Debenhams schemes remain in PPF assessment after rescue attempt fails

Department store goes under

James Phillips
clock • 1 min read

Debenhams’ occupational pension schemes are expected to enter the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) after administrators failed to rescue the company from collapse.

The Debenhams Retirement Scheme (DRS) and the Debenhams Executive Pension Plan (DEPP), which closed to future accrual in 2006 and have around 15,000 members, have both been in PPF assessment since last April when the ailing retailer launched a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) process. The High Street department store also has been in administration since April but the failure of Arcadia, announced this week, has had a knock-on impact, with around £75m of Debenhams' sales made from Arcadia stock. Both schemes were due to undergo triennial valuations this year. The 2017 review found ...

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

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

James Phillips
Author spotlight

James Phillips

Professional Pensions journalist from 2016-2022

More on Pensions

Pensions and divorce: Where advisers can add the most value

Pensions and divorce: Where advisers can add the most value

'A pension is not simply another line on a balance sheet'

Tim Latham
clock 12 May 2026 • 4 min read
'A paralysis of the UK pension system' - The reality of transfer delays

'A paralysis of the UK pension system' - The reality of transfer delays

Provider ‘stalling’ causing tense SASS client case

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 May 2026 • 6 min read
WBR group buys financial planning firm's SSAS book

WBR group buys financial planning firm's SSAS book

Part of long-term growth strategy

Jenna Brown
clock 05 May 2026 • 2 min read