The Occupational Pension Schemes (Cross-border Activities) Regulations 2005

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations make provision relating to the carrying out by the Pensions Regulator (“the Regulator”) of its functions in relation to cross-border activity within the European Union by occupational pension schemes and their trustees or managers, or by European pensions institutions.

Regulation 3 makes provision as to the meaning of “European employer” and “host member State” when those terms are used in Part 7 of the Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35).

Regulations 4, 5 and 6 make provision about the information to be supplied to the Regulator when the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme make an application to the Regulator for a general authorisation to accept contributions from European employers.

Regulation 7 makes provision about the conditions which must be met by an applicant for general authorisation before the Regulator may grant the application.

Regulation 8 makes provision about the criteria to be applied by the Regulator in reaching any decision as to the revocation of a general authorisation.

Regulations 9, 10 and 11 make provision about the information to be supplied to the Regulator when the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme make an application to the Regulator for approval in relation to a particular European employer.

Regulation 12 makes provision about the conditions which must be met by an applicant for approval before the Regulator may grant an approval.

Regulation 13 makes provision about the revocation of approvals and the criteria to be applied by the Regulator in reaching any decision as to the revocation of an approval.

Regulation 14 provides for the modification of certain provisions of pensions legislation in their application to European members of occupational pension schemes which carry out cross-border activity.

Regulation 15 makes provision about the circumstances in which the Regulator may issue a ring-fencing notice, and about what such a notice may require of the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme.

Regulation 16 makes provision about the requirements of the law relating to occupational pension schemes to be notified by the Regulator to the competent authorities of other member States and complied with by European pensions institutions which accept contributions from UK employers.

Regulation 17 makes provision about the manner of applying to the Regulator for authorisation or approval.

Regulation 18 makes a consequential amendment to the Occupational Pension Schemes (Trust and Retirement Benefits Exemption) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2360).

As these Regulations are made before the expiry of the period of six months beginning with the coming into force of the provisions of the Pensions Act 2004 by virtue of which they are made, the requirement for the Secretary of State to consult such persons as he considers appropriate does not apply.

An assessment of the impact of these Regulations on business, charities and the voluntary sector has been made. Copies of this Regulatory Impact Assessment have been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies may be obtained from the Better Regulation Unit of the Department for Work and Pensions, 1-11, John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.