Potentially, yes. If the judges in the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) follow the Opinion of Advocate General Hogan in the German case of PSV vBauer (Case C-168/18).This case, once again, raises the question of the extent to which an individual's workplace pension benefits should be protected under EU law by an institution set up by a Member State to provide protection where the individual's employer or former employer has become insolvent. Read more
Listen to the second part of our pensions policy podcast (10 mins) with former Minister of State for Pensions and now Director of Policy at Royal London, Steve Webb Read more
Listen to our latest pensions podcast (10 mins) in which former Minister of State for Pensions and now Director of Policy at Royal London, Steve Webb, shares his views Read more
The latest edition of our quarterly Pensions Planner is now available.Click on the image below to download your copy.We hope that you find this guide helpful. Please share any feedback you have on it.You can also follow our latest thinking on all of the topics covered in the Planner on our new pensions blog.Please contact us if you need assistance with any of the issues that are highlighted in this edition. Read more
Although making any kind of political prediction at present is a fool's errand, it seems to be a question of when, rather than if, we get the next Pensions Bill. The indications are that a Bill will be included in the next Queen's speech. It now appears that this will take place "at the end of May". However, with the timing of her departure still unknown, your bet is as good as mine as to when the Bill will actually emerge.But, what can we expect when it is finally introduced? Read more
6 April is the start of the new tax year. It is also a common commencement date for legislative changes. This year, key changes affecting pensions from 6 April 2019 (unless otherwise stated) include Read more
On Monday, in its response to the consultation on protecting DB pension schemes and strengthening the Pensions Regulator, the Government confirmed its plans to: introduce a new criminal offence of wilful or reckless behaviour in relation to a defined benefit (DB) pension scheme (aimed at company directors) give the Pensions Regulator the power to issue … Read more
This is one of the questions posed by the DWP in its consultation on the Pensions Ombudsman's dispute resolution powers and jurisdiction issued just before Christmas. The consultation lacks detail on what is meant by mediation, simply suggesting that provision should be made for an Early Resolution Service and to allow the Pensions Ombudsman to ‘mediate’ and ‘resolve’ complaints and disputes before a determination.It is important that this consultation is taking place now, because the role of the Pensions Ombudsman's service is evolving. Read more
