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DWP launches consultation on DB surplus release regulations


By Callum Conway

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a consultation on draft regulations that would allow trustees of well-funded defined benefit (DB) pension schemes to release surplus funds to sponsoring employers.

The consultation sets out the framework for implementing the DB surplus flexibilities introduced through the Pension Schemes Act 2026 and will run until 2 September 2026


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FCA and TPR seek closer alignment on guided retirement and targeted support

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) have stressed the importance of closer regulatory alignment on retirement support reforms, arguing that guided retirement and targeted support should work together as part of a single member journey

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DWP to remove overseas investment amber flag as part of pension transfer changes

The government has launched a consultation on measures to strengthen protections against pension scams and reduce transfer delays, including proposals to remove the overseas investment amber flag and make it easier to transfer to 'reputable' schemes

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Government to publish updated pensions roadmap 'shortly' - Bell

The government is set to publish an updated pensions roadmap "shortly", Pensions Minister, Torsten Bell, has revealed, as the industry prepares to implement reforms introduced by the Pension Schemes Act

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Industry welcomes pension transfer proposals but calls for guidance

The pensions industry has welcomed the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) consultation on changes to pension transfer regulations, but warned that guidance is needed to ensure a consistent approach

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Resolution Foundation proposes ‘smoothed’ earnings link to replace ‘unsustainable’ triple lock

The Resolution Foundation has called for the state pension triple lock to be replaced with a ‘smoothed’ earnings link, warning the current policy is fiscally unsustainable

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Smart Pension surpasses £10bn AUM

Smart Pension has surpassed £10bn in assets under management (AUM), meeting the government’s first ‘scale test’ ahead of the 2030 timeframe

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