The Pension Protection Fund (Entry Rules) Regulations 2005

Statutory Instruments

2005 No. 590

PENSIONS

The Pension Protection Fund (Entry Rules) Regulations 2005

Made

10th March 2005

Laid before Parliament

10th March 2005

Coming into force as provided for in regulation 1(2)

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by sections 120(3) and (4), 121(5), 122(3), (5) and (8), 123(5), 126(1)(b), (3) and (5), 129(1)(b), (3) and (8), 130(5) and (8), 133(3), 134(3)(a)(iii), 135(4), 138(10)(b) and (12), 139(6), 146(1) and (5), 147(1)(a) and (5), 148(8), 150(5) and (6)(a) to (c), 151(4), (6), (8) and (9)(b), 315(2), (4) and (5) and 318(1) and (4)(a) of the Pensions Act 2004 M1, and of all other powers enabling him in that behalf, by this instrument, which contains regulations made before the end of the period of six months beginning with the coming into force of the provisions of the enactment by virtue of which they are made M2, hereby makes the following Regulations:

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

M12004 c. 35. Section 318(1) is cited because of the meaning there given to “prescribed” and “regulations”. Sections 122(3), 126(1), 129(1)(b), 134(3), 146(1) and 147(1)(a) are modified in their application to multi-employer schemes by the Pension Protection Fund (Multi-employer Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/441) which also modifies other provisions of Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004. Sections 129(1), 138(12), 146(1), 147(1)(a) and 151(8) are also modified in their application to partially guaranteed schemes by the Pension Protection Fund (Partially Guaranteed Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/277) which also modifies other provisions of Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004.

M2See section 317 of the Pensions Act 2004 which provides that the Secretary of State must consult such persons as he considers appropriate before making regulations by virtue of the provisions of that Act (other than Part 8). This duty does not apply where regulations are made before the end of six months beginning with the coming into force of the provisions of that Act by virtue of which the regulations are made.

Citation, commencement and interpretationE+W+S

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Pension Protection Fund (Entry Rules) Regulations 2005.

(2) These Regulations shall come into force—

(a)for the purposes of regulation 1 (except paragraphs (4) and (5)) and regulation 2, on 1st April 2005; and

(b)for all other purposes on 6th April 2005.

(3) In these Regulations—

“the Act” means the Pensions Act 2004;

M3“the 1986 Act” means the Insolvency Act 1986;

M4“the 1988 Act” means the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988;

M5“the 1993 Act” means the Pension Schemes Act 1993;

M6“the 1995 Act” means the Pensions Act 1995;

[F1“the appointed day” is the day appointed for the coming into force of section 29 of the Pensions Act 2011 (definition of money purchase benefits);]

M7“the FSMA” means the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000;

[F2“the assessment date” means the date on which the assessment period in relation to the scheme or section, or (where there has been more than one such assessment period) the last one, began;]

M8“the Authority” has the meaning given in section 124(1) of the 1995 Act (interpretation);

[F3“cash balance benefits” has the meaning given by regulation 2 of the Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014;]

[F4“EEA credit institution” means a credit institution, authorised under Directive 2006/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 14th June 2006 relating to the taking up and pursuit of the business of credit institutions, [F5as last amended [F6on 24th November 2010 by Directives 2010/76/EU and 2010/78/ /EU] of the European Parliament and of the Council,] which has its relevant office in an EEA state other than the United Kingdom;

“EEA insurer” means an undertaking, other than a UK insurer, pursuing the activity of direct insurance [F7(within the meaning of Article 2 of the Solvency 2 Directive) which has received authorisation under Article 14 of the Solvency 2 Directive from its home state regulator;]

“EEA regulator” [F8 means a supervisory authority (within the meaning of Article 13(10) of the Solvency 2 Directive) of an EEA state]

F9...

F10...

“home state regulator” means the relevant EEA regulator in the EEA state where its head office is located;]

F9...

[F11“the Insolvency Rules” means the Insolvency Rules 1986 ]F12;

F13...

[F14“the Multi-employer Regulations” means the Pension Protection Fund (Multi-employer Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005;]

“multi-employer scheme” has the meaning given in section 307(4) of the Act (modification of the Act in relation to certain categories of pension scheme);

“multi-employer section” means a section of a segregated scheme which has at least two employers in relation to that section;

“non-segregated scheme” means a multi-employer scheme which is not a segregated scheme;

“normal pension age” has the meaning given in section 138(11) of the Act (payment of scheme benefits);

“pensionable service” has the meaning given in section 70(2) of the 1993 Act (interpretation);

“public body” means a government department or any non-departmental public body established by an Act of Parliament or by a statutory instrument made under an Act of Parliament to perform functions conferred on it under or by virtue of that Act or instrument or any other Act or instrument;

[F15“relevant office” means—

(a)

in relation to a body corporate, its registered office or, if it has no registered office, its head office;

(b)

in relation to a person other than a body corporate, the person’s head office;]

“relevant public authority” has the meaning given in section 307(4) of the Act;

“restricted information” has the meaning given in section 197(4) of the Act (restricted information);

“segregated scheme” means a multi-employer scheme which is divided into two or more sections where—

(a)

any contributions payable to the scheme by an employer in relation to the scheme or by a member are allocated to that employer's or that member's section; and

(b)

a specified proportion of the assets of the scheme is attributable to each section of the scheme and cannot be used for the purposes of any other section;

“segregated part”—

(a)

in relation to a non-segregated scheme, means a part of the scheme which is created when the rules of the scheme require the trustees or managers, in circumstances where an employer in relation to the scheme ceases to participate in the scheme, to segregate such part of the assets of the scheme as is attributable to the liabilities of the scheme to provide pensions or other benefits to or in respect of the pensionable service of members of the scheme by reference to that employer; and

(b)

in relation to a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme, means a part of the section which is created when the rules of the scheme relating to that section require the trustees or managers of the section, in circumstances where an employer in relation to the section ceases to participate in the scheme, to segregate such part of the assets of the section as is attributable to the liabilities of the section to provide pensions or other benefits to or in respect of the pensionable service of members of the section by reference to that employer; and

[F16“the Solvency 2 Directive” means Directive 2009/138/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2009 on the taking-up and pursuit of the business of Insurance and Reinsurance (Solvency II);]

[F17“tax registered scheme” means a pension scheme which is registered under Chapter 2 of Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004 (registration of pension schemes).]

F18...

[F19“UK insurer” means a person who has permission under Part 4 of the FSMA to effect or carry out contracts of insurance, but does not include a person who, in accordance with that permission, carries on that activity exclusively in relation to reinsurance contracts.]

[F20(4) In Part 2 of the Act and these Regulations, “employer”, in relation to—

(a)an occupational pension scheme which is not a multi-employer scheme; or

(b)a single-employer section of a segregated scheme,

which has no active members, includes the person who was the employer of persons in the description of employment to which the scheme or section relates immediately before the time at which the scheme or section ceased to have any active members in relation to it.]

[F21(5) In these Regulations, “employer”, in relation to a non-segregated scheme or a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme—

(a)in an assessment period, includes any person who before the assessment date has ceased to be the employer of persons in the description of employment to which the scheme or section relates unless condition A, B, [F22C, [F23D, E or F]] is satisfied where—

(i)condition A is that a debt under section 75 of the 1995 Act became due from that employer and the full amount of the debt has been paid before the assessment date;

(ii)condition B is that—

(aa)such a debt became due;

(bb)a legally enforceable agreement has been entered into the effect of which is to reduce the amount which may be recovered in respect of the debt; and

(cc)the reduced amount has been paid in full before the assessment date;

(iii)condition C is that such a debt became due but before the assessment date it is excluded from the value of the assets of the scheme or section because it is unlikely to be recovered without disproportionate costs or within a reasonable time;

(iv)condition D is that at the time at which any such person ceased to be the employer of persons in the description of employment to which the scheme or section relates the value of the assets of the scheme or section was such that no such debt was treated as becoming due;

[F24(v)condition E is that—

(aa)there is a restructuring within regulation 6ZB or 6ZC of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Employer Debt) Regulations 2005 (employment-cessation events: exemptions);

(bb)in that restructuring, the employer was the exiting employer for the purposes of those Regulations (see the definition of “exiting employer” in regulation 2(3A) of those Regulations (interpretation)); and

(cc)regulation 6ZA(3) or (4) of those Regulations (employment-cessation events: general) does not apply in relation to that restructuring;]

[F25(vi)condition F is that a flexible apportionment arrangement has taken effect in accordance with regulation 6E of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Employer Debt) Regulations 2005 (flexible apportionment arrangements) where the employer was the leaving employer within the meaning given in paragraph (7) of that regulation;]

(b)in any other case, includes any person who has ceased to be the employer of persons in the description of employment to which the scheme or section relates unless condition A, B, [F26C, [F27D, E or F]] is satisfied where—

(i)condition A is that a debt under section 75 of the 1995 Act became due from that employer and the full amount of the debt has been paid;

(ii)condition B is that—

(aa)such a debt became due;

(bb)a legally enforceable agreement has been entered into the effect of which is to reduce the amount which may be recovered in respect of the debt; and

(cc)the reduced amount has been paid in full;

(iii)condition C is that such a debt became due but it is excluded from the value of the assets of the scheme or section because it is unlikely to be recovered without disproportionate costs or within a reasonable time;

(iv)condition D is that at the time at which any such person ceased to be the employer of persons in the description of employment to which the scheme or section relates the value of the assets of the scheme or section was such that no such debt was treated as becoming due.]

[F28(v)condition E is that—

(aa)there is a restructuring within regulation 6ZB or 6ZC of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Employer Debt) Regulations 2005 (employment-cessation events: exemptions);

(bb)in that restructuring, the employer was the exiting employer for the purposes of those Regulations (see the definition of “exiting employer” in regulation 2(3A) of those Regulations (interpretation)); and

(cc)regulation 6ZA(3) or (4) of those Regulations (employment-cessation events: general) does not apply in relation to that restructuring.]

[F29(vi)condition F is that a flexible apportionment arrangement has taken effect in accordance with regulation 6E of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Employer Debt) Regulations 2005 where the employer was the leaving employer within the meaning given in paragraph (7) of that regulation.]

[F30(6) Until 30th April 2011, amendments made to Directive 2006/48/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council by Directive 2009/110/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council shall be disregarded for the purposes of the definition of “EEA credit institution” in paragraph (3).]

F31(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F1Words in reg. 1(3) inserted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 58(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

F3Words in reg. 1(3) inserted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 58(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

Commencement Information

I1Reg. 1 wholly in force at 6.4.2005; reg. 1 not in force at made date; reg. 1(1)-(3) in force at 1.4.2005 for certain purposes and reg. 1 in force at 6.4.2005 in so far as not already in force, see reg. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M8See section 7(2)(b) of the Pensions Act 2004 which provides that “the Authority” in section 124(1) of the Pensions Act 1995 means “the Pensions Regulator”.

Schemes which are not eligible schemesE+W+S

2.—(1) For the purposes of section 126(1)(b) of the Act (eligible schemes), an occupational pension scheme is not an eligible scheme if it is—

(a)a public service pension scheme under the provisions of which there is no requirement for assets related to the intended rate or amount of benefit under the scheme to be set aside in advance (disregarding requirements relating to additional voluntary contributions);

(b)a scheme which is made under section 7 of the Superannuation Act 1972 M9 (superannuation of persons employed in local government service etc) which provides pensions to persons employed in local government service;

(c)a scheme which is made under section 2 of the Parliamentary and Other Pensions Act 1987 M10 (power to provide for pensions for Members of the House of Commons etc);

(ca)[F32a scheme, provision for which is made by virtue of section 81(3) of the Scotland Act 1998 (remuneration of members of the Parliament and Executive);]

(d)a scheme in respect of which a relevant public authority has given a guarantee or made any other arrangements for the purposes of securing that the assets of the scheme are sufficient to meet its liabilities;

(e)F33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f)a scheme which provides relevant benefits within the meaning of section 612(1) of the 1988 Act (interpretation) [F34but which is neither a [F35tax registered scheme] nor] a relevant statutory scheme within the meaning of section 611A of that Act M11 (definition of relevant statutory scheme);

[F36(fa)a tax registered scheme which, immediately before 6th April 2006, was a former approved superannuation fund within the meaning of paragraph 1(1)(b) of Schedule 36 to the Finance Act 2004 (deemed registration of existing schemes);]

(g)a scheme—

(i)which has been categorised by the Commissioners of the Board of Inland Revenue for the purposes of its approval as a centralised scheme for non-associated employers;

(ii)which [F37was not contracted-out at any time before the second abolition date]; and

(iii)under the provisions of which the only benefits that may be provided on or after retirement (other than money purchase benefits derived from the payment of voluntary contributions by any person) are lump sum benefits which are not calculated by reference to a member's salary;

(h)a scheme—

(i)the only benefits provided by which (other than money purchase benefits) are death benefits, and

(ii)under the provisions of which no member has accrued rights (other than rights to money purchase benefits);

(i)a scheme with such a superannuation fund as is mentioned in section 615(6) of [F38the 1988 Act]M12 (exemption from tax in respect of certain pensions);

(j)a scheme which does not have its main place of administration registered in the United Kingdom;

(k)a scheme with fewer than two members;

(l)a scheme with fewer than twelve members where all the members are trustees of the scheme and either—

[F39(i)the provisions of the scheme provide that any decision made by the trustees is made by the unanimous agreement of the trustees who are members of the scheme; or]

(ii)the scheme has a trustee who is independent in relation to the scheme for the purposes of section 23 of the 1995 Act M13 (power to appoint independent trustees) and is registered in the register maintained by the Authority in accordance with regulations made under subsection (4) of that section;

(m)a scheme with fewer than twelve members where all the members are directors of a company which is the sole trustee of the scheme and either—

[F40(i)the provisions of the scheme provide that any decision made by the company in its capacity as trustee is made by the unanimous agreement of the directors of that company who are members of the scheme; or]

(ii)one of the directors of the company is independent in relation to the scheme for the purposes of section 23 of the 1995 Act and is registered in the register maintained by the Authority in accordance with regulations made under subsection (4) of that section;

(n)the Chatsworth Settlement Estate Pension Scheme [F41and];

F42(o). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(p)a scheme which, on or after the day appointed for the purposes of section 126(2) of the ActM14, does not have an employer in relation to the scheme and which has not been authorised under section 153 of the Act (closed schemes) to continue as a closed scheme.

[F43(1A) Paragraph (1)(d) shall not apply in relation to a scheme where—

(a)the scheme was in existence immediately prior to IP completion day; and

(b)the application of paragraph (1)(d) immediately prior to IP completion day would have given rise to State aid that was incompatible with the internal market within the meaning of Article 107 of the Treaty as it had effect in the United Kingdom immediately prior to IP completion day.]

(2) Except as otherwise provided in [F44paragraphs (3) and (4)] of this regulation, an occupational pension scheme which would be an eligible scheme but for this paragraph is not an eligible scheme where, at any time, the trustees or managers of the scheme enter into a legally enforceable agreement F45... the effect of which is to reduce the amount of any debt due to the scheme F46... under section 75 of the 1995 Act which may be recovered by, or on behalf of, those trustees or managers.

[F47(2A) Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs (3) and (4) of this regulation, an occupational pension scheme which becomes an eligible scheme in accordance with regulation 43(1)(b) of the Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (eligibility: schemes treated as money purchase schemes) is not an eligible scheme if—

(a)the trustees or managers of the scheme during the period beginning with the appointed day and ending immediately before 1st April 2015 have entered into a legally enforceable agreement; and

(b)the effect of that agreement (at any time) is to reduce the amount of any debt due to the scheme under section 75 of the 1995 Act (deficiencies in the assets) which may be recovered by, or on behalf of, the trustees or managers of the scheme.]

(3) [F48paragraphs (2) and (2A)] shall not apply where—

(a)before the beginning of an assessment period—

(i)the trustees or managers of the scheme enter into a legally enforceable agreement F49... the effect of which is to reduce the amount of the debt due to the scheme F50... under [F51section 75] of the 1995 Act which may be recovered by, or on behalf of, those trustees or managers;

(ii)the value of the scheme's assets would be sufficient to secure benefits for or in respect of members of the scheme which correspond to the amount of compensation which would be payable in relation to the scheme in accordance with the pension compensation provisions if the Board were to assume responsibility for the scheme in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Act (pension protection);

(iii)an individual appointed to act as the actuary in relation to the scheme (“the actuary”) has provided the Board with a written estimate of the current value of the assets and the protected liabilities of the scheme together with a statement about the effect which the agreement would have on the value of the scheme's assets as recorded in that estimate; and

(iv)the Board has determined to validate the estimate and statement provided;

(b)before the beginning of an assessment period, the trustees or managers of the scheme enter into a legally enforceable agreementF52..., as part of an arrangement under section 425 of the Companies Act 1985 M15 (power of company to compromise with creditors or members), the effect of which is to reduce the amount of the debt due to the scheme F53... under [F54section 75] of the 1995 Act which may be recovered by, or on behalf of, those trustees or managers; or

(c)after the beginning of an assessment period, or a further assessment periodM16, the Board F55... and has entered into a legally enforceable agreement F56... on behalf of the trustees or managers of the scheme the effect of which is to reduce the amount of the debt due to the scheme F57... under [F58section 75] of the 1995 Act which may be recovered by, or on behalf of, those trustees or managers.

[F59(4) [F60paragraphs (2) and (2A)] shall not apply in relation to an eligible scheme where before the beginning of an assessment period in relation to the scheme any of the following is in place—

(a)a scheme apportionment arrangement under the Occupational Pension Schemes (Employer Debt) Regulations 2005;

(b)a regulated apportionment arrangement under those Regulations;

(c)a withdrawal arrangement under those Regulations;

(d)an approved withdrawal arrangement under those Regulations.]

[F61(e)a restructuring within regulation 6ZB or 6ZC of those Regulations.]

[F62(f)a flexible apportionment arrangement within regulation 6E of those Regulations.]

(5) Where the Board has determined to validate or not to validate an estimate and statement provided to it by the actuary under paragraph (3)(a)(iii), it must issue a notice to this effect (“a validation notice”) and must give a copy of that notice to—

(a)the trustees or managers of the scheme,

(b)the actuary, [F63and]

[F64(c)the Regulator.]

F64(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6) A notice issued by the Board under paragraph (5) shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of the notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the date on which the Board received the estimate and statement from the actuary;

(d)the Board's determination to validate or not to validate the estimate and statement received from the actuary;

(e)a statement of reasons for the Board's determination;

(f)the address for communications at which the Board may be contacted in connection with the issue of the notice;

(g)whether the issue of the notice by the Board is a reviewable matter and, if so, the time limit for applying for a review of or appeal against the issue of the notice;

(h)the date on which the notice issued will become binding; and

(i)whether or not the notice issued contains any restricted information and, if so, the nature of the restrictions.

(7) The Board's determination to validate or not to validate the estimate and statement provided to it by the actuary under paragraph (3)(a)(iii) above does not take effect—

(a)until—

(i)the Board has issued a notice under paragraph (5) relating to the determination, and

(ii)the period within which the issue of that notice may be reviewed by virtue of Chapter 6 of Part 2 of the Act (reviews, appeals and maladministration) has expired, and

(b)if the issue of the notice was so reviewed, until—

(i)the review and any reconsideration,

(ii)any reference to the PPF Ombudsman in respect of the issue of the notice, and

(iii)any appeal against his determination or directions,

has been finally disposed of.

[F65(8) In this regulation—

[F66“contracted-out” is to be construed in accordance with section 7B(2) (meaning of “contracted-out scheme” etc.) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993;]

“PPF Ombudsman” has the meaning given in section 209 of the Act (the Ombudsman for the Board of the Pension Protection Fund); and

[F67“the second abolition date” has the meaning given in section 181(1) (general interpretation) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993;]

“the Treaty” means the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.]

[F68(9) In their application to a segregated scheme, paragraphs (2) to (7) shall have effect as if each section of the scheme were a separate scheme.]

Textual Amendments

F47Reg. 2(2A) inserted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 58(3) (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

F48Words in reg. 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), 58(4) (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

F60Words in reg. 2(4) substituted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 58(4) (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

Commencement Information

I2Reg. 2 wholly in force at 6.4.2005; reg. 2 not in force at made date; reg. 2 in force at 1.4.2005 for certain purposes and reg. 2 in force at 6.4.2005 in so far as not already in force see reg. 1(2)(a)(b)

Marginal Citations

M11Section 611A of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 was inserted by section 75 of, and paragraphs 1, 15 and 18(1) of Part 1 of Schedule 6 to, the Finance Act 1988 (c. 36).

M12Section 615(6) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 has effect in relation to trust based occupational pension schemes established in respect of persons wholly employed in a trade or undertaking outside of the United Kingdom.

M13Section 23 of the 1995 Act is substituted by section 36(3) of the Pensions Act 2004.

M14See Article 2 of the Pension Protection Fund (Eligible Schemes) Appointed Day Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/599) which provides that the day appointed is 6th April 2005.

M151985 c. 6. Section 425 was amended by section 248(3) of, and paragraphs 3 and 5 of Schedule 17 to, the Enterprise Act 2002 (c. 40).

M16See section 159 of the Pensions Act 2004 which makes provision in respect of further assessment periods in respect of schemes which are authorised under section 153 of that Act to continue as closed schemes.

Schemes which cease to be eligible schemesE+W+S

3.—(1) Where, after the beginning of an assessment period in relation to an eligible scheme, the scheme ceases to be an eligible scheme in circumstances where—

[F69(a)the scheme has ceased to be a tax registered scheme; or]

(b)by reason of the death of a member of the scheme, the scheme becomes a scheme described in regulation 2(1)(k), (l) or (m), [F70or]

[F70(c)the employer in relation to the scheme, or the last remaining employer in relation to a multi-employer scheme, is dissolved,]

the scheme shall, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, be treated as remaining an eligible scheme.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not affect the requirement on the Board under section 146(1) of the Act (schemes which become eligible schemes) to refuse to assume responsibility for an eligible scheme if it is satisfied that the scheme was not an eligible scheme throughout the period prescribed in regulation 21.

[F71(3) In its application to a segregated scheme, paragraph (1) has effect as if each section of the scheme were a separate scheme.]

Textual Amendments

Notification of insolvency events in respect of employersE+W+S

4.—(1) The “notification period” in section 120(3) of the Act (duty to notify insolvency events in respect of employers) shall be the period of 14 days beginning on whichever date is the later of—

(a)the insolvency date; and

(b)the date on which the insolvency practitioner becomes aware of the existence of the scheme.

(2) A notice issued by an insolvency practitioner under section 120(2) of the Act shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of the notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)the nature of the insolvency event which has occurred and the date of the occurrence of that event;

(f)the name of the insolvency practitioner in relation to the employer in relation to the scheme;

(g)the date on which the insolvency practitioner in relation to the employer in relation to the scheme was appointed to act or consented to act in relation to that employer or, in any case where the insolvency practitioner is the official receiver, the date on which the official receiver began to act in relation to that employer;

(h)the address for communications at which the insolvency practitioner may be contacted by the Board in connection with the issue of the notice; and

(i)whether the notice issued contains any commercially sensitive information.

Prescribed insolvency eventsE+W+S

5.—(1) An insolvency event occurs—

[F72(a)in relation to a company, where—

(i)an administration order is made by the court in respect of the company by virtue of any enactment which applies Part 2 of the 1986 Act M17(administration orders) (with or without modification);

(ii)a notice from an administrator under paragraph 83(3) of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act (moving from administration to creditors' voluntary liquidation) in relation to the company is registered by the registrar of companies;

(iii)the company moves from administration to winding up pursuant to an order of the court under [F73Rule 2.132 of the Insolvency Rules (conversion of administration to winding up – power of court)] [F73rule 21.3 of the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 (conversion into winding up proceedings or bankruptcy: court order)] ; or

(iv)an administrator or liquidator of the company, being the nominee in relation to a proposal for a voluntary arrangement under Part 1 of the 1986 Act (company voluntary arrangements), summons meetings of the company and of its creditors, to consider the proposal, in accordance with section 3(2) of the 1986 Act (summoning of meetings);]

[F74(aa)in relation to a partnership, where—

(i)the partnership moves from administration to winding up pursuant to an order of the court under Rule 2.61 of the [F75Insolvency Rules] [F75Insolvency Rules 1986] (conversion of administration to winding up – power of court) (as applied by an order under section 420 of the 1986 Act (insolvent partnerships)) as that Rule stood before the coming into force of the Insolvency (Amendment) Rules 2003; or

(ii)an administrator, liquidator or trustee of the partnership, being the nominee in relation to a proposal for a voluntary arrangement under Part 1 of the 1986 Act (as applied by an order under section 420 of the 1986 Act), summons meetings of the members of the partnership and of the partnership’s creditors, to consider the proposal, in accordance with section 3(2) of the 1986 Act (as applied by an order under section 420 of the 1986 Act);]

(b)in relation to a relevant body, where—

(i)any of the events referred to in section 121(3) of the Act (insolvency events) occurs in relation to that body by virtue of the application (with or without modification) of any provision of the 1986 Act by or under any other enactment; or

(ii)an administration order is made by the court in respect of the relevant body by virtue of any enactment which applies Part 2 of the 1986 Act (with or without modification);

(c)in relation to a building society, where there is dissolution by consent of the members under section 87 of the Building Societies Act 1986 M18 (dissolution by consent) [F76, where a building society insolvency order is made under Part 2 of the Banking Act 2009 (bank insolvency) (as applied in relation to building societies by an Order under section 130 of that Act) or where a building society special administration order is made under Part 3 of that Act (bank administration) (as applied in relation to building societies by an Order made under section 158 of that Act)];

(d)in relation to a friendly society, where there is dissolution by consent of the members under section 20 of the Friendly Societies Act 1992 M19 (dissolution by consent); and

[F77(e)in relation to a co-operative or community benefit society, where there is dissolution by consent of the members under section 119 of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (dissolution of society by an instrument of dissolution).]

(2) In this regulation—

“administration order” means an order whereby the management of the company or relevant body, as the case may be, is placed in the hands of a person appointed by the court;

[F78“co-operative or community benefit society” means a registered society within the meaning given by section 1(1) of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 (meaning of “registered society”), other than a society registered as a credit union;]

“relevant body” means—

(a)

M20a credit union within the meaning given in section 31(1) of the Credit Unions Act 1979 (interpretation);

(b)

a limited liability partnership within the meaning given in section 57(6) of the Act (sections 38 to 56: partnerships and limited liability partnerships);

(c)

a building society within the meaning given in section 119 of the Building Societies Act 1986 (interpretation);

(d)

a person who has permission to act under Part 4 of the FSMA (permission to carry out regulated activities);

(e)

the society of Lloyd's and Lloyd's members who have permission under Part 19 of the FSMA (Lloyd's);

(f)

a friendly society within the meaning given in the Friendly Societies Act 1992; or

(g)

[F79a co-operative or community benefit society.]

(3) In this regulation, a reference to Part 2 of the 1986 Act (administration orders) shall, insofar as it relates to a company or society listed in section 249(1) of the Enterprise Act 2002 (special administration regimes), have effect as if it referred to Part 2 of the 1986 Act as it had effect immediately before the coming into force of section 248 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (replacement of Part 2 of the Insolvency Act 1986).

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

M17Part 2 of the Insolvency Act 1986 was replaced by section 248 of the Enterprise Act 2004 c. 40.

[F80European insolvency eventE+W+S

5A.—(1) An insolvency event occurs in relation to an employer on the fifth anniversary of the date that the insolvency proceedings mentioned in paragraph (2)(a) were commenced.

(2) The insolvency proceedings are proceedings which—

(a)on 20th July 2014—

(i)relate to an employer which has the centre of its main interests in the territory of a Member State of the European Economic Area other than the United Kingdom;

(ii)have been commenced in that Member State; and

(iii)have not come to an end;

(b)relate to an employer in relation to which a winding up order as mentioned in section 121(3)(g) of the Act (insolvency events) was granted and which was later set aside by the court on the basis that the court did not have jurisdiction to grant the order because the employer did not have an establishment in the United Kingdom; and

(c)relate to an employer in relation to an occupational pension scheme in respect of which an assessment period would have begun as a result of the grant of the winding up order mentioned in sub-paragraph (b) had that order not been set aside.

(3) The insolvency practitioner is the liquidator in relation to the insolvency proceedings mentioned in paragraph (2)(a)(i).

F81(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F82(5) In this regulation “insolvency proceedings”, “establishment” and “liquidator” each has the meaning given by Article 2 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1346/2000 of 29th May 2000 on insolvency proceedings.]]

Textual Amendments

Circumstances in which insolvency proceedings in relation to the employer are stayed or come to an endE+W+S

6.—(1) [F83Subject to paragraph (1A),] the prescribed circumstances referred to in section 122(3)(a) of the Act (insolvency practitioner's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme) in which insolvency proceedings in relation to an employer in relation to an occupational pension scheme are stayed or come to an end are—

(a)in a case where the employer is a company, where—

(i)the nominee in relation to a proposal for a voluntary arrangement under Part 1 of the 1986 Act (company voluntary arrangements) has submitted a report to the court under section 2 of that Act M21 (procedure where nominee is not the liquidator or administrator) which states that in his opinion meetings of the company and its creditors should be summoned to consider the proposal, but no voluntary arrangement has effect or, where a voluntary arrangement has effect, it later ceases to have effect as the result of a court order under section 6 of the 1986 Act M22 (challenge of decisions);

(ii)the directors of the company have filed (or in Scotland, lodged) documents and statements in accordance with paragraph 7(1) (documents to be submitted to court) of Schedule A1 M23 (moratorium where directors propose voluntary arrangement) to the 1986 Act but—

(aa)the resulting moratorium comes to an end without a voluntary arrangement taking effect, or

(bb)where a voluntary arrangement has effect, it later ceases to have effect as a result of a court order under paragraph 38 (challenge of decisions) of Schedule A1 to the 1986 Act;

(iii)the appointment of an administrator in respect of the company ceases to have effect except where—

(aa)the company moves from administration into winding up pursuant to paragraph 83 (moving from administration to creditor's voluntary liquidation) of Schedule B1 M24 (administration) to the 1986 Act or pursuant to an order of the court under [F84Rule 2.132 of the Insolvency Rules (conversion of administration to winding up – power of court)] [F84rule 21.3 of the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016 (conversion into winding up proceedings or bankruptcy: court order)], or

(bb)a winding up order is made by the court immediately upon the appointment of the administrator ceasing to have effect;

(iv)an administrative receiver within the meaning of section 251 of the 1986 Act (interpretation) appointed in relation to the company vacates office under section 45 of that Act (vacation of office); or

(v)all proceedings in the winding up of a company are stayed altogether or an order for the winding up of the company is rescinded or discharged except in circumstances where the court has made an administration order in accordance with paragraph 37 or 38 (application where company in liquidation) of Schedule B1 to the 1986 Act;

[F85(vi)where the company is a bank (as defined in section 91 of the Banking Act 2009), the bank insolvency procedure is stayed under section 130 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (as applied by section 103 of the Banking Act 2009), or the bank insolvency order is rescinded or discharged, except in circumstances where the court has made an administration order in accordance with section 114 of the Banking Act 2009.]

(b)in a case where the employer is an individual, where—

(i)the nominee in relation to a proposal for a voluntary arrangement under Part 8 of the 1986 Act (individual voluntary arrangements) has submitted a report to the court under section 256(1) (nominee's report on debtor's proposal) or 256A(3) M25 (debtor's proposal and nominee's report) of that Act which states that in his opinion a meeting of the individual's creditors should be summoned to consider the proposal but no voluntary arrangement takes effect or, where a voluntary arrangement takes effect, it later ceases to have effect as a result of a court order under section 262 M26 of the 1986 Act (challenge of meeting's decision);

(ii)a bankruptcy order against the individual is annulled or rescinded; or

(iii)an insolvency administration order in respect of the estate of the individual made in accordance with an order under section 421 of the 1986 Act (insolvent estates of deceased persons) is annulled or rescinded;

(c)in a case where the employer is a partnership, where—

(i)the nominee in relation to a proposal for a voluntary arrangement under Part 1 of the 1986 Act (company voluntary arrangements) (as applied by an order under section 420 of that Act (insolvent partnerships)) has submitted a report to the court under section 2 of that Act (procedure where nominee is not the liquidator or administrator) which states that in his opinion meetings of the partnership and its creditors should be summoned to consider the proposal, but no voluntary arrangement has effect or, where a voluntary arrangement has effect, it later ceases to have effect as a result of a court order under section 6 of the 1986 Act (challenge of decisions) (as applied by an order under section 420 of that Act);

(ii)the members of the partnership have filed documents and statements in accordance with paragraph 7(1) (documents to be submitted to the court) of Schedule A1 (moratorium where directors propose voluntary arrangement) to the 1986 Act (as applied by an order under section 420 of that Act) but—

(aa)the resulting moratorium comes to an end without a voluntary arrangement taking effect, or

(bb)where a voluntary arrangement has effect, it later ceases to have effect as a result of a court order under paragraph 38 (application where company in liquidation) of Schedule A1 to the 1986 Act (as applied by an order under section 420 of that Act);

(iii)an administration order in relation to a partnership under Part 2 of the 1986 Act M27 (administration orders) is discharged except where—

(aa)a winding up order is made by a court immediately upon the discharge of the administration order, or

(bb)the discharge is pursuant to an order of the court for the administration to be converted into winding up under Rule 2.61(1) of [F86the Insolvency Rules] [F86the Insolvency Rules 1986] (conversion of administration into winding up – power of court) as those rules stood before the coming into force of the Insolvency (Amendment) Rules 2003M28; or

(iv)all proceedings in a winding up of the partnership are stayed altogether or an order for the winding up of the partnership is rescinded or discharged.

[F87(d)in a case where the employer is a building society, where—

(i)the appointment of a building society special administrator under Part 3 of the Banking Act 2009 (bank administration) (as applied in relation to building societies by an order under section 158 of that Act) in respect of the building society ceases to have effect, or

(ii)the building society insolvency procedure is stayed under Article 110 of the Insolvency Order (as applied by sections 103 and 134 of the Banking Act 2009 and an order made under section 130 of that Act), or the building society insolvency order is rescinded or discharged, except in circumstances where the court has made an administration order in accordance with section 114 of the Banking Act 2009 (as applied by an order made under section 130 of that Act).]

[F88(1A) This regulation does not apply in relation to an insolvency event under regulation 5A.]

F89(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F83Words in reg. 6(1) inserted (temp. until 21.07.2017) (21.7.2014) by The Pension Protection Fund (Entry Rules) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1664), regs. 1(1), 2(3)(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Marginal Citations

M21Section 2 of the Insolvency Act 1986 was amended by sections 1 and 2 of, and Schedules 1 and 2 to, the Insolvency Act 2000 (c. 39).

M22Section 6 of the Insolvency Act 1986 was amended by section 2 of, and Part 1 of Schedule 2 to, the Insolvency Act 2000.

M23Schedule A1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 was inserted by section 1 of, and paragraphs 1 and 4 of Schedule 1 to, the Insolvency Act 2000.

M24Schedule B1 to the Insolvency Act 1986 was inserted by section 248 of, and Schedule 16 to, the Enterprise Act 2002.

M25Section 256A of the Insolvency Act 1986 was inserted by section 3 of, and paragraph 6 of Schedule 3 to, the Insolvency Act 2000 (c. 39).

M26Sections 256(1) and 262 of the Insolvency Act 1986 were amended by, and section 256A of that Act was inserted by, section 3 of, and Schedule 3 to, the Insolvency Act 2000 (c. 39).

M27The Enterprise Act 2003 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitional Provisions and Savings) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/2093 (C.85)) provided for the law relating to administration under Part 2 of the Insolvency Act 1986, without the amendments and repeals made by the Enterprise Act 2002, to continue to apply insofar as is necessary to give effect to the Insolvent Partnerships Order 1994 (S.I. 1994/2421).

[F90Applications and notifications to the BoardE+W+S

7.—(1) Except in a case to which regulation 7A applies, the prescribed requirement for the purposes of section 129(1)(b) and (4)(b) of the Act (applications and notifications for the purposes of section 128) is that at least one of [F91paragraphs (2) and (4)] applies to the employer.

(2) This paragraph applies to an employer if it is not—

(a)an individual;

(b)a company as defined in section 1(1) of the Companies Act 2006;

(c)a company which may be wound up under Part 5 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (unregistered companies);

(d)a partnership; or

(e)a relevant body as defined in regulation 5(2).

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(c), an employer which is a company incorporated outside the United Kingdom is to be regarded as a company which may be wound up under Part 5 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

(4) This paragraph applies to an employer if it is an EEA insurer or an EEA credit institution.]

F92(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F92(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

[F93Applications and notifications to the Board – multi-employer schemesE+W+S

7A.—(1) This regulation applies to—

(a)a multi-employer section to which Part 3 of the Multi-employer Regulations (segregated schemes: multi-employer sections without requirement for partial wind up on withdrawal of a participating employer) applies which is, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, an eligible scheme; and

(b)a non-segregated scheme to which Part 6 of the Multi-employer Regulations (non-segregated schemes: schemes without provision for partial wind up on withdrawal of a participating employer) applies which is, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, an eligible scheme.]

[F94(2) In the case of a scheme, or a section of a scheme, to which this regulation applies, the prescribed requirement for the purposes of section 129(1A)(b) and (4)(a)(ii) of the Act (applications and notifications for the purposes of section 128) is that at least one of [F95paragraphs (3) and (5)] applies to the employer.]

[F94(3) This paragraph applies to an employer if it is not—

(a)an individual;

(b)a company as defined in section 1(1) of the Companies Act 2006;

(c)a company which may be wound up under Part 5 of the Insolvency Act 1986;

(d)a partnership; or

(e)a relevant body as defined in regulation 5(2).

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(c), an employer which is a company incorporated outside the United Kingdom is to be regarded as a company which may be wound up under Part 5 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

(5) This paragraph applies to an employer if it is an EEA insurer or an EEA credit institution.]

F96(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F96(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Applications and notifications to the Board – further provisionE+W+S

8.—[F97(1) Except in a case to which regulation 8A applies, the prescribed period for making an application to the Board under section 129(1) of the Act (applications and notifications for the purposes of section 128) shall be the period of—

(a)28 days; or

(b)such longer period of not more than three months as the Board may determine is reasonable in the circumstances of a particular case,

beginning with the date on which the trustees or managers of an eligible scheme become aware that the employer in relation to the scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern.]

(2) Applications to the Board for the purposes of section 128 of the Act shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)a description of the type or purpose of the application;

(b)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the application is made;

(c)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the application is made;

(d)a statement by the trustees or managers of the scheme that the employer in relation to the scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern and that the requirements prescribed under section 129(1)(b) of the Act have been met in relation to that employer;

(e)the date on which the trustees or managers of the scheme became aware that the employer in relation to the scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern; F98...

(f)the date on which the application was sent to the Board by the trustees or managers of the scheme[F99; and]

[F100(g)if the application was not sent to the Board within the period specified in paragraph (1)(a) of this regulation, the reasons for this.]

(3) Where the Regulator becomes aware that the employer in relation to an eligible scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern and that the requirements prescribed under section 129(1)(b) of the Act are met in relation to that employer, the prescribed information to be contained in the notice referred to in section 129(4) of the Act which the Regulator must give to the Board is as follows—

(a)the name or type of notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the [F101notice is issued;]

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)a statement by the Regulator that the employer in relation to the scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern and that the requirements prescribed under section 129(1)(b) of the Act are met in relation to that employer; and

(f)the date on which the Regulator became aware that the employer in relation to the scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern.

(4) Where the Board receives a notice from the Regulator to which paragraph (3) applies, the prescribed information that must be contained in the notice referred to in section 129(5) of the Act which the Board must give to the trustees or managers of the scheme concerned and copy to the employer in relation to that scheme is as follows—

(a)the name or type of notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)a statement that the Board received a notice from the Regulator under section 129(4) of the Act and the date on which that notice was received by the Board;

(f)the date on which the Regulator became aware that the employer in relation to the scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern;

(g)the address for communications at which the Board may be contacted in respect of the issue of the notice; and

(h)whether the notice issued by the Board contains any restricted information and, if so, the nature of the restrictions.

Textual Amendments

[F102Applications and notifications to the Board – further provision for multi-employer schemesE+W+S

8A.—(1) This regulation applies to—

(a)a multi-employer section to which Part 3 of the Multi-employer Regulations (segregated schemes: multi-employer sections without requirement for partial wind up on withdrawal of a participating employer) applies which is, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, an eligible scheme; and

(b)a non-segregated scheme to which Part 6 of the Multi-employer Regulations (non-segregated schemes: schemes without provision for partial wind up on withdrawal of a participating employer) applies which is, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, an eligible scheme.

(2) The prescribed period for making an application to the Board under section 129(1)(a) or (b) of the Act (applications and notifications for the purposes of section 128) shall be—

(a)where the application is under section 129(1)(a) of the Act, the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the trustees or managers of a scheme, or a section of a scheme, become aware that the conditions for making an application to the Board under that section of the Act are met in relation to that scheme or section; or

(b)where the application is under section 129(1)(b) of the Act, the period of 28 days beginning with—

(i)24th August 2005 if the trustees or managers of a scheme, or a section of a scheme, are aware on that date that the conditions for making an application to the Board under that section of the Act were met in relation to that scheme or section between 6th April 2005 and that date; or

(ii)the date on which the trustees or managers of a scheme, or a section of a scheme, become aware after 24th August 2005 that the conditions for making an application to the Board under that section of the Act are met in relation to that scheme or section.

(3) Applications to the Board for the purposes of section 128 of the Act (duty to assume responsibility for schemes following application or notification) shall, where the application is made under section 129(1)(a) of the Act, be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)a description of the type or purpose of the application;

(b)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the application is made;

(c)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the application is made;

(d)a statement by the trustees or managers of the scheme, or section of the scheme, that the conditions for making an application to the Board under section 129(1)(a) of the Act have been met;

(e)the date on which the trustees or managers of the scheme, or section of the scheme, became aware that the conditions for making an application to the Board under section 129(1)(a) of the Act were met; and

(f)the date on which the application was sent to the Board by the trustees or managers of the scheme or section of the scheme.

(4) Applications to the Board for the purposes of section 128 of the Act shall, where the application is made under section 129(1)(b) of the Act, be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)a description of the type or purpose of the application;

(b)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the application is made;

(c)the name of each employer in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the application is made;

(d)the name of the person who is no longer an employer or the persons who are no longer employers in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, at the time referred to in section 129(4)(b) of the Act;

(e)a statement by the trustees or managers of the scheme, or section of the scheme, that the conditions for making an application to the Board under section 129(1)(b) of the Act have been met;

(f)the date on which the trustees or managers of the scheme, or section of the scheme, became aware that the conditions for making an application to the Board under section 129(1)(b) of the Act were met; and

(g)the date on which the application was sent to the Board by the trustees or managers of the scheme or section of the scheme.

(5) Where the Regulator becomes aware that the conditions for making a notification to the Board under section 129(4)(a) of the Act are met in relation to a scheme, or a section of a scheme, which is, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, an eligible scheme, the notice which the Regulator must give to the Board under that section of the Act shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of notice given;

(b)the date on which the notice is given;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the notice is given;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the notice is given;

(e)a statement by the Regulator that the employer referred to in sub-paragraph (d) is unlikely to continue as a going concern and meets the requirements specified in regulation 7A(2); and

(f)the date on which the Regulator became aware of the matter in respect of which the statement is provided by it under sub-paragraph (e).

(6) Where the Regulator is aware that the conditions for making an application to the Board under section 129(4)(b) of the Act are met in relation to a scheme, or a section of a scheme, which is, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, an eligible scheme, the notice which the Regulator must give to the Board under that section of the Act shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of notice given;

(b)the date on which the notice is given;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the notice is given;

(d)the name of each employer in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the notice is given;

(e)the name of the person who is no longer an employer or the persons who are no longer employers in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, at the time referred to in section 129(4)(b) of the Act;

(f)a statement by the Regulator that the person or persons referred to in sub-paragraph (e) is no longer an employer or are no longer employers in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, at the time referred to in section 129(4)(b) of the Act; and

(g)the date on which the Regulator became aware of the matter in respect of which the statement is provided by it under sub-paragraph (f).

(7) Where the Board receives a notice from the Regulator to which paragraph (5) or (6) applies, the notice referred to in section 129(5) of the Act which the Board must give to the trustees or managers of the scheme, or section of the scheme, concerned and copy to any employer in relation to that scheme, or section, shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of the notice given;

(b)the date on which the notice is given;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme, or section of the scheme, in respect of which the notice is given;

(d)a statement that the Board received the notice from the Regulator under section 129(4)(a) or (b) of the Act and the date on which the notice was received by the Board;

(e)where the notice referred to in sub-paragraph (d) is a notice under section 129(4)(a) of the Act, the date on which the Regulator became aware that the employer in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, is unlikely to continue as a going concern;

(f)where the notice referred to in sub-paragraph (d) is a notice under section 129(4)(b) of the Act, the date on which the Regulator became aware that the person or persons referred to in paragraph (6)(e) is no longer an employer or are no longer employers in relation to the scheme, or section of the scheme, at the time referred to in section 129(4)(b) of the Act;

(g)the address for communications at which the Board may be contacted in respect of the giving of the notice; and

(h)whether the notice given by the Board contains any restricted information and, if so, the nature of the restrictions.]

Textual Amendments

Confirmation of scheme status by insolvency practitionerE+W+S

9.—(1) The prescribed matters referred to in section 122(5)(a) of the Act (insolvency practitioner's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme) which the insolvency practitioner in relation to the employer in relation to [F103an occupational pension scheme] must be able to confirm are—

(a)in circumstances where the employer is [F104not an individual or a partnership], that—

(i)[F105the employer] has been rescued as a going concern and the employer—

(aa)retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)has not entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme;

(b)in circumstances where the employer is an individual, that—

(i)[F106there has been] a rescue of all or part of the employer's business as a going concern and the employer—

(aa)retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)has not entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme;

(c)in circumstances where the employer is a partnership, that—

(i)there has been a rescue of all or part of the employer's business and the employer—

(aa)retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)has not entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme.

(2) The prescribed matters referred to in section 122(5)(b) of the Act which the insolvency practitioner must be able to confirm are—

(a)in circumstances where the employer is [F107not an individual or a partnership]—

(i)that employer has entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)that employer is not continuing as a going concern and—

(aa)no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)the insolvency practitioner is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person;

(b)in circumstances where the employer is an individual—

(i)that employer has entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)no part of that employer's business is being continued by that employer as a going concern and—

(aa)no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)the insolvency practitioner is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person;

(c)in circumstances where the employer is a partnership—

(i)that employer has entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)no part of the employer's business is being continued by one or more of the partners as a going concern and—

(aa)no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)the insolvency practitioner is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person.

(3) A notice issued by an insolvency practitioner under section 122(2)(a) or (b) of the Act or by a former insolvency practitioner under section 122(4) of the Act shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)the name of the insolvency practitioner or former insolvency practitioner and the address at which that insolvency practitioner may be contacted by the Board in connection with the issue of the notice;

(f)a statement by the insolvency practitioner or former insolvency practitioner that, as the case may be, a scheme rescue has occurred or a scheme rescue is not possible or that he has been unable to confirm that a scheme rescue has occurred or that a scheme rescue is not possible;

(g)if a scheme rescue has occurred, the date or the approximate date of the scheme rescue and, if there is a new employer in relation to the scheme, the name and address of that employer in relation to the scheme;

(h)if a scheme rescue is not possible, a statement from the insolvency practitioner or former insolvency practitioner as to why, in his opinion, that is not possible;

(i)if section 122(4) of the Act applies and the former insolvency practitioner has not been able to confirm in relation to the scheme that a scheme rescue is not possible, a statement from that insolvency practitioner as to why, in his opinion, that is the case;

(j)a statement that the notice issued will not become binding until it has been approved by the Board; and

(k)whether, in the opinion of the insolvency practitioner or former insolvency practitioner, the notice issued contains any commercially sensitive information.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Confirmation of scheme status by BoardE+W+S

10.—(1) This regulation applies in a case where section 129 of the Act (applications and notifications for the purposes of section 128) applies and where the requirements prescribed in regulation 7 [F108or 7A] have been met in relation to the employer in relation to an eligible scheme.

(2) The prescribed matters referred to in section 130(5)(a) of the Act (Board's duty where application or notification received under section 129) which the Board must be able to confirm are that—

(a)all or part of the employer's business has been rescued as a going concern and the employer—

(i)retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(ii)has not entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(b)the Board is satisfied that another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme.

(3) The prescribed matters referred to in section 130(5)(b) of the Act which the Board must confirm are that—

(a)in circumstances where [F109the employer is not an individual or a partnership] —

(i)that employer has entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)that employer is not continuing as a going concern and—

(aa)no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)the Board is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person;

(b)in circumstances where the employer is an individual—

(i)that employer has entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)no part of the employer's business is being continued by that employer as a going concern and—

(aa)no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)the Board is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person;

(c)in circumstances where the employer is a partnership F110...—

(i)that employer has entered into an agreement to which paragraph (3)(c) of regulation 2 applies; or

(ii)no part of the employer's business is being continued by one or more of the partners as a going concern and—

(aa)no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme, and

(bb)the Board is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person.

(4) A notice issued by the Board under section 130(2) or (3) of the Act shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)a statement by the Board that a scheme rescue has occurred or that a scheme rescue is not possible;

(f)if a scheme rescue has occurred, the date or the approximate date of the scheme rescue and, if there is a new employer in relation to the scheme, the name and address of that employer;

(g)if a scheme rescue is not possible, a statement by the Board to that effect;

(h)the address for communications at which the Board may be contacted in connection with the issue of the notice;

(i)whether the issue of the notice by the Board is a reviewable matter and, if so, the time limit for applying for a review of or appeal against the issue of the notice;

(j)the date on which the notice issued will become binding; and

(k)whether the notice issued contains any restricted information and, if so, the nature of the restrictions.

Textual Amendments

Confirmation of scheme status by insolvency practitioner – multi-employer schemesE+W+S

11.—(1)  This regulation applies to—

(a)a section of a segregated scheme with only one employer in relation to that section;

(b)a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme; or

(c)a non-segregated scheme,

where the scheme rules contain a provision for the partial winding up of the scheme, or the section, in circumstances where an employer in relation to the scheme, or the section, ceases to participate in the scheme.

(2) Where, by virtue of section 122 of the Act M29 (insolvency practitioner's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme), an insolvency practitioner is required to issue a notice under subsection (2)(a) (a “scheme failure notice”) or (2)(b) (a “scheme rescue notice”) of that section in relation to—

(a)a section of a segregated scheme;

(b)a segregated part of a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme; or

(c)a segregated part of a non-segregated scheme,

to which this regulation applies, regulation 9 shall have effect and shall be read as if, for the words “the scheme” in each place where they appear in that regulation, there were substituted the words “ the section ” or, as the case may be, “the segregated part”.

(3) Where, by virtue of section 120(3A) or, as the case may be, 129(1B) of the Act M30, the trustees or managers of a scheme or a section of a scheme to which this regulation applies are required to give a non-segregation notice to the Board, the notice shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of the notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued; and

(e)a statement that the trustees or managers have decided not to exercise the option to segregate under the scheme.

(4) Where, under section 130 of the Act (Board's duty where application or notification received under section 129), the Board is required to issue a notice under subsection (2) (a “scheme failure notice”) or (3) (a “scheme rescue notice”) of that section in relation to—

(a)a section of a segregated scheme;

(b)a segregated part of a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme; or

(c)a segregated part of a non-segregated scheme,

to which this regulation applies, regulation 10 shall have effect and shall be read as if, for the words “the scheme” in each place where they appear in that regulation, there were substituted the words “ the section ” or, as the case may be, “the segregated part”.

Marginal Citations

M29Section 122 of the Pensions Act 2004 is modified by the Pension Protection Fund (Multi-employer Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005 (S.I 2005/441) in its application to sections and multi-employer sections of segregated schemes and segregated parts of multi-employer sections of segregated schemes and non-segregated schemes.

M30See Parts 7 and 8 of the Pension Protection Fund (Multi-employer Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/441) which modifies Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004 so that it shall be read as if, in sections 120 and 129, there were inserted new subsections (3A) and (1B) respectively. Parts 7 and 8 of S.I. 2005/441 apply to non-segregated schemes or multi-employer sections of segregated schemes the rules of which give the trustees or managers the option to segregate such part of the assets of the section as is attributable to the liabilities of the section to provide pensions or other benefits to or in respect of the pensionable service of members of that section by reference to an employer in circumstances where that employer has ceased to participate in the scheme.

Confirmation of scheme status by Board – multi-employer schemesE+W+S

12.—(1) This regulation applies to—

(a)a non-segregated scheme; or

(b)a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme,

the rules of which do not contain a provision for the partial winding up of the scheme, or the section, in circumstances where an employer in relation to the scheme, or the section, ceases to participate in the scheme.

(2) Where, under section 122(2)(a) of the Act (insolvency practitioner's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme), an insolvency practitioner is required to issue a scheme failure notice in relation to a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme or a non-segregated scheme to which this regulation applies, regulation 9(2) shall have effect and shall be read as if—

(a)in the case of a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(aa), there were substituted the words “ no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the section ”; and

(ii)for the words “the insolvency practitioner is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(bb), there were substituted the words “ the insolvency practitioner is of the opinion that all of the pension liabilities under the section will not be assumed by another person ”; and

(b)in the case of a non-segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(aa), there were substituted the words “ no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the scheme ”; and

(ii)for the words “the insolvency practitioner is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(bb), there were substituted the words “ the insolvency practitioner is of the opinion that all of the pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person ”.

(3) Where, under section 122(2)(b) of the Act (insolvency practitioner's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme), an insolvency practitioner is required to issue a scheme rescue notice in relation to a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme or a non-segregated scheme to which this regulation applies, regulation 9(1) shall have effect and shall be read as if—

(a)in the case of a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme” in each place where they appear, there were substituted the words “ assumes responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the section ”; and

(ii)for the words “another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in each place where they appear, there were substituted the words “ another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the section ”; and

(b)in the case of a non-segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme” in each place where they appear, there were substituted the words “ assumes responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the scheme ”; and

(ii)for the words “another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in each place where they appear, there were substituted the words “ another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the scheme ”.

(4) Where, under section 130(2) of the Act (Board's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme), the Board is required to issue a scheme failure notice in relation to a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme or a non-segregated scheme to which this regulation applies, regulation 10(3) shall have effect and shall be read as if—

(a)in the case of a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(aa), there were substituted the words “ no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the section ”; and

(ii)for the words “the Board is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(bb), there were substituted the words “ the Board is of the opinion that all of the pension liabilities under the section will not be assumed by another person ”; and

(b)in the case of a non-segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(aa), there were substituted the words “ no other person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the scheme ”; and

(ii)for the words “the Board is of the opinion that the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person” in sub-paragraph (a)(ii)(bb), there were substituted the words “ the Board is of the opinion that all of the pension liabilities under the scheme will not be assumed by another person ”.

(5) Where, under section 130(3) of the Act (Board's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme), the Board is required to issue a scheme rescue notice in relation to a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme or a non-segregated scheme to which this regulation applies, regulation 10(2) shall have effect and shall be read as if—

(a)in the case of a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (a)(i), there were substituted the words “ assumes responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the section ”; and

(ii)for the words “the Board is satisfied that another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (b), there were substituted the words “ the Board is satisfied that another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the section ”; and

(b)in the case of a non-segregated scheme—

(i)for the words “retains responsibility for meeting the pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (a)(i), there were substituted the words “ assumes responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the scheme ”; and

(ii)for the words “the Board is satisfied that another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting the employer's pension liabilities under the scheme” in sub-paragraph (b), there were substituted the words “ the Board is satisfied that another person or other persons has or have assumed responsibility for meeting all of the pension liabilities under the scheme ”.

Confirmation of scheme status – binding noticesE+W+S

13.—(1) Where the Board determines to approve or not to approve a notice issued by an insolvency practitioner or former insolvency practitioner in relation to an employer in relation to [F111an occupational pension scheme] under section 122 of the Act [F112(insolvency practitioner's duty to issue notices confirming status of scheme)], the determination notice which the Board must issue under section 122(4) of the Act to that effect shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)a statement that the Board received a notice from the insolvency practitioner, or former insolvency practitioner, under section 122 of the Act, the effect of that notice and the date on which it was issued by the insolvency practitioner;

(f)the name of the insolvency practitioner, or former insolvency practitioner;

(g)a statement of whether or not the Board has determined to approve the notice issued by the insolvency practitioner or former insolvency practitioner under section 122 of the Act;

(h)the address for communications at which the Board may be contacted in connection with the issue of the notice; and

(i)whether the notice issued by the Board contains any restricted information and, if so, the nature of the restriction.

[F113(1A) Where a notice issued under section 122 of the Act becomes binding, the notice which the Board must give under section 125(3) of the Act (binding notices confirming status of scheme) shall be in writing.]

(2) Where a notice issued under section 130(2) or (3) of the Act becomes binding, the notice which the Board must issue under section 130(7) of the Act to that effect shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)a statement that the notice issued under section 130(2) or (3) of the Act has become binding;

(f)the date on which the notice under section 130(2) or (3) of the Act was issued; and

(g)whether the notice issued by the Board contains any restricted information and, if so, the nature of the restriction.

Textual Amendments

Contributions to schemesE+W+S

14.  During an assessment period in relation to an eligible scheme, the prescribed circumstances in which further contributions may be paid to the scheme by an employer in relation to the scheme are where those contributions relate to—

(a)all or any part of that employer's liability for any debt due from him to the scheme under section 75 of the 1995 Act which has not yet been discharged; and

(b)the value of an asset of the scheme arising from a debt or obligation referred to in section 143(5)(a) to (d) of the Act (Board's obligation to obtain valuation of assets and protected liabilities).

DirectionsE+W+S

15.—[F114(1)] The prescribed person who may be a “relevant person” in relation to an eligible scheme for the purposes of section 134 of the Act (directions) is any individual who is appointed by the trustees or managers of the scheme as the scheme administrator responsible for the discharge of the functions conferred or imposed on the scheme administrator of the scheme by or under Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004 M31(pension schemes etc).

[F115(2) The amendment of the scheme rules is prescribed as a matter for the purposes of section 134(2) of the Act.]

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

Restrictions on winding up, discharge of liabilities etcE+W+S

16.—(1) Subject to [F116paragraph (2)] below, the prescribed circumstances in which—

[F117(za)a right or entitlement to benefits that are not money purchase benefits may be converted into, or replaced with, a right or entitlement to money purchase benefits under an eligible scheme are where, before the beginning of the assessment period in relation to the scheme, a person has—

(i)a right or entitlement under the scheme rules in respect of flexible benefits (as defined by section 74 of the Pension Schemes Act 2015) that are not money purchase benefits;

(ii)notified the trustees or managers of the scheme that the person wishes to exercise an option under the scheme rules to convert those benefits (or a portion of them) into, or replace them (or a portion of them) with, money purchase benefits for the purpose of designating sums or assets as available for the payment of drawdown pension, dependants’ drawdown pension, nominees’ drawdown pension or successors’ drawdown pension (as defined by paragraphs 4, 18, 27B and 27G of Schedule 28 to the Finance Act 2004, respectively); and

(iii)complied with any requirements, and satisfied any conditions, to which the exercise of that option is subject;]

(a)a transfer or transfer payment in respect of a member's rights under the scheme rules may be made by the [F118trustees or managers of an eligible scheme] are where a member has, before the beginning of an assessment period in relation to the scheme—

(i)been provided with a written statement of entitlement of the amount of the cash equivalent at the guarantee date of any benefits which have accrued to or in respect of him under the applicable rules pursuant to an application made by that member under section 93A(1) of the 1993 Act [F119(right to statement of entitlement: benefits other than money purchase); and]

F120(ii). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iii)made an application under section 95 of the 1993 Act (ways of taking right to cash equivalent) requiring the [F118trustees or managers of an eligible scheme] to use the cash equivalent to which he has acquired a right in whichever of the ways specified in subsection (2) of that section and has not withdrawn that application; and

(b)other steps may be taken by the [F118trustees or managers of an eligible scheme] to discharge any liability of the scheme to or in respect of a member of the scheme in respect of—

(i)a pension or other benefit (except an ill health pension); and

(ii)a refund of contributions,

are where the member became entitled to the pension or benefit or to the refund of contributions before the beginning of an assessment period in relation to the scheme.

(2) [F121A conversion or replacement of benefits under an eligible scheme under paragraph (1)(za), a transfer] or transfer payment in respect of a member's rights under [F122an eligible scheme] or a refund of a member's contributions to [F122an eligible scheme] shall not be made unless the trustees or managers of the scheme—

(a)are satisfied that to do so is consistent with the objective of ensuring that the scheme's protected liabilities do not exceed its assets or, if they do exceed its assets, that the excess is kept to a minimum; and

(b)reduce the [F123value or] amount of [F123the benefits (or the portion of them) to be converted or replaced,] the transfer or transfer payment or the refund of contributions by the extent necessary to ensure that it does not exceed the cost of securing benefits for and in respect of members of the scheme which correspond to the compensation that would be payable, in relation to the scheme, in accordance with the pension compensation provisions if the Board were to assume responsibility for the scheme in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Act.

(3) For the purposes of this regulation, a member is entitled to—

(a)a pension or other benefit where he has reached normal pension age; and

(b)a refund of contributions when he has—

(i)requested and received a quotation from the trustees or managers of the scheme showing the amount of the contributions which may be refunded in respect of his accrued rights to benefits under the scheme, and

(ii)notified the trustees or managers of the scheme in writing of his agreement to accept a refund of contributions on the basis of the quotation.

(4) In this regulation—

“the guarantee date” has the meaning given in section 93A(2) of the 1993 Act; and

“the applicable rules” has the meaning given in section 94(2) of the 1993 Act.

Textual Amendments

Payment of scheme benefitsE+W+S

17.—(1) The commencement of a member's pension or payment of a member's lump sum or other benefits under an eligible scheme may be postponed for the whole or any part of an assessment period in relation to the scheme for which he continues in employment after attaining normal pension age in circumstances where—

(a)the trustees or managers of the scheme have not received a notice from the Board to the effect that a notice issued by an insolvency practitioner or former insolvency practitioner in relation to the employer in relation to the scheme which confirms that a scheme rescue is not possible has become binding; or

(b)the trustees or managers of the scheme have not received a binding scheme failure notice issued by the Board in respect of the scheme under section 130(2) of the Act.

(2) Where—

(a)[F124a member] of an eligible scheme has died before the commencement of an assessment period in relation to the scheme; and

(b)during the assessment period, a person becomes entitled under the scheme rules to a [F125death benefit or a contribution refund (within the meaning of section 101AB(4) of the 1993 Act)] payable in respect of that member,

that benefit is, for the purposes of section 138(2) of the Act (payment of scheme benefits), to be treated as having become payable before the commencement of the assessment period.

Textual Amendments

[F126Exception to section 138(2A)E+W+S

17A.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), during an assessment period in relation to an eligible scheme, benefits in the form of a lump sum may be paid to a member under the scheme rules in the circumstances specified in paragraph (2).

(2) The circumstances specified for the purpose of paragraph (1) are that, before the beginning of the assessment period in relation to the scheme, the member has—

(a)a right or entitlement under the scheme rules in respect of flexible benefits (as defined by section 74 of the Pension Schemes Act 2015) that are not money purchase benefits;

(b)notified the trustees or managers of the scheme that the member wishes to exercise an option under the scheme rules to be paid an uncrystallised funds pension lump sum (as defined by paragraph 4A of Schedule 29 to the Finance Act 2004) in respect of those benefits (or a portion of them); and

(c)complied with any requirements, and satisfied any conditions, to which the exercise of that option is subject.

(3) A lump sum shall not be paid by virtue of this regulation unless the trustees or managers of the scheme—

(a)are satisfied that to do so is consistent with the objective of ensuring that the scheme’s protected liabilities do not exceed its assets or, if they do exceed its assets, that the excess is kept to a minimum; and

(b)reduce the amount of the lump sum to the extent necessary to ensure that it does not exceed the actuarial equivalent of the compensation that would be payable to the member in respect of the benefits (or the portion of them) in respect of which the lump sum is paid in accordance with the pension compensation provisions, if the Board were to assume responsibility for the scheme in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Act.

(4) For the purpose of paragraph (3)(b) the actuarial equivalent of the compensation that would be payable is to be calculated from tables designated by the Board for the purpose of paragraph 24(4) (commutation of periodic compensation) of Schedule 7 to the Act.]

Textual Amendments

Loans to pay scheme benefitsE+W+S

18.—(1) The prescribed rate of interest referred to in section 139(6) of the Act (loans to pay scheme benefits) shall be the base rate.

(2) The rate of interest referred to in paragraph (1) above shall be calculated on a day to day basis from the date on which a loan is made by the Board to the trustees or managers of an eligible scheme to the date of payment and compounded with three-monthly rests.

(3) In this regulation—

“base rate” means the rate for the time being quoted by the reference banks as applicable to sterling deposits or, where there is for the time being more than one such base rate, the rate which, when the base rate quoted at each bank is ranked in a descending sequence of four, is the first in the sequence;

“date of payment” means the date on which the full amount of the loan, together with interest, is repaid to the Board by the trustees or managers of the scheme to which the loan has been made;

“reference banks” means the four largest persons for the time being who—

(a)

have permission under Part 4 of the FSMA (permission to carry on regulated activities) to accept deposits, [F127and]

(b)

are incorporated in the United Kingdom and carrying on there a regulated activity of accepting deposits, and quote a base rate applicable to sterling deposits.

(4) [F128 In paragraph (3), paragraph (b) of the definition of “reference banks”] must be read with—

(a)section 22 of the FSMA (the classes of activity and categories of investment),

(b)any relevant order under that section, and

(c)Schedule 2 to that Act (regulated activities).

Textual Amendments

Withdrawal following issue of section 122(4) noticeE+W+S

19.—(1) A notice issued by the Board under section 148(3) or (4) of the Act (withdrawal following issue of section 122(4) notice) shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)if the notice is issued pursuant to a determination by the Board under section 148(3) of the Act, a statement of the Board's determination and the date on which that determination was made;

(f)if the notice is issued by the Board under section 148(4) of the Act, a statement by the Board of the basis on which the notice is issued;

(g)the address for communications at which the Board may be contacted in connection with the issue of the notice;

(h)whether the issue of the notice by the Board is a reviewable matter and, if so, the time limit for applying for a review of or appeal against the issue of the notice;

(i)the date on which the notice issued will become binding; and

(j)whether the notice issued contains any restricted information and, if so, the nature of the restrictions.

(2) Where a notice issued by the Board under section 148(3) or (4) of the Act becomes binding, the notice which the Board must issue to this effect under section 148(7) of the Act shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the information described in paragraph (1)(a) to (g) of this regulation;

(b)the date on which the withdrawal notice referred to in paragraph (1) of this regulation was issued;

(c)a statement that the withdrawal notice referred to in paragraph (1) of this regulation has become binding; and

(d)the date on which the Board ceases to be involved with the scheme in respect of which the binding notice is issued.

Consequences of the Board ceasing to be involved with a schemeE+W+S

20.—(1) Where an assessment period in relation to an eligible scheme comes to an end by virtue of the Board ceasing to be involved with the scheme [F129following the issue] of a withdrawal notice under section 122(2)(b) of the Act (scheme rescue has occurred) in relation to the scheme which has become binding then, subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), benefits are to accrue under the scheme rules to or in respect of any member of the scheme in respect of any period of service in employment during that assessment period which, but for section 133(5) of the Act (no benefits may accrue to or in respect of members during an assessment period), would have qualified that member for those benefits under the scheme rules.

(2) No benefits shall accrue under [F130the scheme rules] to or in respect of any member of the scheme in the circumstances described in paragraph (1) unless contributions are paid to the scheme by or on behalf of that member before whichever is the earlier of—

(a)the end of the period of one year beginning with the date on which the assessment period in relation to the scheme came to an end, or

(b)the end of the period beginning with the date on which the assessment period in relation to the scheme came to an end and ending at least 28 days before the date on which the member requests the trustees or managers of the scheme to put his entitlement to a pension or other benefits under the scheme into payment.

(3) Where, during the period prescribed in paragraph (2)(a) or (b), contributions are paid to a scheme by or on behalf of a member in respect of any period of that member's employment during an assessment period, contributions shall also become payable to the scheme by the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of that period of the member's employment during that assessment period.

(4) Where, during the period prescribed in paragraph (2)(a) or (b), contributions are paid to a scheme by or on behalf of a member of the scheme or by the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of any period of that member's employment during an assessment period, those contributions must be accepted by the trustees or managers of the scheme for the assessment period or for any part of that period.

Textual Amendments

Refusal to assume responsibility – schemes which become eligible schemesE+W+S

21.—(1) The prescribed period [F131referred to in section 146(1) of the Act] schemes which become eligible schemes) throughout which the Board must be satisfied that an occupational pension scheme is not an eligible scheme shall—

(a)in the case of a scheme which was established at least three years before the date on which an assessment period began in relation to the scheme, be the period of three years preceding the date on which that assessment period began; F132...

(b)in the case of a scheme which was established less than three years before the date on which an assessment period began in relation to a scheme, be the period beginning with the date on which the scheme was established and [F133ending with] the date on which that assessment period began; [F134and

(c)in the case of a scheme which becomes an eligible scheme on 1st April 2015 in accordance with regulation 43(1)(b) of the Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014—

(i)where the date on which an assessment period began is less than three years after 1st April 2015, be the period beginning on 1st April 2015 and ending with the assessment date; or

(ii)where the date on which an assessment period began is at least three years after 1st April 2015, be the period of three years preceding the date on which that assessment period began.]

(2) Paragraph (1) shall have effect in relation to—

(a)a section of a segregated scheme;

(b)a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme; or

(c)a segregated part of—

(i)a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme; or

(ii)a non-segregated scheme,

as if that section, or segregated part, were a separate occupational pension scheme M32.

[F135(3) This regulation shall not apply where either—

(a)regulation 2(1A) (schemes which are not eligible schemes) of these Regulations; or

(b)regulation 2A of the Pension Protection Fund (Partially Guaranteed Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005 (schemes to which paragraph (1) of regulation 2 does not apply),

applies to a scheme.]

Textual Amendments

F132Word in reg. 21(1)(a) omitted (24.7.2014) by virtue of The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 58(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

F134Reg. 21(1)(c) and word inserted (24.7.2014) by The Pensions Act 2011 (Transitional, Consequential and Supplementary Provisions) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/1711), regs. 1(1), 58(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

Marginal Citations

M32Section 146(1) of the Pensions Act 2004 is modified by the Pension Protection Fund (Multi-employer Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005 (S.I.2005/441) in its application to sections and multi-employer sections of segregated schemes and segregated parts of multi-employer sections of segregated schemes and non-segregated schemes.

Refusal to assume responsibility – new schemes created to replace existing schemesE+W+S

22.—(1) The prescribed period referred to in section 147(1)(a) of the Act (new schemes created to replace existing schemes) during which the Board must be satisfied that a new occupational pension scheme was established shall be the period of three years preceding the date on which an assessment period began in relation to the scheme.

(2) Paragraph (1) above shall have effect in relation to—

(a)a section of a segregated scheme,

(b)a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme, or

(c)a segregated part of—

(i)a multi-employer section of a segregated scheme, or

(ii)a non-segregated scheme,

as if that section, or segregated part, were a separate occupational pension scheme M33.

Marginal Citations

M33Section 147(1) of the Pensions Act 2004 is modified by the Pension Protection Fund (Multi-employer Schemes) (Modification) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/441) in its application to sections and multi-employer sections of segregated schemes and segregated parts of multi-employer sections of segregated schemes and non-segregated schemes.

Form and content of withdrawal notices issued under sections 146 and 147 of the ActE+W+S

23.—(1) A notice issued under section 146(2) or 147(2) of the Act (“a withdrawal notice”) shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the name or type of the notice issued;

(b)the date on which the notice is issued;

(c)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued,

(d)the name of the employer in relation to the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(e)a statement that the Board has refused to assume responsibility for the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(f)the period in relation to which the Board is satisfied that the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued is not an eligible scheme;

(g)a statement of reasons for the Board's decision to refuse to assume responsibility for the scheme in respect of which the notice is issued;

(h)whether the issue of the notice by the Board is a reviewable matter and, if so, the time limits for applying for a review of or appeal against the issue of that notice;

(i)the date on which the notice issued will become binding;

(j)the address for communications at which the Board may be contacted in respect of the issue of the notice; and

(k)whether the notice issued contains restricted information and, if so, the nature of any restrictions.

(2) Where a notice to which this regulation applies becomes binding, the Board shall issue a notice to that effect (“a binding notice”) which shall be in writing and shall contain the following information—

(a)the information described in paragraph (1)(a) to (f) and (j) and (k);

(b)the date on which the withdrawal notice referred to in paragraph (1) was issued; and

(c)a statement that the withdrawal notice referred to in paragraph (1) has become binding.

Applications for reconsiderationE+W+S

24.—(1) An application for reconsideration under section 151 of the Act (application for reconsideration) shall be made in writing and shall be accompanied by—

[F136(a)either–

(i)a protected benefits quotation in relation to the scheme, or

(ii)written evidence which shows that the trustees or managers of the scheme have taken all reasonable steps to obtain a protected benefits quotation but were unable to do so, and]

(b)audited scheme accounts in relation to the scheme for the period which—

(i)begins with the date of the last audited scheme accounts in relation to the scheme, and

(ii)ends [F137with any day] within the period of six months preceding the date on which the application is made.

(2) An application for reconsideration shall contain the following information—

(a)a description of the type or purpose of the application;

(b)the name, address and pension scheme registration number of the scheme in respect of which the application is made;

(c)the name and address of the employer in relation to the scheme;

(d)the name and address of the trustees or managers of the scheme in respect of which the application is made;

(e)the date on which the trustees or managers of the scheme received a binding scheme failure notice issued by the Board in respect of the scheme;

(f)the date on which the trustees or managers of the scheme received a binding valuation notice [F138under section 145(3) or a binding determination notice under section 143A(4)] issued by the Board in respect of the scheme;

(g)the date on which the application was sent to the Board by the trustees or managers of the scheme;

(h)[F139where the application is accompanied by a protected benefits quotation,] the cost quoted in the protected benefits quotation which accompanies the application;

(i)[F139where the application is accompanied by a protected benefits quotation,] the value of the assets of the scheme adjusted to take into account any outstanding liabilities of the scheme which are not covered by the protected benefits quotation which accompanies the application; and

(j)the estimated cost of winding the scheme up.

(3) The prescribed period referred to in section 151(6) of the Act as “the authorised period” for making an application for reconsideration is the period of six months.

Textual Amendments

Form and content of audited scheme accountsE+W+S

25.  The prescribed requirements referred to in section 151(9)(b) (application for reconsideration) which are to apply in respect of the preparation of audited scheme accounts are that those accounts shall—

(a)contain the information specified in the Schedule;

(b)show a [F140true and fair view] of—

(i)the financial transactions of the scheme during the period to which the accounts relate (“the accounting period”);

(ii)the amount and disposition of the assets at the end of the accounting period; and

(iii)the liabilities of the scheme, other than the liabilities to pay pensions and benefits, after the end of the accounting period; and

(c)include a report by the auditor in writing as to whether or not in his opinion the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) above are satisfied.

Textual Amendments

Signed by authority of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

Malcolm Wicks

Minister of State,

Department for Work and Pensions

Regulation 25

SCHEDULEE+W+SCONTENTS OF ACCOUNTS AUDITED BY THE AUDITOR OF THE SCHEME

1.  An account of the financial additions to, withdrawals from and changes to the value of the fund during the accounting period.E+W+S

2.—(1) A statement, as at the end of the accounting period, of the assets at market value, or trustees' or managers' estimate thereof where the market value is not readily ascertainable, and liabilities of the scheme, other than liabilities to pay pensions and benefits after the end of the accounting period—E+W+S

(a)giving, in the case of any assets which are stated at an estimate of their market value, the reason why the valuation is an estimate;

(b)showing the distribution of the [F141investments] and other assets of the scheme between each of the following categories (where none of the investments falls within a particular category, that fact is not required to be stated), namely—

(i)insurance policies;

(ii)public sector fixed interest investments and separately quoted securities and unquoted securities;

(iii)other fixed interest investments and separately showing quoted securities and unquoted securities;

(iv)index-linked securities and separately showing quoted securities and unquoted securities;

(v)equities (including convertible shares) and separately showing quoted equities and unquoted equities;

(vi)property (which in this paragraph means any right or interest in freehold or leasehold land or buildings);

(vii)unit trusts invested in property;

(viii)other unit trusts;

(ix)managed funds (other than unit trusts) invested in property;

(x)other managed funds (not being unit trusts);

(xi)loans (whether or not secured by mortgages);

(xii)cash deposits and cash in hand;

(xiii)investments and other assets not included in heads (i) to (xii) above; and

(c)showing separately, in the case of investments in each category, investments in the United Kingdom and investments outside the United Kingdom, and in the case of cash investments mentioned in heads (vii) to (x) of sub-paragraph (b) investments where the company operating the unit trust or managed fund is, and where it is not, a company registered in the United Kingdom.

(2) Where the assets include insurance policies which are specifically allocated to the provision of benefits for, and which provide all the benefits payable under the scheme to, particular members or other persons in respect of particular members or both, those policies must be included in the statement and there must be a note of the existence of such policies but that entry need not include their market value or an estimate.

(3) Where the assets—

(a)are invested only for the purposes of securing additional money purchase benefits derived from [F142voluntary contributions]F143...; and

(b)are specifically allocated to the provision of additional benefits for particular members or other persons in respect of particular members (or both),

a note that [F144paragraphs (a) and (b)] apply must be included in the statement, but that entry need not include the market value or an estimate of value of those assets.

Textual Amendments

3.  Where any assets or liabilities are denominated in currencies other than sterling, a translation of those assets into sterling and an explanation of the basis on which they have been translated.E+W+S

4.  Particulars of any investment (other than in UK Government securities) in which more than 5 per cent. of the total value of the net assets of the scheme is invested, and if any such investment is an insurance policy, a statement of its main characteristics.E+W+S

5.  Where the scheme has employer-related investments, within the meaning of section 40(2) of the 1995 Act (restriction on employer related investments), a statement—E+W+S

(a)as to the percentage of the scheme's resources invested in such investments at the end of the accounting period; and

(b)if that percentage exceeds 5 per cent., as the percentage of the scheme's resources which are investments to which [F145regulation 13 of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Investment) Regulations 2005 (investments to which restrictions do not apply) applies].

Textual Amendments

6.  In respect of every other amount shown in the accounts other than the amounts referred to in paragraph 7, a statement of the corresponding amount for the scheme year previous to the accounting period, except in a case where regulation 2 of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Requirement to obtain Audited Accounts and a Statement from the Auditor) Regulations 1996 M34 (requirement for trustees or managers to obtain documents) is complied with by the trustees or managers of a scheme for the first time.E+W+S

Marginal Citations

M34S.I.1996/1975. Regulation 2 was amended by S.I. 200/398 and S.I. 200/3198.

7.  The total amount of the purchases and the total amount of the sales of investments during the accounting period.E+W+S

8.  A statement whether the accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, the guidelines ([F146“Financial Reports of Pension Schemes”]) published by the Pensions Research Accountants Group M35 or another organisation approved for this purpose by [F147the Financial Reporting Council Limited], current at the end of the accounting period and, if not, an indication of where there are any material departures from those guidelines.E+W+S

Textual Amendments

Marginal Citations

M35Copies of this guidance can be obtained from Croner CCH Group Limited, 145 London Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT2 6SR.

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations make provision relating to various requirements under Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004 (c. 35) (“the Act”).

Regulation 1 provides for citation, commencement and interpretation and includes an extension of the meaning of “employer” for the purposes of these Regulations.

Regulation 2 sets out those schemes which are not “eligible schemes” for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act and which are not able to receive compensation from the Board of the Pension Protection Fund (“the Board”) pursuant to the pension compensation provisions in that Part of the Act. The Board is established under section 107 of the Act.

Regulation 3 provides that where, after the beginning of an assessment period in relation to an eligible scheme, the scheme ceases to be an eligible scheme in prescribed circumstances, the scheme shall, for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act, be treated as remaining an eligible scheme.

Regulation 4 makes provision in respect of the period in which an insolvency practitioner is required to notify the Board of the occurrence of an insolvency event in relation to the employer in relation to an eligible scheme. If an insolvency event is a “qualifying insolvency event” within the meaning of Part 2 of the Act, the start of an assessment period will be triggered in relation to an eligible scheme and the scheme will become subject to the various requirements in Part 2 of the Act.

Regulation 5 provides for certain events in relation to certain types of bodies (such as building societies, friendly societies and limited liability partnerships) to be classified as insolvency events for the purposes of Part 2 of the Act.

Regulation 6 sets out the circumstances in which insolvency proceedings in relation to the employer in relation to an eligible scheme are stayed or come to an end. Where these circumstances exist, the insolvency practitioner will be required to issue a notice to the effect that he is not able to confirm whether a scheme rescue has occurred or is not possible. This may lead to the Board ceasing to be involved with a scheme.

Regulation 7 makes provision in respect of applications and notifications to the Board under section 129 of the Act for it to assume responsibility for an eligible scheme in circumstances where the employer in relation to the scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern and meets prescribed requirements.

Regulation 8 sets out the time limit for making applications to the Board under section 129 of the Act. Regulation 8 also makes provision in respect of the form and content of such applications and about the form and content of notifications to the Board which the Pensions Regulator is required to make in circumstances where it becomes aware that an employer in relation to an eligible scheme is unlikely to continue as a going concern and meets prescribed requirements.

Regulations 9 and 10 set out the circumstances which must exist before an insolvency practitioner in relation to an employer in relation to an eligible scheme or the Board is able to determine whether or not a scheme rescue has occurred or is not possible in relation to the scheme. They also make provision regarding the form and content of the notices which must be issued by the insolvency practitioner or the Board in order to confirm the status of a scheme. Regulations 11 and 12 modify the application of regulations 9 and 10 so as to make similar provision in respect of multi-employer schemes.

Regulation 13 makes provision regarding the form and content of binding notices confirming the status of a scheme. A notice is not binding until the period in respect of which it is possible for the issue of the notice to be reviewed under Chapter 6 of Part 2 of the Act has expired or, if an application for a review has been made, until the review or any subsequent appeal has been conclusively resolved.

Regulation 14 makes provision in respect of the types of payments that may be made to a scheme during an assessment period.

Regulation 15 makes provision in respect of the “relevant person” in relation to an eligible scheme to whom the Board may issue directions under section 134 of the Act.

Regulation 16 provides for the circumstances in which a transfer payment may be made during an assessment period in respect of a member's rights under an eligible scheme. It also provides for the other circumstances in which the trustees or managers of a scheme may take steps to discharge a member's rights under an eligible scheme during an assessment period.

Regulation 17 makes provision in respect of the circumstances where a member of an eligible scheme may postpone the receipt of his entitlement to a pension or lump sum payment under the scheme during an assessment period.

Regulation 18 makes provision in respect of the rate of interest which is payable by the trustees or managers of an eligible scheme to which the Board has made a loan to pay scheme benefits under section 139 of the Act. It also makes provision in respect of how the rate of interest payable is to be calculated.

Regulation 19 makes provision in respect of the form and content of withdrawal notices issued by the Board under section 148 of the Act.

Regulation 20 makes provision in respect of the accrual of benefits under a scheme in respect of an assessment period in relation to an eligible scheme when that assessment period comes to an end.

Regulations 21 and 22 make provision in respect of the period in relation to which the Board is to determine whether or not to refuse to assume responsibility for a scheme under sections 146 and 147 of the Act. Regulation 23 makes provision in respect of the form and content of withdrawal notices issued by the Board under sections 146 and 147 of the Act.

Regulation 24 makes provision in respect of the form and content of applications for reconsideration made under section 151 of the Act. It also makes provision in respect of the time limits for making such applications and the documents which are to accompany the application.

Regulation 25 and the Schedule make provision in respect of the prescribed form and content of the audited scheme accounts and report from the auditor which is to accompany an application for reconsideration.

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 Act 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 compliance costs to business of the measures arising from the Act, including these Regulations, has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies may be obtained from the Department for Work and Pensions, Regulatory Impact Unit, 3rd Floor, The Adelphi, 1- 11 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT.