The Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) Regulations 1996

PART IE+W+S GENERAL

Citation, commencement and interpretationE+W+S

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) Regulations 1996 and shall come into force on 6th April 1997.

(2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—

“the 1993 Act" means the Pension Schemes Act 1993;

“the 1995 Act" means the Pensions Act 1995;

[F1 “the 2004 Act” means the Pensions Act 2004; ]

[F2“actuary” means—

(a)

the actuary mentioned in section 47(1)(b) of the 1995 Act (professional advisers); or

(b)

in relation to a scheme to which that section does not apply—

(i)

[F3a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries; or]

(iii)

a person with other actuarial qualifications who is approved, at the request of the trustees of the scheme in question, by the Secretary of State as being a proper person to act for the purposes of these Regulations in connection with that scheme;]

“appropriate date" has the meaning given to that expression in section 97(3A) of the 1993 Act M1;

“base rate" has the meaning given to that expression in the Local Government Pension Scheme Regulations [F41997];

[F5“cash balance benefit” has the meaning given [F6to that expression in section 75 of the Pension Schemes Act 2015];]

F7...

“cash equivalent" means a cash equivalent [F8mentioned in section 94(1) or (2)] of the 1993 Act M2;

[F9“categories of benefits” refers to the categories listed in paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 93(6) of the 1993 Act;]

[F2“discount rates” means the interest rates used to discount future payments of benefit for the purposes of placing a current value on them;]

[F10“effective date” means the date as at which the assets and liabilities are valued for the purposes of the insufficiency report;]

[F11“final salary”, in relation to a member to or in respect of whom benefits under a pension scheme are payable, means the member’s pensionable earnings, or highest, average or representative pensionable earnings, in a specified period ending at, or defined by reference to, the time when the member’s pensionable service in relation to that scheme ends;]

“guarantee date" has the meaning given to that expression in [F12section 93A(4)] of the 1993 Act;

[F2“initial cash equivalent” means the amount calculated in accordance with regulation 7(1)(a);]

[F2“insufficiency report” means the actuary’s last relevant report before the guarantee date prepared in accordance with Schedule 1B (insufficiency reports);]

[F2“insufficiency report liabilities” has the meaning given in paragraph 7 of Schedule 1B;]

[F2“insurance policy” means an insurance policy which is a contract on human life or a contract of annuity on human life, but excluding a contract which is linked to investment funds;]

[F13“member” has the meaning given in section 124(1) of the 1995 Act (interpretation);]

[F14“pensionable earnings”, in relation to a member of a pension scheme, means earnings by reference to which benefits under the scheme are calculated;]

F15...

F16...

[F2“salary related benefits” means benefits that are not money purchase benefits;]

[F17“salary related scheme" has the meaning given in regulation 1A;]

“scheme", except in the expressions “personal pension scheme" and “receiving scheme", means occupational pension scheme;

F7...

“section 9(2B) rights" has the meaning given to that expression in the Contracting-out (Transfer and Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996 M3;

[F2“statement of entitlement” has the meaning given in [F18section 93A(3) of the 1993 Act (right to statement of entitlement: benefits other than money purchase)];]

“trustees", in relation to a scheme which is not set up or established under a trust, means the managers of the scheme M4

and other expressions have the same meaning as in the 1993 Act.

Textual Amendments

F5 Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 32(2)(a) (with regs. 6, 41, 44(1), 47(1), 69(2), 72(1), 76(1)); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

F11 Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 32(2)(b) (with regs. 6, 41, 44(1), 47(1), 69(2), 72(1), 76(1)); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

F14 Words in reg. 1(2) inserted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 32(2)(c) (with regs. 6, 41, 44(1), 47(1), 69(2), 72(1), 76(1)); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Reg. 1(2) modified by SI 2000/1052 reg. 5(2)(a)(i) (as substituted (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 5(b))

C2 Reg. 1(2) modified by SI 2000/1052 reg. 5(2)(a)(ii) (as substituted (E.W.S.) (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 5(b))

C3 Reg. 1(2) modified by SI 2000/1052 reg. 4(4)(a) (as substituted (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 5(b))

C4 Reg. 1(2) modified by SI 2000/1054 reg. 24(2)(a) (as substituted (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050), reg. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 7(c))

Marginal Citations

M1Section 97(3A) was inserted by paragraph 4(c) of Schedule 6 to the Pensions Act 1995.

M2Section 94(1) was amended by section 154(1) of the Pensions Act 1995.

M4 In relation to regulation 11, see also the Occupational Pension Schemes (Managers) Regulations 1986, S.I. 1986/1718.

[F19Salary related schemesE+W+S

1A.   For the purposes of Chapter IV of Part IV of the 1993 Act and these regulations an occupational pension scheme is salary related if it is not a money purchase scheme and it is not a scheme—

(a)the only benefits provided by which (other than money purchase benefits) are death benefits; and

(b)under the provisions of which no member has accrued rights (other than rights to money purchase benefits).]

Textual Amendments

PART IIE+W+S RESTRICTIONS ON RIGHT TO CASH EQUIVALENT

Pre-1986 leaversE+W+S

2.  [F20Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA] of the 1993 Act shall not apply to a member of a salary related scheme whose pensionable service terminated before 1st January 1986 if all of the member’s accrued rights to benefits under the scheme—

(a)are rights—

(i)to official pensions specified in Schedule 2 to the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 M5 (official pensions),

(ii)to pensions in relation to which the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 has effect by virtue of regulations made under section 5(2) of that Act (scope of Act and general powers), or

(iii)to pensions under a scheme the rules of which provide that pensions thereunder shall be increased in accordance with the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971; or

(b)are rights to pensions under a scheme the rules of which provide that pensions thereunder shall in the pre-pension period (as defined in section 83(1)(a)(iii) of the 1993 Act (scope of Chapter II: revaluation of accrued benefits excluding guaranteed minimum pensions)) be revalued at a rate equal to or exceeding [F21a rate that, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, maintains the value of pensions or other benefits by reference to the rise in the general level of prices in Great Britain].

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

Rules on continuation in employment after termination of pensionable serviceE+W+S

F223.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Right to further cash equivalent on termination of employment to which the scheme appliesE+W+S

F234.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Treatment of a number of employments as a single employmentE+W+S

F245.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART IIIE+W+SF25 ... STATEMENTS OF ENTITLEMENT AND CALCULATION OF TRANSFER VALUES

Textual Amendments

F26... statements of entitlementE+W+S

6.—[F27(1) Subject to paragraph (1A), the guarantee date in relation to a statement of entitlement must be—

(a) within the period of three months beginning with the date of the member’s application F28 ... for a statement of entitlement; or

(b)where the trustees are unable to provide a statement of entitlement for reasons beyond their control within the period specified in sub-paragraph (a), within such longer period not exceeding six months beginning with the date of the member’s application as they may reasonably require.]

[F29(1A) Where a relevant scheme has received an application, the guarantee date must be either—

(a)within the period, or, where applicable, the longer period, set out in paragraph (1); or

(b)within a period of three months beginning on the date on which the relevant direction ceases to have effect,

whichever ends later.

(1B) In paragraph (1A)—

F30 ...

“relevant scheme” means a scheme which either—

(a)

is the subject of a freezing order made under section 23 of the Pensions Act 2004 containing a relevant direction on the date it receives the application; or

(b)

becomes the subject of such a freezing order during the period, or, where applicable, the longer period, set out in paragraph (1); and

“relevant direction” means a direction under section 23(4)(g) of the Pensions Act 2004.]

[F31(1C) Where a member has transferrable rights in relation to two categories of benefits other than money purchase benefits, the trustees or managers must provide the member with a statement of entitlement setting out a separate cash equivalent in relation to each of the categories of benefits, unless the member’s application relates to one of the categories of benefits only.]

(2) The guarantee date must be within the period of ten days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday) ending with the date on which the statement of entitlement is provided to the member.

(3) A member who has made an application F32... for a statement of entitlement may not within a period of twelve months beginning on the date of that application make any further such application unless the rules of the scheme provide otherwise or the trustees allow the member to do so.

F33(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F34(5) In this regulation, “application” means an application for a statement of entitlement made under section 93A(1) of the 1993 Act (right to statement of entitlement: benefits other than money purchase).]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Reg. 6(3) restricted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 31 (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I . 2014/1683, art. 2

Manner of calculation and verification of cash equivalents - general provisionsE+W+S

[F35 7 .—(1) Subject to paragraphs (4) and (7), cash equivalents are to be calculated and verified—

(a)by calculating the initial cash equivalent—

(i)for salary related benefits [F36other than cash balance benefits in respect of which the available sum is not calculated by reference to final salary], in accordance with regulations 7A and 7B; or

(ii)for money purchase benefits [F37and cash balance benefits in respect of which the available sum is not calculated by reference to final salary], in accordance with regulation 7C,

and then making any reductions in accordance with regulation 7D; or

(b)in accordance with regulation 7E.

(2) The trustees must decide whether to calculate and verify the cash equivalent in accordance with paragraph (1)(a) or (b), but they can only choose paragraph (1)(b) if they have had regard to any requirement for consent to paying a cash equivalent which is higher than the amount calculated and verified in accordance with paragraph (1)(a).

(3) The trustees are responsible for the calculation and verification of cash equivalents and initial cash equivalents.

(4) Where a member, in relation to whom a cash equivalent is to be calculated and verified, is a member of a scheme modified by—

(a)the British Coal Staff Superannuation Scheme (Modification) Regulations 1994; or

(b)the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme (Modification) Regulations 1994,

the cash equivalent of his bonus is to be calculated and verified by the trustees, having obtained the advice of the actuary, to reflect the fact that a reduced bonus, or no bonus, may become payable in accordance with the provisions governing the scheme in question.

(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4) “bonus” means any—

(a)augmentation of his benefits; or

(b)new, additional or alternative benefits,

which the trustees of the scheme in question have applied to the member’s benefits, or granted to him in accordance with the provisions governing that scheme, on the basis of findings as to that scheme’s funding position.

(6) Paragraph (7) applies where the cash equivalent is calculated and verified in accordance with paragraph (1)(a).

[F38(7) Where a portion of the cash equivalent relates to a benefit specified in paragraph (1)(a)(i) and a portion relates to a benefit specified in paragraph (1)(a)(ii), the initial cash equivalent is to be calculated—

(a)for the portion falling within paragraph (1)(a)(i), in accordance with regulations 7A and 7B; and

(b)for the portion falling within paragraph (1)(a)(ii), in accordance with regulation 7C.]

Textual Amendments

F36 Words in reg. 7(1)(a)(i) inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(3)(a) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

F37 Words in reg. 7(1)(a)(ii) inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(3)(b) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

F38 Reg. 7(7) substituted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(3)(c) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Regs. 7-7C modified by SI 2000/1054 reg. 24(2)(c) (as substituted (E.W.S.) (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050) , reg. 1(1) , Sch. 2 para. 7(c) )

C9Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1048, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b), (c))

C10Regs. 7-7C modified by S.S.I. 2000/112, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 7(3)(b), (e))

C11Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1052, reg. 4 (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 4(4))

Manner of calculation of initial cash equivalents for salary related benefits [F39other than cash balance benefits not calculated by reference to final salary]E+W+S

7A.—(1) For salary related benefits [F40other than cash balance benefits in respect of which the available sum is not calculated by reference to final salary], the initial cash equivalent is to be calculated—

(a)on an actuarial basis; and

(b)in accordance with paragraph (2) and regulation 7B.

(2)  The initial cash equivalent is the amount at the guarantee date which is required to make provision within the scheme for a member’s accrued benefits, options and discretionary benefits.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), the trustees must determine the extent—

(a)of any options the member has which would increase the value of his benefits under the scheme;

(b)of any adjustments they decide to make to reflect the proportion of members likely to exercise those options; and

(c)to which any discretionary benefits should be taken into account, having regard to any established custom for awarding them and any requirement for consent before they are awarded.

Textual Amendments

F39 Words in reg. 7A inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(4)(a) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

F40 Words in reg. 7A(1) inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(4)(b) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1048, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b), (c))

C10Regs. 7-7C modified by S.S.I. 2000/112, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 7(3)(b), (e))

C11Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1052, reg. 4 (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 4(4))

C12 Reg. 7A(2) modified by SI 2000/1054 reg. 24(2)(e) (as substituted (E.W.S.) (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050) , reg. 1(1) , Sch. 2 para. 7(c) )

C13 Reg. 7A(2) modified by SI 2000/1052 reg. 4(4)(d) (as substituted (E.W.S.) (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050) , reg. 1(1) , Sch. 2 para. 5(b) )

[F41Initial cash equivalents for salary related benefits [F42other than cash balance benefits not calculated by reference to final salary]: assumptions and guidanceE+W+S

7B.—(1) The trustees must calculate the initial cash equivalent for salary related benefits [F43other than cash balance benefits in respect of which the available sum is not calculated by reference to final salary]—

(a)by using the assumptions determined under this regulation; and

(b)where the scheme falls within paragraph (6), in accordance with the guidance referred to in that paragraph.]

(2) Having taken the advice of the actuary, the trustees must determine the economic, financial and demographic assumptions.

(3) In determining the demographic assumptions, the trustees must have regard to—

(a)the main characteristics of the members of the scheme; or

(b)where the members of the scheme do not form a large enough group to allow demographic assumptions to be made, the characteristics of a wider population sharing similar characteristics to the members.

(4) [F44Except where the scheme falls within paragraph (6), the trustees must] have regard to the scheme’s investment strategy when deciding what assumptions will be included in calculating the discount rates in respect of the member.

(5) The trustees must determine the assumptions under this regulation with the aim that, taken as a whole, they should lead to the best estimate of the initial cash equivalent.

[F45(6) A scheme falls within this paragraph if it is a public service pension scheme in respect of which guidance has been prepared, and from time to time revised, by the Treasury for calculating the discount rates.]

Textual Amendments

F42 Words in reg. 7B inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(5)(a) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

F43 Words in reg. 7B(1) inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(5)(b) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1048, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b), (c))

C10Regs. 7-7C modified by S.S.I. 2000/112, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 7(3)(b), (e))

C11Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1052, reg. 4 (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 4(4))

Manner of calculation of initial cash equivalents for money purchase benefits [F46and cash balance benefits not calculated by reference to final salary]E+W+S

7C.—(1) For [F47cash balance benefits in respect of which the available sum is not calculated by reference to final salary and] money purchase benefits, the initial cash equivalent is to be calculated in accordance with this regulation.

(2) The initial cash equivalent is the realisable value [F48at the date of calculation] of any benefits to which the member is entitled.

(3) The trustees must calculate that realisable value—

(a)in accordance with the scheme rules; and

(b)in a manner which is—

(i)approved by the trustees; and

(ii) consistent with [F49Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA] of the 1993 Act.

(4) [F50The realisable value must include—

(a)for money purchase benefits, any increases to the benefits resulting from a payment of interest made in accordance with the scheme rules; or

(b)for cash balance benefits—

(i)any interest (including notional interest) which, in accordance with the scheme rules, applies to the available sum in respect of which the benefits are calculated;

(ii)any guarantee which, in accordance with the scheme rules, applies to the available sum in respect of the benefits or to the contributions made by the member or by another person in respect of the member;

(iii)any options the member has which would increase the value of the member’s benefits under the scheme (adjusted to reflect the proportion of members the trustees determine are likely to exercise those options); and

(iv)any discretionary benefits which the trustees determine should be taken into account, having regard to any established custom for awarding the benefits and any requirement for consent before they are awarded.]

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in reg. 7C inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(6)(a) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I . 2014/1683, art. 2

F47 Words in reg. 7C(1) inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(6)(b) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I . 2014/1683, art. 2

F50 Reg. 7C(4) substituted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711) , regs. 1(1) , 32(6)(c) (with regs. 6 , 41 , 44(1) , 47(1) , 69(2) , 72(1) , 76(1) ); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I . 2014/1683, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1048, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b), (c))

C10Regs. 7-7C modified by S.S.I. 2000/112, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 7(3)(b), (e))

C11Regs. 7-7C modified by S.I. 2000/1052, reg. 4 (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 4(4))

Reductions to initial cash equivalentsE+W+S

7D.—(1) [F51For salary-related benefits] an initial cash equivalent may, or as the case may be must, be reduced in accordance with Schedule 1A (reductions in initial cash equivalents).

[F52(2) For the purposes of paragraph (1) the trustees may—

(a)request an insufficiency report from the actuary in accordance with Schedule 1B (insufficiency reports); or

(b)treat the actuary’s last relevant GN11 report as an insufficiency report.

(3) For money purchase benefits, an initial cash equivalent may, or as the case may be, must be reduced in accordance with [F53paragraphs 7, 10, 11], 14 and 15 of Schedule 1A (reductions in initial cash equivalents).]

Textual Amendments

F51Words in reg. 7D(1) inserted (E.W.S.) (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 32(7)(a) (with regs. 6, 41, 44(1), 47(1), 69(2), 72(1), 76(1)); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

F52Reg. 7D(2)(3) substituted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 32(7)(b) (with regs. 6, 41, 44(1), 47(1), 69(2), 72(1), 76(1)); coming into force immediately after s. 29 of 2011 c 19 - see S.I. 2014/1683, art. 2

Alternative manner of calculating and verifying cash equivalentsE+W+S

7E.—(1) This regulation applies where the trustees have decided to calculate and verify the cash equivalent in accordance with regulation 7(1)(b).

(2) The cash equivalent is to be calculated and verified in such manner as may be approved by the trustees.

(3) The cash equivalent must be higher than it would be if it was calculated and verified in accordance with regulation 7(1)(a).

(4) For the purposes of calculating and verifying the cash equivalent, the trustees may request an insufficiency report from the actuary in accordance with Schedule 1B.

(5) The trustees may treat the actuary’s last relevant GN11 report as an insufficiency report.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14Regs. 7E(1)-(3) modified by S.I. 2000/1052, reg. 4 (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 4(4))

C15Regs. 7E(1)-(3) modified by S.I. 2000/1048, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 2(4)(b), (c))

C16Regs. 7E(1)-(3) modified by S.S.I. 2000/112, reg. 3(3)(4)(8) (as substituted (6.4.2016) by The Pension Sharing (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/289), regs. 1(2), 7(3)(b), (e))

Increases and reductions of [F54cash equivalents shown in the statement of entitlement]E+W+S

9.—[F55(1) This regulation applies to a cash equivalent in respect of transferrable rights in relation to categories of benefits other than money purchase benefits where a statement of entitlement has been sent to a member of a salary related scheme by the trustees of the scheme.]

(2) Where all or any of the benefits to which a [F56cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] relates have been surrendered, commuted or forfeited before the date on which the trustees do what is needed to carry out what the member requires, that part of the [F56cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] which relates to the benefits so surrendered, commuted or forfeited shall be reduced to nil.

(3) Where a scheme has on or after the guarantee date begun to be wound up, a [F57cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] may be reduced to the extent necessary for the scheme to comply with [F58the winding up provisions (as defined in section 73B(10)(a) of the 1995 Act) and regulations made under those provisions ].

(4) If, by virtue of regulations made [F59under section 73B(4)(b)(i) of the 1995 Act by virtue of section 73B(5) of that Act, the winding up provisions (as so defined) apply] to a section of a scheme as if that section were a separate scheme, paragraph (3) shall apply as if that section were a separate scheme and as if the references therein to a scheme were accordingly references to that section.

(5)  If a member’s [F60cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] falls short of or exceeds the amount which it would have been had it been calculated in accordance with [F61Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA] of the 1993 Act and these Regulations it shall be increased or reduced to that amount.

(6) In a case where two or more of the paragraphs of this regulation fall to be applied to a calculation, they shall be applied in the order in which they occur in this regulation except that where paragraph (5) falls to be applied it shall be applied as at the date on which it is established that the [F62cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] falls short of or exceeds the proper amount.

Textual Amendments

Increases of cash equivalents on late paymentE+W+S

10.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), if the trustees of a scheme, having received an application under section 95 of the 1993 Act, fail to do what is needed to carry out what the member requires within six months of the appropriate date the member’s cash equivalent, as calculated in accordance with regulations 7 to 9, shall be increased by the amount, if any, by which that cash equivalent falls short of what it would have been if the appropriate date had been the date on which the trustees carry out what the member requires.

(2) If the trustees of a scheme, having received an application under section 95 of the 1993 Act, fail without reasonable excuse to do what is needed to carry out what the member requires within six months of the appropriate date the member’s cash equivalent, as calculated in accordance with regulations 7 to 9, shall be increased by—

( a )interest on that cash equivalent calculated on a daily basis over the period from the appropriate date to the date on which the trustees carry out what the member requires, at an annual rate of one per cent. above base rate; or, if it is greater,

(b)the amount, if any, by which that cash equivalent falls short of what it would have been if the appropriate date had been the date on which the trustees carry out what the member requires.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

DisclosureE+W+S

11 .—[F63(1) Subject to paragraphs (1A) and (1B), a member to whom paragraph (1C) applies is entitled to receive from the trustees, on request, the information mentioned in Schedule 1 in writing.]

[F64(1A) Paragraph (1) does not apply where the request is made within 12 months of the last occasion that such information was provided to the member.

(1B) Information provided under paragraph (1) is to be provided by the trustees as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within three months after the date that the member makes the request.]

[F65(1C) This paragraph applies—

(a)to a member who is currently accruing rights to one of the categories of benefits; and

(b)to a member who is no longer accruing rights to money purchase benefits unless, in respect of those benefits, a crystallisation event under section 93(7) has occurred.]

F66(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F67(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The trustees must ensure that a statement of entitlement [F68provided under section 93A of the 1993 Act] is accompanied by—

(a)the information mentioned in Schedule 1 in relation to any cash equivalent of or transfer value in relation to the member’s money purchase benefits (if any) under the scheme, calculated by reference to the guarantee date;

(b)a statement in writing—

F69( i). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(ii)indicating whether, and if so for what reasons and by what amount, the member’s [F70initial] has been reduced under [F71Schedule 1A] and if any such reduction has been made the statement shall indicate the paragraph of [F71Schedule 1A] which has been relied upon and shall give an estimate of the date (if any) by which it will be possible to make available a [F72cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] [F73in relation to each of the categories of benefits ]which is not so reduced,

[F74(iia)indicating the amount of the cash equivalent which is attributable to each of the categories of benefits included in the statement of entitlement;]

(iii)explaining the terms and effect of regulation 6(3) (no right to make an application for a guaranteed statement of entitlement within 12 months of the last such application),

(iv) explaining that if the member wishes to exercise his right to take the [F75 cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement ] the member must submit a written application to do so within three months beginning on the guarantee date, F76 ...

(v)explaining that in exceptional circumstances the [F77cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] may be reduced and that the member will be informed if it is so reduced, [F78 and

(vi)where the scheme has begun to wind up, explaining that—

(aa)the value of the member’s [F79 cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] may be affected by the scheme’s winding up; [F80and]

(bb)a decision to take a [F79cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] should be given careful consideration; and

F81( cc ). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

[F82(c)the information mentioned in paragraph 3 of Schedule 1.]

[F83(4A) For the purposes of paragraph (4)(b)(vi), the question whether a scheme has begun to wind up shall be determined in accordance with section 124(3A) to (3D) of the 1995 Act.]

(5) Where a [F84cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] is reduced or increased under regulation 9, the trustees must notify the member of that fact in writing within ten days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday) and such notification must—

(a)state the reasons for and the amount of the reduction or increase;

(b)indicate the paragraph of regulation 9 which has been relied upon; and

(c)state that the member has a further three months, beginning with the date on which the member is informed of the reduction or increase, to make a written application to take the guaranteed cash equivalent as so reduced or increased.

(6) Where any person fails to comply with any requirement imposed upon that person by this regulation, the Regulatory Authority may [F85by notice in writing] require that person to pay, within 28 days, a penalty which—

(a)in the case of an individual, shall not exceed £1,000; and

(b)in any other case, shall not exceed £10,000.

[F86(7) The trustees may provide any information or notification under this regulation in accordance with regulations 26 to 28 of the Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Disclosure of Information) Regulations 2013 (giving information and documents).]

Textual Amendments

F64 Reg. 11(1)-(1B) substituted for reg. 11(1) (E.W.S.) (1.10.2008) by Occupational Pension Schemes (Transfer Values) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1050) , regs. 1(1) , 5(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 Reg. 11 applied (with application in accordance with art. 1(2) of the commencing S.I.) by The Divorce etc. (Pensions) Regulations 2000 (S.I. 2000/1123) , art. 3(1)(b) (2)(b) reg. 1(1)

PART IVE+W+S RECEIVING SCHEMES, ANNUITIES AND ARRANGEMENTS

Requirements to be met by receiving schemes, annuities and arrangementsE+W+S

12.—(1) The prescribed requirements referred to in section 95(2)(a)(ii) and (b)(ii) of the 1993 Act (cash equivalent of member’s rights in a scheme to be used for acquiring transfer credits or rights under another scheme or personal pension scheme) are that—

(a)if the member’s cash equivalent (or any portion of it to be used under section 95(2)(a) or (b) of the 1993 Act) is or includes the cash equivalent of accrued rights to guaranteed minimum pensions, then the scheme or personal pension scheme under whose rules transfer credits or rights are acquired is one to which those accrued rights may be transferred, or to which a transfer payment in respect of those accrued rights may be made, in accordance with regulation 2 of the Contracting-out (Transfer and Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996;

(b)if the member’s cash equivalent (or any portion of it to be used under section 95(2)(a) or (b) of the 1993 Act) is or includes the cash equivalent of accrued section 9(2B) rights, then the scheme or personal pension scheme under whose rules transfer credits or rights are acquired is one to which a transfer of liability in respect of those accrued rights may be made in accordance with regulation 7 of the Contracting-out (Transfer and Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996; [F87and]

F88(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F89(d) if the scheme from which rights are transferred or from which a transfer payment is made is registered under section 153 of the Finance Act 2004, the scheme or personal pension scheme to which rights are transferred or to which a transfer payment in respect of rights is made is registered under that section (except a scheme which was immediately before 6th April 2006 approved under Chapter III of Part XIV of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988) or is a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme as defined in section 169 of the Finance Act 2004. ]

(2) The prescribed requirements referred to in section 95(2)(c) of the 1993 Act (cash equivalent to be used for purchasing annuities) are that—

(a)the annuity is provided by [F90an insurance policy] or an annuity contract which satisfies the requirements of regulations 2, 3[F91, 4 and 5 or, in the case of a pension or accrued benefit under a relevant scheme, regulation 11 of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Discharge of Liability) Regulations 1997] ;

(b)if the scheme from which rights are transferred is [F92registered under section 153 of the Finance Act 2004, the annuity satisfies requirements of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.]

F93(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The prescribed circumstances referred to in section 95(5)(a) of the 1993 Act (except in prescribed circumstances section 95(2) to be construed as if paragraph (d) were omitted) are that a member of a scheme who has acquired a right to a cash equivalent under section 94 of that Act has required the trustees to use the cash equivalent for subscribing to a pension arrangement mentioned in paragraph (5)(a).

(5) The prescribed requirements referred to in section 95(2)(d) of the 1993 Act (cash equivalent to be used for subscribing to pension arrangements not mentioned in section 95(2)(a) to (c)) are that the pension arrangement to which it is proposed to subscribe—

(a)is an overseas arrangement F94...;

(b)if F95... the cash equivalent is or includes the cash equivalent of accrued section 9(2B) rights, is one to which a transfer payment in respect of such rights may be made in accordance with regulation 11 of the Contracting-out (Transfer and Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996; and

(c)if the scheme from which rights are transferred [F96is registered under section 153 of the Finance Act 2004[F97, ]is a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme as defined in section 169 of the Finance Act 2004.]

(6) In this regulation—

F98(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)“overseas arrangement" has the same meaning as in the Contracting-out (Transfer and Transfer Payment) Regulations 1996.

Textual Amendments

PART VE+W+STIME LIMITS FOR PAYMENT OF CASH EQUIVALENTS

Extension of time limits for payment of cash equivalentsE+W+S

13.—[F99(1)] The Regulatory Authority may grant an extension of the period mentioned in section 99(2)(a) or, as the case may be, (b) of the 1993 Act (trustees’ duties after exercise of option) if the trustees have within that period applied to the Regulatory Authority for an extension and—

(a)the Regulatory Authority is satisfied that—

(i)the scheme is being wound up or is about to be wound up,

[F100(ii)the scheme ceased to be a contracted-out scheme in the 12 month period ending on the second abolition date, and the trustees of the scheme are seeking to reach an agreement with HMRC as to the scheme’s liabilities for guaranteed minimum pensions or section 9(2B) rights of members through the scheme reconciliation service but such agreement has not yet been reached;]

(iii)the interests of the members of the scheme generally will be prejudiced if the trustees do what is needed to carry out what is required within that period,

(iv)the member has not taken all such steps as the trustees can reasonably expect in order to satisfy them of any matter which falls to be established before they can properly carry out what the member requires,

(v)the trustees have not been provided with such information as they reasonably require properly to carry out what the member requires, or

(vi)the member’s [F101cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement] has been reduced or increased under regulation 9 or the member has disputed the amount of the cash equivalent;

(b)the provisions of section 53 of the 1993 Act M6 (supervision of formerly certified schemes) apply; F102...

[F103(ba)the scheme is or has been within the three months immediately before the end of that period the subject of a freezing order under section 23 of the Pensions Act 2004 which contains a direction under section 23(4)(f) of that Act; F104...]

[F105(bb)the scheme is, or within the three months immediately before the end of that period has been, the subject of a pause order under section 31(5) of the Pension Schemes Act 2017 which contains a direction under section 31(5)(e) of that Act (no transfers etc of members’ rights); or]

(c)an application has been made for an extension on a ground specified in [F106paragraph (a), [F107(b), (ba) or (bb)]] and the Regulatory Authority’s consideration of the request cannot be completed before the end of that period.

[F108(2) In this regulation, “scheme reconciliation service” means the service set up by HMRC which allows schemes to compare the scheme’s records of members who have been contracted-out, and the value of members’ guaranteed minimum pensions, with HMRC’s records of the same, with a view to removing any errors in the scheme’s or HMRC’s records.]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

M6Section 53 was amended by paragraph 48 of Schedule 5 to the Pensions Act 1995.

PART VIE+W+S MODIFICATION OF THE 1993 ACT

[F109Extension of time within which member may exercise option to take a cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlementE+W+S

14.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)the member disputes the amount of the cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement within three months beginning with the guarantee date; or

(b)the member’s cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement has been reduced or increased under regulation 9, including where the member disputes the basis or amount of the increase or reduction within three months beginning with the date that the member is informed in writing that the cash equivalent has been reduced or increased.

(2) Where this regulation applies—

(a)if the member has made an application to take the cash equivalent under section 95(1) of the 1993 Act, that application lapses;

(b)the time for making a fresh application to take the cash equivalent under section 95(1) is extended so that the time is three months beginning with the date on which the member is informed in writing of—

(i)the reduced or increased cash equivalent; or, if later,

(ii)where the cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement has been disputed, the finally determined cash equivalent following the dispute, even where the cash equivalent has not changed; and

(c)the time specified in section 99(2)(a) (trustees’ duties after exercise of option) is extended so that the time is six months beginning with the date on which the member is informed in writing of—

(i)the reduced or increased cash equivalent; or, if later,

(ii)where the cash equivalent shown in the statement of entitlement has been disputed, the finally determined cash equivalent following the dispute, even where the cash equivalent has not changed.]

Textual Amendments

Cases where normal pension age is earlier than 60E+W+S

15.   In their application to a member of a scheme whose normal pension age is earlier than 60, section [F11093(4)(b)] of the 1993 Act (scope of [F111Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA]) shall have effect as if the words “at least one year" were omitted and [F112section 95(1A)(b)] of that Act shall have effect as if the references in them to normal pension age were references to the age of 60.

Textual Amendments

Accrued rights, or liabilities in respect of accrued rights, transferred without consentE+W+S

16.—(1) This regulation applies where—

(a)a member has acquired a right under section 94 of the 1993 Act to a cash equivalent but has not exercised the option conferred by section 95 of that Act; and

(b)the member’s accrued rights have been transferred to another scheme without that member’s consent.

(2)  Where this regulation applies, [F113Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA] of the 1993 Act shall have effect as if the member’s right to a cash equivalent of the benefits in respect of which a transfer or transfer payment has been made existed in relation to the receiving scheme instead of the transferring scheme.

Textual Amendments

Schemes with an overseas elementE+W+S

17.—(1) This regulation applies to schemes with any overseas element, as described in section 165(6) of the 1993 Act (requirements as to preservation of benefit under occupational pension schemes).

(2)  Where this regulation applies, [F114Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA] of the 1993 Act applies to schemes with any overseas element only to the extent that the requirements specified in or under sections 71 to 82 of the 1993 Act (the preservation requirements) apply to the scheme.

Textual Amendments

Termination of pensionable service in certain circumstances to be disregardedE+W+S

F115 18 .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Hybrid schemesE+W+S

F116 19 .  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

PART VIIE+W+S PENALTIES

Maximum penalty under section 10 of the 1995 ActE+W+S

20.  Where section 10 of the 1995 Act (civil penalties) applies by virtue of [F117section 93A(6)] or section 99(7) of the 1993 Act, the maximum amount for the purposes of section 10(2) of the 1995 Act shall be £1,000 in the case of an individual and £10,000 in any other case.

Textual Amendments

F118 PART VIII E+W+S REVOCATIONS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Social Security.

Oliver Heald

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State,

Department of Social Security