in the number of defined benefit (DB) pension schemes. But below the surface, the sector remains dynamic with millions of people’s retirements at stake.
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NewsBudget to reduce tax bill for DB surplus sharing from 2027
The change means that schemes can share surpluses with pensioner members without recipients incurring large tax bills and without permanently increasing pension payments.
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NewsThe pension fund that put its own sponsor into administration
Pensions Expert uncovers the unusual case of Biwater, recently wound up by the court at the request of the trustees of its defined benefit pension scheme in order to access PPF protection for members.
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OpinionCovenant comes of age: A journey from crisis to confidence
The importance of the employer covenant has helped shape UK pensions regulation, writes Arabella Slinger of the Society of Pension Professionals. The Pension Schemes Bill shows there is no sign of its importance reducing.
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NewsFall in deficit repair payments 'marks boost for DB sponsors'
The quarterly total of deficit reduction contributions into defined benefit schemes fell below £1bn in the second quarter of 2024, for the first time in several years.
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NewsCentrica reduces DB scheme contributions as deficit narrows
Centrica will pay around £30m a year less into its defined benefit pension schemes as a result of a significant reduction in the overall deficit.