The cost of independent advice should not stop trustees from taking appropriate action in reviewing a transaction which could lead to a pension scheme being abandoned, says The Pensions Regulator.
In its response to the feedback received on the consultation ‘Abandonment of defined benefit pension schemes’ the Regulator says cost issues “do not remove trustees’ fiduciary duty”. Instead it suggests trustees “seek immediate reimbursement from the employer of all necessary advice the trustees require in order to properly consider any transaction proposed by the employer”. Following the consultation, which received 21 responses, the Pensions Regulator has issued 18 pages of ‘reinforced’ guidance for trustees on the issue of abandonment, as it believes it is “appropriate to provide furt...
To continue reading this article...
Join Professional Adviser for free
- Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
- Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
- Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
- Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
- Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
- Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes