Pensions Act 1995 Part I Occupational pensions Occupational Pensions Regulatory Authority The new authority. 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reports to Secretary of State. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supervision by the Authority Prohibition orders. 3 1 The Authority may by order prohibit a person from being a trustee of— a a particular trust scheme, b a particular description of trust schemes, or c trust schemes in general, if they are satisfied that he is not a fit and proper person to be a trustee of the scheme or schemes to which the order relates. 2 Where a prohibition order is made under subsection (1) against a person in respect of one or more schemes of which he is a trustee, the order has the effect of removing him. 3 The Authority may, on the application of any person prohibited under this section, by order revoke the order either generally or in relation to a particular scheme or description of schemes. 4 An application under subsection (3) may not be made— a during the period within which the determination to exercise the power to make the prohibition order may be referred to a tribunal under section 96(3) or 99(7) of the Pensions Act 2004, and b if the determination is so referred, until the reference, and any appeal against the determination of the tribunal concerned , has been finally disposed of. 5 A revocation made at any time under this section cannot affect anything done before that time. 6 The Authority must prepare and publish a statement of the policies they intend to adopt in relation to the exercise of their powers under this section. 7 The Authority may revise any statement published under subsection (6) and must publish any revised statement. 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prohibition orders: directors of corporate trustees etc 3A 1 A company or Scottish partnership is prohibited from being a trustee of a trust scheme at any time when an individual who is a director of the company or a partner in the partnership is prohibited from being a trustee of the scheme by an order under section 3. 2 Where a company or partnership which is a trustee of a trust scheme becomes prohibited under subsection (1) in relation to the scheme, that subsection has the effect of removing the company or partnership as a trustee. 3 The Authority may, on the application of a company or Scottish partnership, give notice in writing to the applicant waiving the prohibition under subsection (1)— a in relation to an individual against whom an order under section 3 has been made, and b either generally or in relation to a particular scheme or particular description of schemes. 4 A notice may be given under subsection (3) only if the Authority is satisfied that the applicant would be a fit and proper person to be a trustee of the scheme or schemes to which the notice relates despite the individual being, or even if the individual were to become, a director of or partner in the applicant. 5 A notice given at any time under subsection (3) cannot affect anything done before that time. 6 An application under subsection (3) may not be made— a during the period within which the determination to exercise the power to make the order against the individual may be referred to the Tribunal under section 96(3) or 99(7) of the Pensions Act 2004 (whether by a company or partnership which became prohibited under subsection (1) on the making of the order or by another person), and b if the determination is so referred, until the reference, and any appeal against the Tribunal's determination, has been finally disposed of. 7 The Authority must prepare and publish a statement of the policies they intend to adopt in relation to the exercise of their powers under this section. 8 The Authority may revise any statement published under subsection (7) and must publish any revised statement. 9 References in this section to an order under section 3 are to an order under that section made on or after the date on which section 46(2) of the Pensions Act 2014 comes fully into force. Suspension orders. 4 1 The Authority may by order suspend a trustee of a trust scheme— a pending consideration being given to the making of an order against him under section 3(1), aa pending consideration being given to the institution of proceedings against him for an offence involving dishonesty or deception, b where proceedings have been instituted against him for an offence involving dishonesty or deception and have not been concluded, ba where an application has been made under section 263H of the Insolvency Act 1986 for an order making him bankrupt and the application has not been determined, c where a petition has been presented to the court for an order adjudging him bankrupt, or for the sequestration of his estate, and proceedings on the petition have not been concluded or an application has been made by him for a debt relief order (under Part 7A of the Insolvency Act 1986) and the application has not been determined , d where the trustee is a company, if a petition for the winding up of the company has been presented to the court and proceedings on the petition have not been concluded, e where an application has been made to the court for a disqualification order against him under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 or under the Company Directors Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 and proceedings on the application have not been concluded, or f where the trustee is a company or Scottish partnership and, if any director or, as the case may be, partner were a trustee, the Authority would have power to suspend him under paragraph (aa), (b), (c) or (e). 2 An order under subsection (1)— a if made by virtue of paragraph (a) or (aa) or, in a case where the Authority would have power to suspend a director or partner under paragraph (aa), by virtue of paragraph (f) , has effect for an initial period not exceeding twelve months, and b in any other case, has effect until the proceedings in question are concluded or, in the case of an application for a debt relief order, the application is determined ; but the Authority may by order extend the initial period referred to in paragraph (a) for a further period of twelve months, and any order suspending a person under subsection (1) ceases to have effect in relation to a trust scheme if an order is made against that person under section 3(1) in relation to that scheme . 3 An order under subsection (1) has the effect of prohibiting the person suspended, during the period of his suspension, from exercising any functions as trustee of any trust scheme to which the order applies; and the order may apply to a particular trust scheme, a particular description of trust schemes or trust schemes in general. 4 An order under subsection (1) may be made on one of the grounds in paragraphs (b) to (e) whether or not the proceedings were instituted, petition presented or application made (as the case may be) before or after the coming into force of that subsection. 5 The Authority may, on the application of any person suspended under subsection (1), by order revoke the order, either generally or in relation to a particular scheme or a particular description of schemes; but a revocation made at any time cannot affect anything done before that time. 5A An application under subsection (5) may not be made— a during the period within which the determination to exercise the power to make an order under subsection (1) may be referred to a tribunal under section 96(3) or 99(7) of the Pensions Act 2004, and b if the determination is so referred, until the reference, and any appeal against the determination of the tribunal concerned , has been finally disposed of. 6 An order under this section may make provision as respects the period of the trustee’s suspension for matters arising out of it, and in particular for enabling any person to execute any instrument in his name or otherwise act for him and for adjusting any rules governing the proceedings of the trustees to take account of the reduction in the number capable of acting. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removal of trustees: notices. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Removal or suspension of trustees: consequences. 6 1 A person who purports to act as trustee of a trust scheme while prohibited from being a trustee of the scheme under section 3 or 3A or suspended in relation to the scheme under section 4 is guilty of an offence and liable— a on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, and b on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment or both. 2 An offence under subsection (1) may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time; and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under that subsection by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction of the offence. 3 Things done by a person purporting to act as trustee of a trust scheme while prohibited from being a trustee of the scheme under section 3 or 3A or suspended in relation to the scheme under section 4 are not invalid merely because of that prohibition or suspension. 4 Nothing in section 3 , 3A or 4 or this section affects the liability of any person for things done, or omitted to be done, by him while purporting to act as trustee of a trust scheme. Appointment of trustees. 7 1 Where a trustee of a trust scheme is removed by an order under section 3, by section 3A or ... by reason of his disqualification, the Authority may by order appoint another trustee in his place. 2 Where a trustee appointed under subsection (1) is appointed to replace a trustee appointed under section 23(1) , sections 22 to 26 shall apply to the replacement trustee as they apply to a trustee appointed under section 23(1) . 3 The Authority may also by order appoint a trustee of a trust scheme where they are satisfied that it is reasonable to do so in order— a to secure that the trustees as a whole have, or exercise, the necessary knowledge and skill for the proper administration of the scheme, b to secure that the number of trustees is sufficient for the proper administration of the scheme, ... c to secure the proper use or application of the assets of the scheme , or d otherwise to protect the interests of the generality of the members of the scheme. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The power to appoint a trustee by an order under this section includes power by such an order— a to determine the appropriate number of trustees for the proper administration of the scheme, b to require a trustee appointed by the order to be paid fees and expenses out of the scheme’s resources, c to provide for the removal or replacement of such a trustee. 5A An application may be made to the Authority in relation to a trust scheme by— a the trustees of the scheme, b the employer, or c any member of the scheme, for the appointment of a trustee of the scheme under subsection (3)(a) or (c). 6 Regulations may make provision about the descriptions of persons who may or may not be appointed trustees under this section. Appointment of trustees: consequences. 8 1 An order under section 7 appointing a trustee may provide for any fees and expenses of trustees appointed under the order to be paid— a by the employer, b out of the resources of the scheme, or c partly by the employer and partly out of those resources. 2 Such an order may also provide that an amount equal to the amount (if any) paid out of the resources of the scheme by virtue of subsection (1)(b) or (c) is to be treated for all purposes as a debt due from the employer to the trustees of the scheme. 3 Subject to subsection (4), a trustee appointed under that section shall, unless he is the independent trustee and section 22 applies in relation to the scheme, have the same powers and duties as the other trustees. 4 Such an order may make provision— a for restricting the powers or duties of a trustee so appointed, ... b for powers or duties to be exercisable by a trustee so appointed to the exclusion of other trustees. Removal and appointment of trustees: property. 9 Where the Authority have power under this Part to appoint or remove a trustee or a trustee is removed under section 3A , they may exercise by order the same jurisdiction and powers as are exercisable by the High Court or, in relation to a trust scheme subject to the law of Scotland, the Court of Session for vesting any property in, or transferring any property to, trustees in consequence of the appointment or of the removal. Civil penalties. 10 1 Where the Authority are satisfied that by reason of any act or omission this section applies to any person, they may by notice in writing require him to pay, within a prescribed period, a penalty in respect of that act or omission not exceeding the maximum amount. 2 In this section “ the maximum amount ” means— a £5,000 in the case of an individual and £50,000 in any other case, or b such lower amount as may be prescribed in the case of an individual or in any other case, and the Secretary of State may by order amend paragraph (a) by substituting higher amounts for the amounts for the time being specified in that paragraph. 3 Regulations made by virtue of this Part may provide for any person who has contravened any provision of such regulations to pay, within a prescribed period, a penalty under this section not exceeding an amount specified in the regulations; and the regulations must specify different amounts in the case of individuals from those specified in other cases and any amount so specified may not exceed the amount for the time being specified in the case of individuals or, as the case may be, others in subsection (2)(a). 4 An order made under subsection (2) or regulations made by virtue of subsection (3) do not affect the amount of any penalty recoverable under this section by reason of an act or omission occurring before the order or, as the case may be, regulations are made. 5 Where— a apart from this subsection, a penalty under this section is recoverable from a body corporate or Scottish partnership by reason of any act or omission of the body or partnership ... , and b the act or omission was done with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any persons mentioned in subsection (6), this section applies to each of those persons who consented to or connived in the act or omission or to whose neglect the act or omission was attributable. 6 The persons referred to in subsection (5)(b)— a in relation to a body corporate, are— i any director, manager, secretary, or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, and ii where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, any member in connection with his functions of management, and b in relation to a Scottish partnership, are the partners. 7 Where the Authority requires any person to pay a penalty by virtue of subsection (5), they may not also require the body corporate, or Scottish partnership, in question to pay a penalty in respect of the same act or omission. 8 A penalty under this section is recoverable by the Authority. 8A Any penalty recoverable under this section— a shall, if the county court so orders, be recoverable under section 85 of the County Courts Act 1984 or otherwise as if it were payable under an order of that court; and b may be enforced as if it were an extract registered decree arbitral bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland. 9 The Authority must pay to the Secretary of State any penalty recovered under this section. 10 The Authority may not require a person to pay a penalty under this section in respect of an act or omission if the Authority have issued a notice to the person under section 88A of the Pensions Act 2004 (financial penalties) in respect of the same act or omission. Powers to wind up schemes. 11 1 Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Authority may by order direct or authorise an occupational pension scheme to be wound up if they are satisfied that— a the scheme, or any part of it, ought to be replaced by a different scheme, b the scheme is no longer required, or c it is necessary in order to protect the interests of the generality of the members of the scheme that it be wound up. 2 The Authority may not make an order under this section on either of the grounds referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b) unless they are satisfied that the winding up of the scheme— a cannot be achieved otherwise than by means of such an order, or b can only be achieved in accordance with a procedure which— i is liable to be unduly complex or protracted, or ii involves the obtaining of consents which cannot be obtained, or can only be obtained with undue delay or difficulty, and that it is reasonable in all the circumstances to make the order. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A The Authority may, during an assessment period (within the meaning of section 132 of the Pensions Act 2004 (meaning of “ assessment period ” for the purposes of Part 2 of that Act)) in relation to an occupational pension scheme, by order direct the scheme to be wound up if they are satisfied that it is necessary to do so in order— a to ensure that the scheme’s protected liabilities do not exceed its assets, or b if those liabilities do exceed its assets, to keep the excess to a minimum. 3B In subsection (3A)— a “ protected liabilities ” has the meaning given by section 131 of the Pensions Act 2004, and b references to the assets of the scheme are references to those assets excluding any assets representing the value of any rights in respect of money purchase benefits (within the meaning of that Act) under the scheme. 4 An order under this section authorising a scheme to be wound up must include such directions with respect to the manner and timing of the winding up as the Authority think appropriate having regard to the purposes of the order. This subsection is subject to sections 28, 135 and 219 of the Pensions Act 2004 (winding up order made when freezing order has effect in relation to scheme, during assessment period under Part 2 of that Act etc). 5 The winding up of a scheme in pursuance of an order of the Authority under this section is as effective in law as if it had been made under powers conferred by or under the scheme. 6 An order under this section may be made and complied with in relation to a scheme— a in spite of any enactment or rule of law, or any rule of the scheme, which would otherwise operate to prevent the winding up, or b except for the purpose of the Authority determining whether or not they are satisfied as mentioned in subsection (2), without regard to any such enactment, rule of law or rule of the scheme as would otherwise require, or might otherwise be taken to require, the implementation of any procedure or the obtaining of any consent, with a view to the winding up. 6A Subsection (6) does not have effect to authorise the Authority to make an order as mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection, if their doing so would be unlawful as a result of section 6(1) of the Human Rights Act 1998 (unlawful for public authority to act in contravention of a Convention right). 7 In the case of a public service pension scheme— a an order under subsection (1) directing or authorising the scheme to be wound up may only be made on the grounds referred to in paragraph (c), and b such an order may, as the Authority think appropriate, adapt, amend or repeal any enactment (including the Scottish Parliamentary Pensions Act 2009 (asp 1)) in which the scheme is contained or under which it is made. Powers to wind up public service schemes. 12 1 The appropriate authority may by order direct a public service pension scheme to be wound up if they are satisfied that— a the scheme, or any part of it, ought to be replaced by a different scheme, or b the scheme is no longer required. 2 Subsection (2) of section 11 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that, but as if references to the Authority were to the appropriate authority. 3 In this section “ the appropriate authority ”, in relation to a scheme, means such Minister of the Crown or government department as may be designated by the Treasury as having responsibility for the particular scheme. 4 An order under this section must include such directions with respect to the manner and timing of the winding up as that authority think appropriate. 5 Such an order may, as that authority think appropriate, adapt, amend or repeal any enactment in which the scheme is contained or under which it is made. Injunctions and interdicts. 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restitution. 14 1 If, on the application of the Authority, the court is satisfied— a that a power to make a payment, or distribute any assets, to the employer, has been exercised in contravention of section 37, 76 or 77, or b that any act or omission of the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme was in contravention of section 40, the court may order the employer and any other person who appears to the court to have been knowingly concerned in the contravention to take such steps as the court may direct for restoring the parties to the position in which they were before the payment or distribution was made, or the act or omission occurred. 2 The jurisdiction conferred by this section is exercisable by the High Court or the Court of Session. Directions. 15 1 The Authority may, where in the case of any trust scheme the employer fails to comply with any requirement included in regulations by virtue of section 49(5), direct the trustees to make arrangements for the payment to the members of the benefit to which the requirement relates. 2 The Authority may— a where in the case of any trust scheme an annual report is published, direct the trustees to include a statement prepared by the Authority in the report, and b in the case of any trust scheme, direct the trustees to send to the members a copy of a statement prepared by the Authority. 3 A direction under this section must be given in writing. 4 Where a direction under this section is not complied with, section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. Member-nominated trustees and directors Requirement for member-nominated trustees. 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exceptions. 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate trustees: member-nominated directors. 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate trustees: exceptions. 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Selection, and eligibility, of member-nominated trustees and directors. 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Member-nominated trustees and directors: supplementary. 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Independent trustees Circumstances in which following provisions apply. 22 1 This section applies in relation to a trust scheme— a if a person (referred to in this section and sections 23 to 26 as “the practitioner”) begins to act as an insolvency practitioner in relation to a company which, or an individual who, is the employer in relation to the scheme, or b if the official receiver becomes— i the liquidator or provisional liquidator of a company which is the employer in relation to the scheme, ... ia the interim receiver of the property of a person who is the employer in relation to the scheme, or ii the receiver and the manager, or the trustee, of the estate of a bankrupt who is the employer in relation to the scheme. 2 Where this section applies in relation to a scheme by virtue of subsection (1) , it ceases to do so— a if some person other than the employer mentioned in subsection (1) becomes the employer, or b if at any time neither the practitioner nor the official receiver is acting in relation to the employer; but this subsection does not affect the application of this section in relation to the scheme on any subsequent occasion when the conditions specified in subsection (1)(a) or (b) are satisfied in relation to it. 2A To the extent that it does not already apply by virtue of subsection (1), this section also applies in relation to a trust scheme— a at any time during an assessment period (within the meaning of section 132 of the Pensions Act 2004) in relation to the scheme, and b at any time, not within paragraph (a), when the scheme is authorised under section 153 of that Act (closed schemes) to continue as a closed scheme. 2B The responsible person must, as soon as reasonably practicable, give notice of an event within subsection (2C) to— a the Authority, b the Board of the Pension Protection Fund, and c the trustees of the scheme. 2C The events are— a the practitioner beginning to act as mentioned in subsection (1)(a), if immediately before he does so this section does not apply in relation to the scheme; b the practitioner ceasing to so act, if immediately after he does so this section does not apply in relation to the scheme; c the official receiver beginning to act in a capacity mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(i), (ia) or (ii), if immediately before he does so this section does not apply in relation to the scheme; d the official receiver ceasing to act in such a capacity, if immediately after he does so this section does not apply in relation to the scheme. 2D For the purposes of subsection (2B) “ the responsible person ” means— a in the case of an event within subsection (2C)(a) or (b) the practitioner, and b in the case of an event within subsection (2C)(c) or (d), the official receiver. 2E Regulations may require prescribed persons in prescribed circumstances where this section begins or ceases to apply in relation to a trust scheme by virtue of subsection (2A) to give a notice to that effect to— a the Authority, b the Board of the Pension Protection Fund, and c the trustees of the scheme. 2F A notice under subsection (2B), or regulations under subsection (2E), must be in writing and contain such information as may be prescribed. 3 In this section and sections 23 to 26 — “acting as an insolvency practitioner” and “official receiver” shall be construed in accordance with sections 388 and 399 of the Insolvency Act 1986, “ bankrupt ” has the meaning given by section 381 of the Insolvency Act 1986, “ company ” means a company as defined in section 1(1) of the Companies Act 2006 or a company which may be wound up under Part V of the Insolvency Act 1986 (unregistered companies), ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power to appoint independent trustees 23 1 While section 22 applies in relation to a trust scheme, the Authority may by order appoint as a trustee of the scheme a person who— a is an independent person in relation to the scheme, and b is registered in the register maintained by the Authority in accordance with regulations under subsection (4). 2 In relation to a particular trust scheme, no more than one trustee may at any time be an independent trustee appointed under subsection (1). 3 For the purposes of this section a person is independent in relation to a trust scheme only if— a he has no interest in the assets of the employer or of the scheme otherwise than as trustee of the scheme, b he is neither connected with, nor an associate of— i the employer, ii any person for the time being acting as an insolvency practitioner in relation to the employer, or iii the official receiver acting in any of the capacities mentioned in section 22(1)(b) in relation to the employer, and c he satisfies any prescribed requirements; and any reference in this Part to an independent trustee is to be construed accordingly. 4 Regulations must provide for the Authority to compile and maintain a register of persons who satisfy the prescribed conditions for registration. 5 Regulations under subsection (4) may provide— a for copies of the register or of extracts from it to be provided to prescribed persons in prescribed circumstances; b for the inspection of the register by prescribed persons in prescribed circumstances. 6 The circumstances which may be prescribed under subsection (5)(a) or (b) include the payment by the person to whom the copy is to be provided, or by whom the register is to be inspected, of such reasonable fee as may be determined by the Authority. 7 This section is without prejudice to the powers conferred by section 7. Members’ powers to apply to court to enforce duty. 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appointment and powers of independent trustees: further provisions. 25 1 If, immediately before the appointment of an independent trustee under section 23(1) , there is no trustee of the scheme other than the employer, the employer shall cease to be a trustee upon the appointment of the independent trustee. 2 While section 22 applies in relation to a scheme and there is an independent trustee of the scheme appointed under section 23(1) — a any power vested in the trustees of the scheme and exercisable at their discretion may be exercised only by the independent trustee, and b any power— i which the scheme confers on the employer (otherwise than as trustee of the scheme), and ii which is exercisable by him at his discretion but only as trustee of the power, may be exercised only by the independent trustee. ... 3 While section 22 applies in relation to a scheme and there is an independent trustee of the scheme appointed under section 23(1), the independent trustee may not be removed from being a trustee by virtue only of any provision of the scheme. 4 If a trustee appointed under section 23(1) ceases to be an independent person (within the meaning of section 23(3)) , then— a he must as soon as reasonably practicable give written notice of that fact to the Authority, and b subject to subsection (5), he shall cease to be a trustee of the scheme. 5 If, in a case where subsection (4) applies, there is no other trustee of the scheme than the former independent trustee, he shall not cease by virtue of that subsection to be a trustee until such time as another trustee is appointed. 5A Section 10 applies to any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with subsection (4)(a). 6 An order under section 23(1) may provide for any fees and expenses of the trustee appointed under the order to be paid— a by the employer, b out of the resources of the scheme, or c partly by the employer and partly out of those resources. 7 Such an order may also provide that an amount equal to the amount (if any) paid out of the resources of the scheme by virtue of subsection (6)(b) or (c) is to be treated for all purposes as a debt due from the employer to the trustees of the scheme. 8 Where, by virtue of subsection (6)(b) or (c), an order makes provision for any fees or expenses of the trustee appointed under the order to be paid out of the resources of the scheme, the trustee is entitled to be so paid in priority to all other claims falling to be met out of the scheme’s resources. Insolvency practitioner or official receiver to give information to trustees. 26 1 Notwithstanding anything in section 155 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (court orders for inspection etc. ), while section 22 applies in relation to a scheme by virtue of subsection (1) of that section , the practitioner or official receiver must provide the trustees of the scheme, as soon as practicable after the receipt of a request, with any information which the trustees may reasonably require for the purposes of the scheme. 2 Any expenses incurred by the practitioner or official receiver in complying with a request under subsection (1) are recoverable by him as part of the expenses incurred by him in discharge of his duties. 3 The practitioner or official receiver is not required under subsection (1) to take any action which involves expenses that cannot be so recovered, unless the trustees of the scheme undertake to meet them. Information to be given to the Authority in a s. 22 case 26A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information to be given in cases where s. 22 disapplied 26B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Construction of ss. 26A and 26B 26C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustees: general Trustee not to be auditor or actuary of the scheme. 27 1 A trustee of a trust scheme, and any person who is connected with, or an associate of, such a trustee, is ineligible to act as an auditor or actuary of the scheme. 2 Subsection (1) does not make a person who is a director, partner or employee of a firm of actuaries ineligible to act as an actuary of a trust scheme merely because another director, partner or employee of the firm is a trustee of the scheme. 3 Subsection (1) does not make a person who falls within a prescribed class or description ineligible to act as an auditor or actuary of a trust scheme. 4 A person must not act as an auditor or actuary of a trust scheme if he is ineligible under this section to do so. 5 In this section and section 28 references to a trustee of a trust scheme do not include— a a trustee, or b a trustee of a scheme, falling within a prescribed class or description. Section 27: consequences. 28 1 Any person who acts as an auditor or actuary of a trust scheme in contravention of section 27(4) is guilty of an offence and liable— a on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, and b on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment or a fine, or both. 2 An offence under subsection (1) may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time; and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under that subsection by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction of the offence. 3 Acts done as an auditor or actuary of a trust scheme by a person who is ineligible under section 27 to do so are not invalid merely because of that fact. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Persons disqualified for being trustees. 29 1 Subject to subsection (5), a person is disqualified for being a trustee of any trust scheme if— a he has been convicted of any offence involving dishonesty or deception, b he has been made bankrupt or sequestration of his estate has been awarded and (in either case) he has not been discharged or he is the subject of a bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim bankruptcy restrictions order , ba a moratorium period under a debt relief order (under Part 7A of the Insolvency Act 1986) applies in relation to him or he is the subject of a debt relief restrictions order or an interim debt relief restrictions order (under Schedule 4ZB of the Insolvency Act 1986), c where the person is a company, if any director of the company is disqualified under this section, d where the person is a Scottish partnership, if any partner is disqualified under this section, e he has made a composition contract or an arrangement with, or granted a trust deed for the behoof of, his creditors and has not been discharged in respect of it, or f he is subject to a disqualification order or disqualification undertaking under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 or the Company Directors Disqualification (Northern Ireland) Order 2002 or to an order made under section 429(2)(b) of the Insolvency Act 1986 (failure to pay under county court administration order). 2 In subsection (1)— a paragraph (a) applies whether the conviction occurred before or after the coming into force of that subsection, but does not apply in relation to any conviction which is a spent conviction for the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, b paragraph (b) applies whether the adjudication of bankruptcy or the sequestration or the making of the bankruptcy restrictions order or an interim order occurred before or after the coming into force of that subsection, c paragraph (e) applies whether the composition contract or arrangement was made, or the trust deed was granted, before or after the coming into force of that subsection, and d paragraph (f) applies in relation to orders made before or after the coming into force of that subsection. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The Authority may, on the application of any person disqualified under this section— a give notice in writing to him waiving his disqualification, b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . either generally or in relation to a particular scheme or particular description of schemes. 6 A notice given ... at any time by virtue of subsection (5) cannot affect anything done before that time. Persons disqualified: consequences. 30 1 Where a person who is a trustee of a trust scheme becomes disqualified under section 29 in relation to the scheme, his becoming so disqualified has the effect of removing him as a trustee. 2 Where— a a trustee of a trust scheme becomes disqualified under section 29, ... b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the Authority may exercise by order the same jurisdiction and powers as are exercisable by the High Court or, in relation to a trust scheme subject to the law of Scotland, the Court of Session for vesting any property in, or transferring any property to, the trustees. 3 A person who purports to act as a trustee of a trust scheme while he is disqualified under section 29 is guilty of an offence and liable— a on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, and b on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment or both. 4 An offence under subsection (3) may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time; and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under that subsection by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction of the offence. 5 Things done by a person disqualified under section 29 while purporting to act as trustee of a trust scheme are not invalid merely because of that disqualification. 6 Nothing in section 29 or this section affects the liability of any person for things done, or omitted to be done, by him while purporting to act as trustee of a trust scheme. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accessibility of register of disqualified trustees 30A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trustees not to be indemnified for fines or civil penalties. 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Functions of trustees Decisions by majority. 32 1 Decisions of the trustees of a trust scheme may, unless the scheme provides otherwise, be taken by agreement of a majority of the trustees. 2 Where decisions of the trustees of a trust scheme may be taken by agreement of a majority of the trustees— a the trustees may, unless the scheme provides otherwise, by a determination under this subsection require not less than the number of trustees specified in the determination to be present when any decision is so taken, and b notice of any occasions at which decisions may be so taken must, unless the occasion falls within a prescribed class or description, be given to each trustee to whom it is reasonably practicable to give such notice. 3 Notice under subsection (2)(b) must be given in a prescribed manner and not later than the beginning of a prescribed period. 4 This section is subject to sections 8(4)(b) and 25(2) of this Act and section 241(6) of the Pensions Act 2004 . 5 If subsection (2)(b) is not complied with, section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. Investment powers: duty of care. 33 1 Liability for breach of an obligation under any rule of law to take care or exercise skill in the performance of any investment functions, where the function is exercisable— a by a trustee of a trust scheme, or b by a person to whom the function has been delegated under section 34, cannot be excluded or restricted by any instrument or agreement. 2 In this section, references to excluding or restricting liability include— a making the liability or its enforcement subject to restrictive or onerous conditions, b excluding or restricting any right or remedy in respect of the liability, or subjecting a person to any prejudice in consequence of his pursuing any such right or remedy, or c excluding or restricting rules of evidence or procedure. 3 This section does not apply— a to a scheme falling within any prescribed class or description, or b to any prescribed description of exclusion or restriction. Power of investment and delegation. 34 1 The trustees of a trust scheme have, subject to section 36(1) and to any restriction imposed by the scheme, the same power to make an investment of any kind as if they were absolutely entitled to the assets of the scheme. 2 Any discretion of the trustees of a trust scheme to make any decision about investments— a may be delegated by or on behalf of the trustees to a fund manager to whom subsection (3) applies to be exercised in accordance with section 36, but b may not otherwise be delegated except under section 25 of the Trustee Act 1925 (delegation of trusts during absence abroad for period not exceeding twelve months ) or subsection (5) below. 3 This subsection applies to a fund manager who, in relation to the investments, may take the decisions in question without contravening the prohibition imposed by section 19 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (prohibition on carrying on regulated activities unless authorised or exempt). 4 The trustees are not responsible for the act or default of any fund manager in the exercise of any discretion delegated to him under subsection (2)(a) if they have taken all such steps as are reasonable to satisfy themselves or the person who made the delegation on their behalf has taken all such steps as are reasonable to satisfy himself— a that the fund manager has the appropriate knowledge and experience for managing the investments of the scheme, and b that he is carrying out his work competently and complying with section 36. 5 Subject to any restriction imposed by a trust scheme— a the trustees may authorise two or more of their number to exercise on their behalf any discretion to make any decision about investments, and b any such discretion may, where giving effect to the decision would not constitute the carrying on, in the United Kingdom, of a regulated activity (within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) , be delegated by or on behalf of the trustees to a fund manager to whom subsection (3) does not apply to be exercised in accordance with section 36; but in either case the trustees are liable for any acts or defaults in the exercise of the discretion if they would be so liable if they were the acts or defaults of the trustees as a whole. 6 Section 33 does not prevent the exclusion or restriction of any liability of the trustees of a trust scheme for the acts or defaults of a fund manager in the exercise of a discretion delegated to him under subsection (5)(b) where the trustees have taken all such steps as are reasonable to satisfy themselves, or the person who made the delegation on their behalf has taken all such steps as are reasonable to satisfy himself— a that the fund manager has the appropriate knowledge and experience for managing the investments of the scheme, and b that he is carrying out his work competently and complying with section 36; and subsection (2) of section 33 applies for the purposes of this subsection as it applies for the purposes of that section. 7 The provisions of this section override any restriction inconsistent with the provisions imposed by any rule of law or by or under any enactment, other than an enactment contained in, or made under, this Part or the Pension Schemes Act 1993. Investment principles. 35 1 The trustees of a trust scheme must secure— a that a statement of investment principles is prepared and maintained for the scheme, and b that the statement is reviewed at such intervals, and on such occasions, as may be prescribed and, if necessary, revised. 2 In this section “ statement of investment principles ”, in relation to a trust scheme, means a written statement of the investment principles governing decisions about investments for the purposes of the scheme. 3 Before preparing or revising a statement of investment principles, the trustees of a trust scheme must comply with any prescribed requirements. 4 A statement of investment principles must be in the prescribed form and cover, amongst other things, the prescribed matters. 5 Neither a trust scheme nor a statement of investment principles may impose restrictions (however expressed) on any power to make investments by reference to the consent of the employer. 6 If in the case of a trust scheme— a a statement of investment principles has not been prepared, is not being maintained or has not been reviewed or revised, as required by this section, or b the trustees have not complied with the obligation imposed on them by subsection (3), section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance. 7 Regulations may provide that this section is not to apply to any scheme which is of a prescribed description. Choosing investments. 36 1 The trustees of a trust scheme must exercise their powers of investment in accordance with regulations and in accordance with subsections (3) and (4), and any fund manager to whom any discretion has been delegated under section 34 must exercise the discretion in accordance with regulations. 1A Regulations under subsection (1) may, in particular— a specify criteria to be applied in choosing investments, and b require diversification of investments. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Before investing in any manner (other than in a manner mentioned in Part I of Schedule 1 to the Trustee Investments Act 1961) the trustees must obtain and consider proper advice on the question whether the investment is satisfactory having regard to the requirements of regulations under subsection (1), so far as relating to the suitability of investments, and to the principles contained in the statement under section 35. 4 Trustees retaining any investment must— a determine at what intervals the circumstances, and in particular the nature of the investment, make it desirable to obtain such advice as is mentioned in subsection (3), and b obtain and consider such advice accordingly. 5 The trustees, or the fund manager to whom any discretion has been delegated under section 34, must exercise their powers of investment with a view to giving effect to the principles contained in the statement under section 35, so far as reasonably practicable. 6 For the purposes of this section “ proper advice ” means— a if the giving of the advice constitutes the carrying on, in the United Kingdom, of a regulated activity (within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000), advice given by a person who may give it without contravening the prohibition imposed by section 19 of that Act (prohibition on carrying on regulated activities unless authorised or exempt); b in any other case, the advice of a person who is reasonably believed by the trustees to be qualified by his ability in and practical experience of financial matters and to have the appropriate knowledge and experience of the management of the investments of trust schemes. 7 Trustees shall not be treated as having complied with subsection (3) or (4) unless the advice was given or has subsequently been confirmed in writing. 8 If the trustees of a trust scheme— a fail to comply with regulations under subsection (1), or b do not obtain and consider advice in accordance with this section, section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance. 9 Regulations may exclude the application of any of the preceding provisions of this section to any scheme which is of a prescribed description. Restriction on borrowing by trustees 36A Regulations may prohibit the trustees of a trust scheme, or the fund manager to whom any discretion has been delegated under section 34, from borrowing money or acting as a guarantor, except in prescribed cases. Payment of surplus to employer. 37 1 This section applies to a trust scheme if— a apart from this section power is conferred on the employer or any other person to make payments to the employer out of funds held for the purposes of the scheme, and b the scheme is not being wound up. 1A But this section does not apply in the case of any of the payments listed in paragraphs (c) to (f) of section 175 of the Finance Act 2004 (authorised employer payments other than public service scheme payments or authorised surplus payments). 2 Where the power referred to in subsection (1)(a) is conferred by the scheme on a person other than the trustees— a it cannot be exercised by that person but may instead be exercised by the trustees, and b any restriction imposed by the scheme on the exercise of the power shall, so far as capable of doing so, apply to its exercise by the trustees. 3 The power referred to in subsection (1)(a) may only be exercised if— a the trustees have obtained a written valuation of the scheme’s assets and liabilities prepared and signed by a prescribed person; b there is a certificate in force— i stating that in the opinion of that person the prescribed requirements are met as at the date by reference to which the assets are valued and the liabilities are calculated, and ii specifying what in the opinion of that person is the maximum amount of payment that may be made to the employer; c the payment does not exceed the maximum amount specified in the certificate; d the trustees are satisfied that it is in the interests of the members that the power is exercised in the manner proposed; e where the power is conferred by the scheme on the employer, the employer has asked for the power to be exercised, or consented to its being exercised, in the manner proposed; f there is no freezing order in force in relation to the scheme under section 23 of the Pensions Act 2004; and g notice of the proposal to exercise the power has been given, in accordance with prescribed requirements, to the members of the scheme. 4 Provision may be made by regulations as to— a the requirements (which may be alternative requirements) that must be met, in relation to any proposed payment to the employer out of funds held for the purposes of a scheme, with respect to the value of the scheme’s assets and the amount of its liabilities; b the assets and liabilities to be taken into account for that purpose and the manner in which their value or amount is to be determined, calculated and verified; c the maximum amount of the payment that may be made to the employer, having regard to the value of the scheme’s assets and the amount of its liabilities; d the giving of a certificate as to the matters mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (c); and e the period for which such a certificate is to be in force. 5 The trustees must also comply with any other prescribed requirements in connection with the making of a payment under this section. 6 If the trustees— a purport to exercise the power referred to in subsection (1)(a) without complying with the requirements of this section, or b fail to comply with any requirement of regulations under subsection (5), section 10 applies to any of them who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance. 7 If a person other than the trustees purports to exercise the power referred to in subsection (1)(a), section 10 applies to him. 8 Regulations may provide that in prescribed circumstances this section does not apply, or applies with prescribed modifications, to schemes of a prescribed description. Power to defer winding up. 38 1 If, apart from this section, the rules of a trust scheme would require the scheme to be wound up, the trustees may determine— a that the scheme is not for the time being to be wound up but that no new members are to be admitted to it, or b that the scheme is not for the time being to be wound up but that no new members, except pension credit members, are to be admitted to it. 2 Where the trustees make a determination under subsection (1), they may also determine— a that no further contributions are to be paid towards the scheme (other than those due to be paid before the determination is made) , or b that no ...benefits are to accrue to, or in respect of, members of the scheme; ... 2A Subsection (2) does not authorise the trustees to determine— a where there are accrued rights or pension credit rights to any benefit, that the benefit is not to be increased, or b where the power conferred by that subsection is exercisable by virtue of a determination under subsection (1)(b), that members of the scheme may not acquire pension credit rights under it. 3 This section does not apply to— a a money purchase scheme, or b a scheme falling within a prescribed class or description. 4 This section also does not apply in relation to a trust scheme where the trustees are required to wind up, or continue the winding up, of the scheme under section 154(1) of the Pensions Act 2004 (requirement to wind up certain schemes with sufficient assets to meet protected liabilities). Exercise of powers by member trustees. 39 No rule of law that a trustee may not exercise the powers vested in him so as to give rise to a conflict between his personal interest and his duties to the beneficiaries shall apply to a trustee of a trust scheme, who is also a member of the scheme, exercising the powers vested in him in any manner, merely because their exercise in that manner benefits, or may benefit, him as a member of the scheme. Functions of trustees or managers Restriction on employer-related investments. 40 1 The trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme must secure that the scheme complies with any prescribed restrictions with respect to the proportion of its resources that may at any time be invested in, or in any description of, employer-related investments. 2 In this section— “ employer-related investments ” means— shares or other securities issued by the employer or by any person who is connected with, or an associate of, the employer, land which is occupied or used by, or subject to a lease in favour of, the employer or any such person, property (other than land) which is used for the purposes of any business carried on by the employer or any such person, loans to the employer or any such person, and other prescribed investments, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2A In the definition of “employer-related investments” in subsection (2) “securities” means— a shares, b instruments creating or acknowledging indebtedness, c instruments giving entitlements to investments, d certificates representing securities. 2B Subsection (2A) must be read with— a section 22 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, b any relevant order made under that section, and c Schedule 2 to that Act. 3 To the extent (if any) that sums due and payable by a person to the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme remain unpaid— a they shall be regarded for the purposes of this section as loans made to that person by the trustees or managers, and b resources of the scheme shall be regarded as invested accordingly. 4 If in the case of a trust scheme subsection (1) is not complied with, section 10 applies to any trustee who fails to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. 5 If any resources of an occupational pension scheme are invested in contravention of subsection (1), any trustee or manager who agreed in the determination to make the investment is guilty of an offence and liable— a on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, and b on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment, or both. Provision of documents for members. 41 1 Regulations may require the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme— a to obtain at prescribed times the documents mentioned in subsection (2), and b to make copies of them, and of the documents mentioned in subsection (3), available to the persons mentioned in subsection (4). 2 The documents referred to in subsection (1)(a) are— a the accounts audited by the auditor of the scheme, b the auditor’s statement about contributions under the scheme, c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The documents referred to in subsection (1)(b) are— a any statement of funding principles prepared or revised under section 223 of the Pensions Act 2004, b any valuation or report prepared by the actuary under section 224 of that Act, c any certificate given by the actuary under section 225 or 227 of that Act. 4 The persons referred to in subsection (1)(b) are— a members and prospective members of the scheme, b spouses or civil partners of members and of prospective members, c persons within the application of the scheme and qualifying or prospectively qualifying for its benefits, d independent trade unions recognised to any extent for the purposes of collective bargaining in relation to members and prospective members of the scheme. 5 Regulations may in the case of occupational pension schemes provide for— a prescribed persons, b persons with prescribed qualifications or experience, or c persons approved by the Secretary of State, to act for the purposes of subsection (2) instead of scheme auditors or actuaries. 5A Regulations may impose duties on the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme to disclose information to, and make documents available to, a person acting under subsection (5). 5B If any duty imposed under subsection (5A) is not complied with, section 10 applies to any trustee, and to any manager, who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. 6 Regulations shall make provision for referring to an employment tribunal any question whether an organisation is such a trade union as is mentioned in subsection (4)(d) and may make provision as to the form and content of any such document as is referred to in subsection (2). Climate change risk 41A 1 Regulations may impose requirements on the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme of a prescribed description with a view to securing that there is effective governance of the scheme with respect to the effects of climate change. 2 The effects of climate change in relation to which provision may be made under subsection (1) include, in particular— a risks arising from steps taken because of climate change (whether by governments or otherwise), and b opportunities relating to climate change. 3 The requirements which may be imposed by the regulations include, in particular, requirements about— a reviewing the exposure of the scheme to risks of a prescribed description; b assessing the assets of the scheme in a prescribed manner; c determining, reviewing and (if necessary) revising a strategy for managing the scheme's exposure to risks of a prescribed description; d determining, reviewing and (if necessary) revising targets relating to the scheme's exposure to risks of a prescribed description; e measuring performance against such targets; f preparing documents containing information of a prescribed description. 4 Regulations under subsection (3)(b) may, in particular, require— a that assets are assessed by reference to their exposure to risks of a prescribed description, and b that an assessment includes determining the contribution of the assets of the scheme to climate change. 5 The regulations may require the trustees or managers of the scheme to take into account— a different ways in which the climate might change, and b different steps that might be taken because of climate change. 6 Regulations under subsection (5) may require the trustees or managers of the scheme to adopt prescribed assumptions as to future events, including assumptions about— a the steps that might be taken for the purpose of achieving the Paris Agreement goal or other climate change goal, or b the achievement of the Paris Agreement goal or other climate change goal. 7 In complying with requirements imposed by the regulations, a trustee or manager must have regard to guidance prepared from time to time by the Secretary of State. 8 In this section “ the Paris Agreement goal ” means the goal of holding the increase in the average global temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels referred to in Article 2(1)(a) of the agreement done at Paris on 12 December 2015. Climate change risk: publication of information 41B 1 Regulations may require the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme of a prescribed description to publish information of a prescribed description relating to the effects of climate change on the scheme (which may include information about matters to which regulations under section 41A may relate). 2 Regulations under subsection (1) may, among other things— a require the trustees or managers to publish a document of a prescribed description; b require information or a document to be made available free of charge; c require information or a document to be provided in a form that is or by means that are prescribed or of a prescribed description. 3 In complying with requirements imposed by the regulations, a trustee or manager must have regard to guidance prepared from time to time by the Secretary of State. Sections 41A and 41B: compliance 41C 1 Regulations may make provision with a view to ensuring compliance with a provision of regulations under section 41A or 41B. 2 The regulations may in particular— a provide for the Authority to issue a notice (a “compliance notice”) to a person with a view to ensuring the person's compliance with a provision of regulations under section 41A or 41B; b provide for the Authority to issue a notice (a “third party compliance notice”) to a person with a view to ensuring another person's compliance with a provision of regulations under section 41A or 41B; c provide for the Authority to issue a notice (a “penalty notice”) imposing a penalty on a person where the Authority are of the opinion that the person— i has failed to comply with a compliance notice or third party compliance notice, or ii has contravened a provision of regulations under section 41A or 41B; d provide for the making of a reference to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal in respect of the issue of a penalty notice or the amount of a penalty; e confer other functions on the Authority. 3 The regulations may make provision for determining the amount, or the maximum amount, of a penalty in respect of a failure or contravention. 4 But the amount of a penalty imposed under the regulations in respect of a failure or contravention must not exceed— a £5,000, in the case of an individual, and b £50,000, in any other case. Employee trustees Time off for performance of duties and for training. 42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment for time off. 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Time limit for proceedings. 44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Remedies. 45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Right not to suffer detriment in employment or be unfairly dismissed. 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advisers Professional advisers. 47 1 For every occupational pension scheme there shall be— a an individual, or a firm, appointed by the trustees or managers as auditor (referred to in this Part, in relation to the scheme, as “the auditor”), and b an individual appointed by the trustees or managers as actuary (referred to in this Part, in relation to the scheme, as “the actuary”). 2 For every occupational pension scheme the assets of which consist of or include investments ... there shall be an individual or a firm appointed by or on behalf of the trustees or managers as fund manager. 2A References in this section to investments must be read with— a section 22 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000; b any relevant order under that section; and c Schedule 2 to that Act. 3 If in the case of an occupational pension scheme any person— a is appointed otherwise than by the trustees or managers as legal adviser or to exercise any prescribed functions in relation to the scheme, or b is appointed otherwise than by or on behalf of the trustees or managers as a fund manager, section 10 applies to any trustee, and to any manager, who in exercising any of his functions places reliance on the skill or judgement of that person. 4 In this Part, in relation to an occupational pension scheme— a the auditor, actuary and legal adviser appointed by the trustees or managers, b any fund manager appointed by or on behalf of the trustees or managers, and c any person appointed by the trustees or managers to exercise any of the functions referred to in subsection (3)(a), are referred to as “professional advisers”. 5 This section does not apply to an occupational pension scheme falling within a prescribed class or description and regulations may— a make exceptions to subsections (1) to (3), b specify the qualifications and experience, or approval, required for appointment as a professional adviser. 6 Regulations may make provision as to— a the manner in which professional advisers may be appointed and removed, b the terms on which professional advisers may be appointed (including the manner in which the professional advisers may resign). 7 Subject to regulations made by virtue of subsection (6), professional advisers shall be appointed on such terms as the trustees or managers may determine. 8 If in the case of an occupational pension scheme an auditor, actuary or fund manager is required under this section to be appointed but the appointment has not been made, or not been made in accordance with any requirements imposed under this section, section 10 applies to any trustee, and to any manager, who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. 9 Regulations may in the case of occupational pension schemes— a impose duties on any person who is or has been the employer, and on any person who acts as auditor or actuary to such a person, to disclose information to the trustees or managers and to the scheme’s professional advisers, b impose duties on the trustees or managers to disclose information to, and make documents available to, the scheme’s professional advisers. 10 If in the case of an occupational pension scheme a person fails to comply with any duty imposed under subsection (9)(a), section 10 applies to him. 11 If in the case of an occupational pension scheme any duty imposed under subsection (9)(b) is not complied with, section 10 applies to any trustee, and to any manager, who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. “Blowing the whistle”. 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receipts, payments and records Other responsibilities of trustees, employers, etc. 49 1 The trustees of any trust scheme must, except in any prescribed circumstances, keep any money received by them in a separate account kept by them with a deposit-taker . 1A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Regulations may require the trustees of any trust scheme to keep— a records of their meetings (including meetings of any of their number), and b books and records relating to any prescribed transaction. 3 Regulations may, in the case of any trust scheme, require the employer, and any prescribed person acting in connection with the scheme, to keep books and records relating to any prescribed transaction. 4 Regulations may require books or records kept under subsection (2) or (3) to be kept in a prescribed form and manner and for a prescribed period. 5 Regulations must, in cases where payments of benefit to members of trust schemes are made by the employer, require the employer to make into a separate account kept by him with a deposit-taker any payments of benefit which have not been made to the members within any prescribed period. 6 If in the case of any trust scheme any requirements imposed by or under subsection (1) or (2) are not complied with, section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. 7 If in the case of any trust scheme any person fails to comply with any requirement imposed under subsection (3) or (5), section 10 applies to him. 8 Where on making a payment of any earnings in respect of any employment there is deducted any amount corresponding to any contribution payable on behalf of an active member of an occupational pension scheme, the amount deducted is to be paid, within a prescribed period, to the trustees or managers of the scheme. 8A “Deposit taker” means— a a person who has permission under Part 4A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to accept deposits; b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c the Bank of England ... ; d the National Savings Bank; or e a municipal bank, that is to say a company which was, immediately before the repeal of the Banking Act 1987 exempted from the prohibition in section 3 of that Act by virtue of section 4(1) of, and paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to, that Act. 8B Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (8A) must be read with— a section 22 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000; b any relevant order under that section; and c Schedule 2 to that Act. 9 If in any case there is a failure to comply with subsection (8)— a section 10 applies to the employer; and b if the trustees or managers have reasonable cause to believe that the failure is likely to be of material significance in the exercise by the Authority of any of their functions, they must, except in prescribed circumstances, give notice of the failure to the Authority and the member within a reasonable period after the end of the prescribed period under subsection (8). 10 If in any case subsection (9)(b) is not complied with— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b section 10 applies to any trustee or manager who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance . 11 If any person is knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of the obligation imposed by subsection (8) in any case, he is guilty of an offence. 12 A person guilty of an offence under subsection (11) is liable— a on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum; and b on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or a fine or both. 13 A person shall not be required by virtue of subsection (9)(a) above to pay a penalty under section 10 in respect of a failure if in respect of that failure he has been— a required to pay a penalty under that section by virtue of section 3(7) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (failures in respect of stakeholder pensions), or b convicted of an offence under subsection (11) above. Record of winding-up decisions. 49A 1 Except so far as regulations otherwise provide, the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme shall keep written records of— a any determination for the winding-up of the scheme in accordance with its rules; b decisions as to the time from which steps for the purposes of the winding-up of the scheme are to be taken; c determinations under section 38; d determinations in accordance with the rules of the scheme to postpone the commencement of a winding-up of the scheme. 2 For the purpose of this section— a the determinations and decisions of which written records must be kept under this section include determinations and decisions by persons who— i are not trustees or managers of a scheme, but ii are entitled, in accordance with the rules of a scheme, to make a determination for its winding-up; and b regulations may, in relation to such determinations or decisions as are mentioned in paragraph (a), impose obligations to keep written records on the persons making the determinations or decisions (as well as, or instead of, on the trustees or managers). 3 Regulations may provide for the form and content of any records that are required to be kept under this section. 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Section 10 applies to any trustee or manager of a scheme who fails to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance by the trustees or managers of that scheme with those obligations. Resolution of disputes Requirement for dispute resolution arrangements 50 1 The trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme must secure that dispute resolution arrangements complying with the requirements of this section are made and implemented. 2 Dispute resolution arrangements are arrangements for the resolution of pension disputes. 3 For this purpose a pension dispute is a dispute which— a is between— i the trustees or managers of a scheme, and ii one or more persons with an interest in the scheme (see section 50A), b is about matters relating to the scheme, and c is not an exempted dispute (see subsection (9)). 4 The dispute resolution arrangements must provide a procedure— a for any of the parties to the dispute mentioned in subsection (3)(a)(ii) to make an application for a decision to be taken on the matters in dispute (“an application for the resolution of a pension dispute”), and b for the trustees or managers to take that decision. 4A The dispute resolution arrangements may make provision for securing that an application for the resolution of a pension dispute may not be made to the trustees or managers unless— a the matters in dispute have been previously referred to a person of a description specified in the arrangements (“the specified person”) in order for him to consider those matters, and b the specified person has given his decision on those matters, and for enabling the specified person's decision to be confirmed or replaced by the decision taken by the trustees or managers on the application, after reconsidering those matters. 5 Where an application for the resolution of a pension dispute is made in accordance with the dispute resolution arrangements, the trustees or managers must— a take the decision required on the matters in dispute within a reasonable period of the receipt of the application by them, and b notify the applicant of the decision within a reasonable period of it having been taken. 5A In a case where a reference is made to the specified person in accordance with provision made under subsection (4A), subsection (5) applies in relation to the specified person as it applies in relation to the trustees or managers in a case where an application for the resolution of a pension dispute is made to them. 6 The procedure provided for by the dispute resolution arrangements in pursuance of subsection (4) must include the provision required by section 50B. 7 Dispute resolution arrangements under subsection (1) must, in the case of existing schemes, have effect on and after the date of commencement of this section in relation to applications made on or after that date. 8 This section does not apply in relation to an occupational pension scheme if— a every member of the scheme is a trustee of the scheme, b the scheme has no more than one member, or c the scheme is of a prescribed description. 9 For the purposes of this section a dispute is an exempted dispute if— a proceedings in respect of it have been commenced in any court or tribunal, b the Pensions Ombudsman has commenced an investigation in respect of it as a result of a complaint made or a dispute referred to him, or c it is of a prescribed description. 10 If, in the case of an occupational pension scheme, the dispute resolution arrangements required by this section to be made— a have not been made, or b are not being implemented, section 10 applies to any of the trustees or managers who have failed to take all reasonable steps to secure that such arrangements are made or implemented. Meaning of “person with an interest in the scheme” 50A 1 For the purposes of section 50 a person is a person with an interest in an occupational pension scheme if— a he is a member of the scheme, b he is a widow, widower , surviving civil partner or surviving dependant of a deceased member of the scheme, c he is a surviving non-dependant beneficiary of a deceased member of the scheme, d he is a prospective member of the scheme, e he has ceased to be within any of the categories of persons referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d), or f he claims to be such a person as is mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e) and the dispute relates to whether he is such a person. 2 In subsection (1)(c) a “ non-dependant beneficiary ”, in relation to a deceased member of an occupational pension scheme, means a person who, on the death of the member, is entitled to the payment of benefits under the scheme. 3 In subsection (1)(d) a “ prospective member ” means any person who, under the terms of his contract of service or the rules of the scheme— a is able, at his own option, to become a member of the scheme, b will become so able if he continues in the same employment for a sufficiently long period, c will be admitted to the scheme automatically unless he makes an election not to become a member, or d may be admitted to it subject to the consent of his employer. The dispute resolution procedure 50B 1 The procedure provided for by the dispute resolution arrangements in pursuance of section 50(4) must (in accordance with section 50(6)) include the following provision. 2 The procedure must provide that an application for the resolution of a pension dispute under section 50(4) may be made or continued on behalf of a person who is a party to the dispute mentioned in section 50(3)(a)(ii)— a where the person dies, by his personal representative, b where the person is a minor or is otherwise incapable of acting for himself, by a member of his family or some other person suitable to represent him, and c in any other case, by a representative nominated by him. 3 The procedure— a must include provision requiring an application to which subsection (3A) applies to be made by the end of such reasonable period as is specified; b may include provision about the time limits for making such other applications for the resolution of pension disputes as are specified. 3A This subsection applies to— a any application by a person with an interest in a scheme as mentioned in section 50A(1)(e), and b any application by a person with an interest in a scheme as mentioned in section 50A(1)(f) who is claiming to be such a person as is mentioned in section 50A(1)(e). 4 The procedure must include provision about— a the manner in which an application for the resolution of a pension dispute is to be made, b the particulars which must be included in such an application, and c the manner in which any decisions required in relation to such an application are to be reached and given. 4A The provision made under subsection (4)(c) may include provision for decisions of the trustees or managers to be taken on their behalf by one or more of their number. 5 The procedure must provide that if, after an application for the resolution of a pension dispute has been made, the dispute becomes an exempted dispute within the meaning of section 50(9)(a) or (b), the resolution of the dispute under the procedure ceases. Indexation Annual increase in rate of pension. 51 1 Subject to subsections (6) and (7) this section applies to a pension under an occupational pension scheme if— a the scheme— i is a registered pension scheme under section 153 of the Finance Act 2004, and ii is not a public service pension scheme, and iii in the case where the pension becomes a pension in payment on or after the commencement day, is not a money purchase scheme, and b the whole, or any part of, the pension is attributable— i to pensionable service on or after 6 April 1997 , or ii in the case of money purchase benefits where the pension is in payment before the commencement day, to payments in respect of employment carried on on or after 6 April 1997 , and c apart from this section— i the annual rate of the pension, or ii if only part of the pension is attributable as described in paragraph (b), so much of the annual rate as is attributable to that part, would not be increased each year by at least the appropriate percentage of that rate. 1A Where a pension scheme is divided into sections, each section that is a collective money purchase scheme for the purposes of Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 2021 (see section 1(2)(b) of that Act) is to be treated for the purposes of this section as a separate occupational pension scheme which is a money purchase scheme. 2 Subject to sections 51A and 52 , where a pension to which this section applies, or any part of it, is attributable to pensionable service on or after 6 April 1997 or, in the case of money purchase benefits where the pension is in payment before the commencement day , to payments in respect of employment carried on on or after 6 April 1997 — a the annual rate of the pension, or b if only part of the pension is attributable to pensionable service or, as the case may be, to payments in respect of employment carried on on or after 6 April 1997 , so much of the annual rate as is attributable to that part, must be increased annually by at least the appropriate percentage. 3 Subsection (2) does not apply to the annual rate of a pension under an occupational pension scheme, or to a part of that rate, if under the rules of the scheme the rate or part is for the time being being increased at intervals of not more than twelve months by at least the relevant percentage. 4 For the purposes of subsection (3) the relevant percentage is— a the percentage increase in the consumer prices index for the reference period, being a period determined, in relation to each periodic increase, under the rules, or b if lower, the default percentage for that period. 4ZA Subsection (2) does not apply to the annual rate of a pension under an occupational pension scheme, or to a part of that rate, if subsection (4ZB) applies to the rate or part. 4ZB Subject to subsection (4ZD), this subsection applies to the rate or part if, under the rules of the scheme, the rate or part is for the time being being increased, and since the relevant time has always been increased, at intervals of not more than twelve months by at least— a the percentage increase in the retail prices index for the reference period, being a period determined, in relation to each periodic increase, under the rules, or b if lower, the default percentage for that period. 4ZC In subsection (4ZB) “ the relevant time ” means— a the beginning of 2011 or, if later, the time when the pension became a pension in payment, or b if the pension was transferred to the scheme from another occupational pension scheme as a pension in payment after the beginning of 2011, the time of the transfer. 4ZD If the pension was transferred to the scheme as mentioned in subsection (4ZC)(b), subsection (4ZB) does not apply to the rate or part unless, immediately before the transfer, subsection (4ZB) (read with this subsection if relevant) applied to the rate or part by reference to the scheme from which the pension was transferred (or would have applied had subsection (4ZB) been in force immediately before the transfer). 4ZE If only part of the pension is attributable to pensionable service or, as the case may be, to payments in respect of employment carried on on or after 6 April 1997 , in subsections (3) to (4ZD) references to the annual rate of the pension are references to so much of that rate as is attributable to that part. 4ZF For the purposes of subsections (4) and (4ZB) the default percentage for a period is the percentage for that period which corresponds to— a in the case of a category X pension, 5% per annum, and b in the case of a category Y pension, 2.5% per annum. 4ZG In subsections (4) and (4ZB)— “ consumer prices index ” means— the general index of consumer prices (for all items) published by the Statistics Board, or where that index is not published for a month, any substituted index or figures published by the Board; “ retail prices index ” means— the general index of retail prices (for all items) published by the Statistics Board, or where that index is not published for a month, any substituted index or figures published by the Board. 4A For the purposes of this section, a pension is a category X pension if it is— a a pension which became a pension in payment before the commencement day, or b a pension— i which becomes a pension in payment on or after the commencement day, and ii the whole of which is attributable to pensionable service before that day. 4B For the purposes of this section, a pension is a category Y pension if it is a pension— a which becomes a pension in payment on or after the commencement day, and b the whole of which is attributable to pensionable service on or after the commencement day. 4C For the purposes of applying this section in the case of a pension— a which becomes a pension in payment on or after the commencement day, b part of which is attributable to pensionable service before the commencement day, and c part of which is attributable to pensionable service on or after that day, each of those parts of the pension is to be treated as if it were a separate pension. 5 Regulations may provide that any of the provisions of this section apply in relation to a pension as if so much of it as would not otherwise be attributable to pensionable service or to payments in respect of employment were attributable to pensionable service or, as the case may be, payments in respect of employment— a before 6 April 1997 or the commencement day , b on or after that day, or c partly before and partly on or after that day. 6 This section does not apply to any pension or part of a pension which is attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit or which, in the opinion of the trustees or managers, is derived from the payment by any member of the scheme of voluntary contributions. 7 This section does not apply to any pension (or part of a pension) under a relevant occupational pension scheme which— a is a cash balance benefit (see section 51ZB), and b first comes into payment on or after the day on which section 21 of the Pensions Act 2011 comes into force. 8 An occupational pension scheme is a “relevant occupational pension scheme” if— a it has not, at any time on or after 6 April 1997, been a salary related contracted-out scheme (see section 7B of the Pension Schemes Act 1993), or b it has, at any time on or after 6 April 1997, been a salary related contracted-out scheme but no person is entitled to receive, or has accrued rights to, benefits under the scheme attributable to a period on or after that day when it was such a scheme. Meaning of “the appropriate percentage” 51ZA 1 For the purposes of section 51(1)(c) and (2), “ the appropriate percentage ” in relation to an increase in the whole or part of the annual rate of a pension— a in the case of a category X pension, means the higher revaluation percentage for the latest revaluation period specified in the order under paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (revaluation of accrued pension benefits) which is in force at the time of the increase, and b in the case of a category Y pension, means the lower revaluation percentage for that period. 2 In this section “the higher revaluation percentage”, “the lower revaluation percentage” and “ the revaluation period ” have the same meaning as in paragraph 2 of Schedule 3 to the Pension Schemes Act 1993. Meaning of “cash balance benefit” 51ZB 1 For the purposes of section 51(7)(a), a pension provided to or in respect of a member of an occupational pension scheme is a “cash balance benefit” if conditions 1 and 2 are met. 2 Condition 1 is that the rate of the pension is calculated by reference to a sum of money (“the available sum”) which is available under the scheme for the provision of benefits to or in respect of the member. 3 Condition 2 is that under the scheme— a there is a promise about the amount of the available sum, but b there is no promise about the rate or amount of the benefits to be provided. 4 The promise mentioned in subsection (3)(a) includes in particular a promise about the change in the value of, or the return from, payments made under the scheme by the member or by any other person in respect of the member. 5 The promise mentioned in subsection (3)(b) includes a promise that— a the amount of the available sum will be sufficient to provide benefits of a particular rate or amount; b the rate or amount of a benefit will represent a particular proportion of the available sum. 6 But a pension is not prevented from being a cash balance benefit merely because under the scheme there is a promise that— a the rate or amount of a benefit payable in respect of a deceased member will be a particular proportion of the rate or amount of a benefit which was (or would have been) payable to the member; b the amount of a lump sum payable to a member, or in respect of a deceased member, will represent a particular proportion of the available sum. Restriction on increase where annuity tied to investments. 51A 1 No increase under section 51 is required to be made, at any time on or after the relevant date, of so much of any pension under a money purchase scheme as— a is payable by way of an annuity the amount of which for any year after the first year of payment is determined (whether under the terms of the scheme or under the terms of the annuity contract in pursuance of which it is payable) by reference to fluctuations in the value of, or the return from, particular investments; and b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . c satisfies such other conditions (if any) as may be prescribed. 2 For the purposes of this section it shall be immaterial whether the annuity in question is payable out of the funds of the scheme in question or under an annuity contract entered into for the purposes of the scheme. 3 In this section “ the relevant date ” means the date appointed for the coming into force of section 51 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000. Restriction on increase where member is under 55. 52 1 Subject to subsection (2), no increase under section 51 is required to be paid to or for a member of a scheme whose pension is in payment but who has not attained the age of 55 at the time when the increase takes effect. 2 Subsection (1) does not apply if the member— a is permanently incapacitated by mental or physical infirmity from engaging in regular full-time employment, or b has retired on account of mental or physical infirmity from the employment in respect of which, or on retirement from which, the pension is payable. 3 The rules of a scheme may provide that if, in a case where a pension has been paid to or for a member under the age of 55 at an increased rate in consequence of subsection (2), the member— a ceases to suffer from the infirmity in question before he attains the age of 55, but b continues to be entitled to the pension, any increases subsequently taking effect under section 51 in the annual rate of the pension shall not be paid or shall not be paid in full. 4 In any case where— a by virtue only of subsection (1) or (3), increases are not paid to or for a member or are not paid in full, but b the member attains the age of 55 or, in a case falling within subsection (3), again satisfies the condition set out in subsection (2)(a) or (b), his pension shall then become payable at the annual rate at which it would have been payable apart from subsection (1) or (3). Effect of increases above the statutory requirement. 53 1 Where in any tax year the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme make an increase in a person’s pension, not being an increase required by section 109 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 or section 51 of this Act, they may deduct the amount of the increase from any increase which, but for this subsection, they would be required to make under either of those sections in the next tax year. 2 Where in any tax year the trustees or managers of such a scheme make an increase in a person’s pension and part of the increase is not required by section 109 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 or section 51 of this Act, they may deduct that part of the increase from any increase which, but for this subsection, they would be required to make under either of those sections in the next tax year. 3 Where by virtue of subsection (1) or (2) any pensions are not required to be increased in pursuance of section 109 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 or section 51 of this Act, or not by the full amount that they otherwise would be, their amount shall be calculated for any purpose as if they had been increased in pursuance of the section in question or, as the case may be, by that full amount. 3A In subsections (1) and (2), the references to a person’s pension do not include any pension which is attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit. 4 In section 110 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (resources for annual increase of guaranteed minimum pension)— a subsections (2) to (4) are omitted, and b in subsection (1), for “subsection (2) or (3)” there is substituted “ section 53 of the Pensions Act 1995 ” . Sections 51 to 53: supplementary. 54 1 The first increase required by section 51 in the rate of a pension must take effect not later than the first anniversary of the date on which the pension is first paid; and subsequent increases must take effect at intervals of not more than twelve months. 2 Where the first such increase is to take effect on a date when the pension has been in payment for a period of less than twelve months, the increase must be of an amount at least equal to one twelfth of the amount of the increase so required (apart from this subsection) for each complete month in that period. 3 In sections 51 to 53 and this section— “ annual rate ”, in relation to a pension, means the annual rate of the pension, as previously increased under the rules of the scheme or under section 51, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ the commencement day ” means the day appointed for the coming into force of section 278 of the Pensions Act 2004 (amendments to section 51), “ pension ”, in relation to a scheme, means any pension in payment under the scheme and includes an annuity. Section 51: end of annual increase in GMP. 55 In section 109 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (annual increase of guaranteed minimum pensions)— a in subsection (2) (increase in rate of that part of guaranteed minimum pension attributable to earnings factors for tax year 1988-89 and subsequent tax years) for “the tax year 1988-89 and subsequent tax years” there is substituted “ the tax years in the relevant period ” , and b after subsection (3) there is inserted— 3A The relevant period is the period— a beginning with the tax year 1988-89, and b ending with the last tax year that begins before the principal appointed day for the purposes of Part III of the Pensions Act 1995 . Minimum funding requirement Minimum funding requirement. 56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valuation and certification of assets and liabilities. 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedules of contributions. 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Determination of contributions: supplementary. 59 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Serious underprovision. 60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sections 56 to 60: supplementary. 61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equal treatment The equal treatment rule. 62 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equal treatment rule: supplementary. 63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equal treatment rule: exceptions. 64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equal treatment rule: consequential alteration of schemes. 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equal treatment rule: effect on terms of employment, etc. 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Treatment of overseas residents etc. Prohibition on different rules for overseas residents etc. 66A 1 This section applies where an occupational pension scheme contains provisions contravening subsection (2) or (3). 2 Except so far as regulations otherwise provide, provisions of an occupational pension scheme contravene this subsection to the extent that they would (apart from this section) have an effect with respect to— a the entitlement of any person to benefits under the scheme, or b the payment to any person of benefits under the scheme, which would be different according to whether or not a place outside the United Kingdom is specified by that person as the place to which he requires payments of benefits under the scheme to be made to him. 3 Except so far as regulations otherwise provide, provisions of an occupational pension scheme contravene this subsection to the extent that they would (apart from this section) have an effect with respect to— a the entitlement of any person to remain a member of the scheme, b the eligibility of any person to remain a person by or in respect of whom contributions are made towards or under the scheme, or c the making by or in respect of any person who is a member of the scheme of any contributions towards or under the scheme, which would be different according to whether that person works wholly in the United Kingdom or wholly or partly outside the United Kingdom. 4 Provisions contravening subsection (2) shall have effect, in relation to all times after the coming into force of section 55 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000, as if they made the same provision in relation to a person who requires payments of benefits to be made to a place outside the United Kingdom as they make in relation to a person in whose case all payments of benefits fall to be made to a place in the United Kingdom. 5 Provisions contravening subsection (3) shall have effect, in relation to all times after the coming into force of section 55 of the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Act 2000, as if they made the same provision in relation to persons working wholly or partly outside the United Kingdom as they make in relation to persons working wholly in the United Kingdom. 6 This section— a shall be without prejudice to any enactment under which any amount is to be or may be deducted, or treated as deducted, from amounts payable by way of benefits under the scheme or treated as so payable; and b shall not apply in relation to so much of any provision of a scheme as is required for securing compliance with the conditions of any registration , exemption or relief given or available under the Tax Acts. Modification of schemes The subsisting rights provisions 67 1 The subsisting rights provisions apply to any power conferred on any person by an occupational pension scheme to modify the scheme, other than a power conferred by— a a public service pension scheme, or b a prescribed scheme or a scheme of a prescribed description. 1A Any exercise of such a power to make a prohibited modification is void. 2 Any exercise of such a power to make a regulated modification is voidable in accordance with section 67G unless the following are satisfied in respect of the modification— a in the case of each affected member— i if the modification is a protected modification, or the scheme is a collective money purchase scheme within the meaning of Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 2021, the consent requirements (see section 67B), ii if sub-paragraph (i) does not apply , either the consent requirements or the actuarial equivalence requirements (see section 67C), b the trustee approval requirement (see section 67E), and c the reporting requirement (see section 67F). 3 The subsisting rights provisions do not apply in relation to the exercise of a power— a for a purpose connected with debits under section 29(1) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999, ... b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3A Regulations may provide for cases in which the subsisting rights provisions do not apply. 4 References in this section and sections 67A to 67I to “the subsisting rights provisions” are to this section and those sections. 5 Subsection (6) applies in relation to the exercise of a power to which the subsisting rights provisions apply to make a regulated modification where a member of the scheme dies before the requirements mentioned in subsection (2), so far as they apply in his case, have been complied with in respect of the modification if— a before he died he had given his consent to the modification in accordance with section 67B(4)(b), or b before he died, or before the trustees of the scheme had become aware that he had died, the trustees had complied with section 67C(4)(a), (b) and (d) in respect of the modification in his case. 6 Any of the requirements mentioned in subsection (2), as it applies in respect of the modification— a which is satisfied in the case of the member, or b which would have been satisfied in his case had he not died before it was satisfied, is to be taken to be satisfied in the case of any survivor of the member in respect of the modification. The subsisting rights provisions: interpretation 67A 1 In the subsisting rights provisions, each of the following expressions has the meaning given to it by the following provisions of this section— “prohibited modification” “regulated modification” “protected modification” “detrimental modification” “affected member” “subsisting right” “scheme rules”. 1A “ Prohibited modification ” means a modification of an occupational pension scheme which on taking effect would or might result in any subsisting right of— a a member of the scheme, or b a survivor of a member of the scheme, which is not a right or entitlement to money purchase benefits becoming, or being replaced with, a right or entitlement to collective money purchase benefits under the scheme rules. 2 “ Regulated modification ” means a modification which is— a a protected modification, or b a detrimental modification, or is both. 3 “ Protected modification ” means a modification , other than a prohibited modification, of an occupational pension scheme which— a on taking effect would or might result in a relevant transformation of any subsisting right of a member of the scheme or a survivor of a member of the scheme (see subsection (3A)), b would or might result in a reduction in the prevailing rate of any pension in payment under the scheme rules , other than a pension that is a collective money purchase benefit , or c is of a prescribed description. ... 3A For the purposes of subsection (3)(a), there is a relevant transformation of a subsisting right where— a a subsisting right that is not a right or entitlement to money purchase benefits becomes, or is replaced with, a right or entitlement to money purchase benefits under the scheme rules, b a subsisting right that is a right or entitlement to money purchase benefits other than collective money purchase benefits becomes, or is replaced with, a right or entitlement to collective money purchase benefits under the scheme rules, or c a subsisting right that is a right or entitlement to collective money purchase benefits becomes, or is replaced with, a right or entitlement to money purchase benefits other than collective money purchase benefits under the scheme rules. 3B For the purposes of subsection (3A), the reference in the definition of “money purchase benefits” in section 181(1) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 to the widow, widower or surviving civil partner of a member of an occupational pension scheme is to be read as including any other survivor of the member. 4 “ Detrimental modification ” means a modification , other than a prohibited modification, of an occupational pension scheme which on taking effect would or might adversely affect any subsisting right of— a any member of the scheme, or b any survivor of a member of the scheme. 5 A person is an “affected member”— a in relation to a protected modification within paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (3), if, at the time the modification takes effect, he is— i a member of the scheme, or ii a survivor of a member of the scheme, and, on taking effect, the modification would or might affect any of his subsisting rights as mentioned in that paragraph, b in relation to a protected modification within paragraph (c) of that subsection, if he is of a prescribed description, and c in relation to a detrimental modification which is not a protected modification if, at the time the modification takes effect, he is— i a member of the scheme, or ii a survivor of a member of the scheme, and, on taking effect, the modification would or might adversely affect any of his subsisting rights. 6 “ Subsisting right ” means— a in relation to a member of an occupational pension scheme, at any time— i any right which at that time has accrued to or in respect of him to future benefits under the scheme rules, or ii any entitlement to the present payment of a pension or other benefit which he has at that time, under the scheme rules, and b in relation to the survivor of a member of an occupational pension scheme, at any time, any entitlement to benefits, or right to future benefits, which he has at that time under the scheme rules in respect of the member. For this purpose, “ right ” includes a pension credit right. 7 At any time when the pensionable service of a member of an occupational pension scheme is continuing, his subsisting rights are to be determined as if he had opted, immediately before that time, to terminate that service. 8 “ Scheme rules ”, in relation to a scheme, means— a the rules of the scheme, except so far as overridden by a relevant legislative provision, b the relevant legislative provisions, to the extent that they have effect in relation to the scheme and are not reflected in the rules of the scheme, and c any provision which the rules of the scheme do not contain but which the scheme must contain if it is to conform with the requirements of Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (preservation of benefit under occupational pension schemes). 9 For the purposes of subsection (8)— a “ relevant legislative provision ” means any provision contained in any of the following provisions— i Schedule 5 to the Social Security Act 1989 (equal treatment for men and women); ii Chapter 2 or 3 of Part 4 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (certain protection for early leavers) or regulations made under either of those Chapters; iia Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 4ZA of that Act (transfers and contribution refunds) or regulations made under either of those Chapters; iii Part 4A of that Act (requirements relating to pension credit benefit) or regulations made under that Part; iv section 110(1) of that Act (requirement as to resources for annual increase of guaranteed minimum pensions); v this Part of this Act (occupational pensions) or subordinate legislation made or having effect as if made under this Part; vi section 31 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (pension debits: reduction of benefit); vii any provision mentioned in section 306(2) of the Pensions Act 2004; xi section 55 of the Pension Schemes Act 2015; xii regulations made under section 56 or 57 of the Pension Schemes Act 2015; xiii sections 21, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 33 of and Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act 2017; xiv regulations made under section 18(4) of or paragraph 1(6) of Schedule 2 to the Pension Schemes Act 2021; xv sections 34, 39, 41, 42 and 45 of the Pension Schemes Act 2021; b a relevant legislative provision is to be taken to override any of the provisions of the scheme if, and only if, it does so by virtue of any of the following provisions— i paragraph 3 of Schedule 5 to the Social Security Act 1989; ii section 129(1) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993; iii section 117(1) of this Act; iv section 31(4) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999; v section 306(1) of the Pensions Act 2004; ix section 55(3) of the Pension Schemes Act 2015; x regulations made under section 56(4) or 57(4) of the Pension Schemes Act 2015; xi sections 21(7), 23(7), 26(9), 28(6), 29(2) and 33(5) of and paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act 2017; xii sections 18(7)(b), 34(5), 39(6), 41(6), 42(2) and 45(5) of and paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 2 to the Pension Schemes Act 2021. 10 For the purposes of this section— a “ survivor ”, in relation to a member of an occupational pension scheme, means a person who— i is the widow or widower of the member, or ii has survived the member and has any entitlement to benefit, or right to future benefits, under the scheme rules in respect of the member, and b a modification would or might adversely affect a person’s subsisting right if it would alter the nature or extent of the entitlement or right so that the benefits, or future benefits, to which the entitlement or right relates would or might be less generous. 11 In the subsisting rights provisions, in relation to— a the exercise of a power to modify an occupational pension scheme to which the subsisting rights provisions apply, or b a modification made, or to be made, in exercise of such a power, references to “the scheme” are to be read as references to the scheme mentioned in paragraph (a). The consent requirements 67B 1 References in the subsisting rights provisions to the consent requirements, in respect of a regulated modification, are to be read in accordance with this section. 2 The consent requirements apply in the case of an affected member— a if the modification is a protected modification; b if it is not a protected modification, unless the actuarial equivalence requirements apply in his case. 3 The consent requirements consist of— a the informed consent requirement (see subsection (4)), and b the timing requirement (see subsection (6)). 4 The informed consent requirement is satisfied in the case of an affected member if before the modification is made— a the trustees have— i given him information in writing adequate to explain the nature of the modification and its effect on him, ii notified him in writing that he may make representations to the trustees about the modification, iii afforded him a reasonable opportunity to make such representations, and iv notified him in writing that the consent requirements apply in his case in respect of the modification, and b after the trustees have complied with paragraph (a)(i), (ii) and (iv), the affected member has given his consent in writing to the modification. 5 If— a the modification is not a protected modification, and b before the modification is made the trustees notify an affected member in writing that— i if he gives his consent to the modification for the purposes of the consent requirements, those requirements apply in his case in respect of the modification, but ii otherwise, the actuarial equivalence requirements apply in his case in respect of the modification, the trustees are to be taken to have complied with subsection (4)(a)(iv) in respect of him. 6 The timing requirement is satisfied in the case of an affected member if the modification takes effect within a reasonable period after the member has given his consent to the modification in accordance with subsection (4)(b). The actuarial equivalence requirements 67C 1 References in the subsisting rights provisions to the actuarial equivalence requirements, in respect of a detrimental modification which is not a protected modification, are to be read in accordance with this section and section 67D. 2 The actuarial equivalence requirements apply in the case of an affected member only if— a the modification is not a protected modification, and b the trustees of the scheme determine that they are to apply in his case. 3 The actuarial equivalence requirements consist of— a the information requirement (see subsection (4)), b the actuarial value requirement (see subsection (5)), and c the actuarial equivalence statement requirement (see subsection (6)). 4 The information requirement is satisfied in the case of an affected member if before the modification is made the trustees have taken all reasonable steps to— a give him information in writing adequate to explain the nature of the modification and its effect on him, b notify him in writing that he may make representations to the trustees about the modification, c afford him a reasonable opportunity to make such representations, and d notify him in writing that the actuarial equivalence requirements apply in his case in respect of the modification. 5 The actuarial value requirement is satisfied in the case of an affected member if before the modification is made the trustees have made such arrangements, or taken such steps, as are adequate to secure that actuarial value will be maintained. 6 The actuarial equivalence statement requirement is satisfied in the case of an affected member if the trustees have, within a reasonable period beginning with the date on which the modification takes effect, obtained an actuarial equivalence statement relating to the affected member in respect of the modification. 7 For the purposes of subsection (6) “ actuarial equivalence statement ” means a statement in writing which— a is given by— i the actuary appointed in relation to the scheme under section 47(1)(b), or ii a person with prescribed qualifications or experience or who is approved by the Secretary of State, and b certifies that actuarial value has been maintained. 8 For the purposes of subsections (5) and (7) as they apply in relation to an affected member, actuarial value is maintained if the actuarial value, immediately after the time at which the modification takes effect, of the affected member’s subsisting rights is equal to or greater than the actuarial value of his subsisting rights immediately before that time. The actuarial equivalence requirements: further provisions 67D 1 This section applies for the purposes of section 67C. 2 Where— a the information requirement has been satisfied in the case of an affected member in respect of a proposed modification (“the original modification”), b before the trustees have made a determination, or given their consent, for the purposes of section 67E(1) in relation to the original modification, the original modification has been revised, and c the modification as so revised (“the revised modification”) does not differ from the original modification in any material respect, the information requirement is to be taken to have been satisfied in relation to the revised modification. 3 The trustees are to be regarded as having taken all reasonable steps to notify an affected member as mentioned in section 67C(4)(d) in respect of a modification if they have taken all reasonable steps to notify him in writing that— a if he gives his consent to the modification for the purposes of the consent requirements, those requirements apply in his case in respect of the modification, but b otherwise, the actuarial equivalence requirements apply in his case in respect of the modification. 4 Any calculation for the purposes of section 67C of the actuarial value of an affected member’s subsisting rights at any time must conform with such requirements as may be prescribed. 5 Requirements prescribed by regulations under subsection (4) may include requirements for any such calculation to be made in accordance with guidance that is prepared and from time to time revised by a prescribed body . 6 Nothing in subsections (6) and (7) of section 67C precludes actuarial equivalence statements relating to— a two or more affected members, or b affected members of any particular description, in respect of a modification being given in a single document. The trustee approval requirement 67E 1 For the purposes of section 67(2)(b), the trustee approval requirement is satisfied in relation to the exercise of a power to make a regulated modification if— a the trustees of the scheme have determined to exercise the power to make the modification, or b if the power is exercised by another person, the trustees have consented to the exercise of the power to make the modification, and the making of the determination, or giving of consent, complies with subsections (2) and (3). 2 The trustees must not make a determination, or give their consent, for the purposes of subsection (1) unless, in the case of each affected member— a if the modification is a protected modification, the informed consent requirement is satisfied (within the meaning of section 67B), or b if it is not a protected modification— i the informed consent requirement is satisfied, or ii the information and actuarial value requirements are satisfied (within the meaning of section 67C), in respect of the modification. 3 The trustees must not make a determination, or give their consent, for the purposes of subsection (1) more than a reasonable period after the first consent given by an affected member under section 67B(4)(b) in respect of the modification was given. The reporting requirement 67F 1 For the purposes of section 67(2)(c), the reporting requirement is satisfied in relation to the exercise of a power to which the subsisting rights provisions apply to make a regulated modification if the trustees have, in accordance with subsection (2)— a notified each affected member in whose case the consent requirements apply in respect of the modification, and b taken all reasonable steps to notify each affected member in whose case the actuarial equivalence requirements apply in respect of the modification, that they have made a determination, or given their consent, for the purposes of section 67E(1) in relation to the exercise of the power to make the modification. 2 The trustees must give (or, where the actuarial equivalence requirements apply, take all reasonable steps to give) the notification— a within a reasonable period beginning with the date of the determination or giving of consent mentioned in subsection (1), and b before the date on which the modification takes effect. Powers of the Authority: voidable modifications 67G 1 Subsection (2) applies in relation to a regulated modification made in exercise of a power to which the subsisting rights provisions apply which is voidable by virtue of— a section 67(2), or b section 67H(3). 2 The Authority may make an order declaring that subsection (6) applies in relation to the regulated modification. 3 An order under subsection (2) relating to a regulated modification may also declare that subsection (6) applies in relation to— a any other modification of the scheme made by the exercise of the power mentioned in subsection (1), or b the grant of any rights under the scheme (whether by virtue of the attribution of notional periods as pensionable service or otherwise) in connection with the regulated modification. 4 An order under subsection (2) relating to a regulated modification must specify the affected member or affected members or description of affected members in respect of whom subsection (6) applies (“the specified persons”). 5 An order under subsection (2) relating to a regulated modification may also— a require the trustees to take, within the time specified in the order, such steps as are so specified for the purpose of giving effect to the order; b declare that subsection (7) applies in relation to anything done by the trustees after the time at which the modification would, disregarding the order, have taken effect which— i would not have contravened any provision of the scheme rules if the modification had taken effect at that time, but ii as a result of the modification being void to any extent by virtue of the order, would (but for that subsection) contravene such a provision. This is without prejudice to section 174(3). 6 Where the Authority make an order declaring that this subsection applies in relation to a modification of a scheme, or the grant of any rights under the scheme, the modification or grant is void to the extent specified in the order, and in respect of the specified persons, as from the time when it would, disregarding the order, have taken effect. 7 Where, by virtue of subsection (5)(b), the Authority make an order under subsection (2) declaring that this subsection applies in relation to anything done by the trustees, that thing is to be taken, for such purposes as are specified in the order, not to have contravened any provision of the trust deed or scheme rules. 8 An order under subsection (2) relating to a regulated modification, or other modification, of a scheme or the grant of any rights under the scheme may be made before or after the time at which the modification or grant would, disregarding the order, have taken effect. Powers of the Authority to intervene 67H 1 Subsection (2) applies where the Authority have reasonable grounds to believe that a power to which the subsisting rights provisions apply— a will be exercised, or b has been exercised, to make a regulated modification in circumstances where the modification will be voidable by virtue of section 67(2). 2 The Authority may by order— a in a case within subsection (1)(a), direct the person on whom the power is conferred not to exercise the power to make the regulated modification; b require the trustees to take, within the time specified in the order, such steps as are so specified for the purpose of securing that any of the requirements mentioned in section 67(2) is satisfied. 3 A regulated modification made in exercise of a power to which the subsisting rights provisions apply is voidable in accordance with section 67G if— a the exercise of the power contravened an order under paragraph (a) of subsection (2), or b the trustees fail to comply with a requirement imposed by an order under paragraph (b) of that subsection relating to any exercise of the power to make the modification. Subsisting rights provisions: civil penalties 67I 1 Subsections (2) and (3) apply where a regulated modification is voidable by virtue of section 67(2). 2 Where the modification was made by the exercise of a power— a by the trustees of the scheme, or b by any other person in circumstances which do not fall within subsection (3), section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure that the modification is not so voidable. 3 Section 10 applies to any person other than the trustees of the scheme who, without reasonable excuse, exercises a power to make the modification if— a the trustees have not given their consent, for the purposes of section 67E(1), to the exercise of the power to make the modification, or b in the case of any affected member, the timing requirement is not satisfied (within the meaning of section 67B) in respect of the modification. 4 Where the trustees fail to comply with any requirement imposed, by virtue of subsection (5)(a) of section 67G, by an order under subsection (2) of that section, section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure such compliance. 5 Where a regulated modification is made by the exercise of a power in contravention of an order under section 67H(2)(a)— a if the power is exercised by the trustees, section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure that the order was not contravened; b section 10 applies to any other person who without reasonable excuse exercises the power in contravention of the order. 6 Where the trustees fail to comply with any requirement specified in an order under section 67H(2)(b), section 10 applies to any trustee who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure such compliance. Power of trustees to modify schemes by resolution. 68 1 The trustees of a trust scheme may by resolution modify the scheme with a view to achieving any of the purposes specified in subsection (2). 2 The purposes referred to in subsection (1) are— a to extend the class of persons who may receive benefits under the scheme in respect of the death of a member of the scheme, b to enable the scheme to conform with such arrangements as are required by section 241 of the Pensions Act 2004 , c to enable the scheme to comply with such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Board of the Pension Protection Fund in relation to any payment made by it under section 185 or 186 of the Pensions Act 2004, d to enable the scheme to conform with section 37(2), 76(2), 91 or 92, da to enable the scheme to accommodate persons with pension credits or pension credit rights, and e prescribed purposes. 3 No modification may be made by virtue of subsection (2)(a) without the consent of the employer. 4 Modifications made by virtue of subsection (2)(b) may include in particular— a modification of any limit on the number of, or of any category of, trustees, or b provision for the transfer or vesting of property. 5 Nothing done by virtue of subsection (2)(d), or any corresponding provisions in force in Northern Ireland, shall be treated as effecting an alteration to the scheme in question for the purposes of section 591B (cessation of approval) of the Taxes Act 1988. 6 Regulations may provide that this section does not apply to trust schemes falling within a prescribed class or description. Grounds for applying for modifications: winding up registered schemes 69 1 The Authority may, on an application made to them by the trustees of a registered pension scheme which is being wound up, make an order— a modifying the scheme for the purpose of enabling assets remaining after the liabilities of the scheme have been fully discharged to be distributed to the employer, or b authorising the trustees to modify the scheme for that purpose. 2 But the Authority may act under subsection (1) only if prescribed requirements in relation to the distribution are satisfied. 3 Regulations may make provision requiring applications under subsection (1) to meet prescribed requirements. 4 Regulations may provide that in prescribed circumstances this section does not apply to schemes falling within a prescribed class or description or applies to them with prescribed modifications. 5 In this section “ registered pension scheme ” means an occupational pension scheme registered under section 153 of the Finance Act 2004 (other than a public service pension scheme). Section 69: supplementary. 70 1 The Authority may not make an order under section 69 unless they are satisfied that the purposes for which the application for the order was made— a cannot be achieved otherwise than by means of such an order, or b can only be achieved in accordance with a procedure which— i is liable to be unduly complex or protracted, or ii involves the obtaining of consents which cannot be obtained, or can only be obtained with undue delay or difficulty. 2 The extent of the Authority’s powers to make such an order is not limited, in relation to any purposes for which they are exercisable, to the minimum necessary to achieve those purposes. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of orders under section 69. 71 1 An order under paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 69 may enable those exercising any power conferred by the order to exercise it retrospectively (whether or not the power could otherwise be so exercised) and an order under paragraph (a) of that subsection may modify a scheme retrospectively. 2 Any modification of a scheme made in pursuance of an order of the Authority under section 69 is as effective in law as if it had been made under powers conferred by or under the scheme. 3 An order under section 69 may be made and complied with in relation to a scheme— a in spite of any enactment or rule of law, or any rule of the scheme, which would otherwise operate to prevent the modification being made, or b without regard to any such enactment, rule of law or rule of the scheme as would otherwise require, or might otherwise be taken to require, the implementation of any procedure or the obtaining of any consent, with a view to the making of the modification. 4 In this section, “ retrospectively ” means with effect from a date before that on which the power is exercised or, as the case may be, the order is made. Modification by Authority to secure winding-up. 71A 1 The Authority may at any time while— a an occupational pension scheme is being wound up, and b the employer in relation to the scheme is subject to an insolvency procedure, make an order modifying that scheme with a view to ensuring that it is properly wound up. 2 The Authority shall not make such an order except on an application made to them, at a time such as is mentioned in subsection (1), by the trustees or managers of the scheme. 3 Except in so far as regulations otherwise provide, an application for the purposes of this section must be made in writing. 4 Regulations may make provision— a for the form and manner in which an application for the purposes of this section is to be made to the Authority; b for the matters which are to be contained in such an application; c for the documents which must be attached to an application for the purposes of this section or which must otherwise be delivered to the Authority with or in connection with any such application; d for persons to be required, before an application is made for the purposes of this section , to give such notifications of the making of the application as may be prescribed; e for the matters which are to be contained in a notification of such an application; f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 The power of the Authority to make an order under this section— a shall be limited to what they consider to be the minimum modification necessary to enable the scheme to be properly wound up; and b shall not include power to make any modification that would have a significant adverse effect on— i the accrued rights of any member of the scheme; or ii any person’s entitlement under the scheme to receive any benefit. 6 A modification of an occupational pension scheme by an order of the Authority under this section shall be as effective in law as if— a it had been made under powers conferred by or under the scheme; b the modification made by the order were capable of being made in exercise of such powers notwithstanding any enactment, rule of law or rule of the scheme that would have prevented their exercise for the making of that modification; and c the exercise of such powers for the making of that modification would not have been subject to any enactment, rule of law or rule of the scheme requiring the implementation of any procedure or the obtaining of any consent in connection with the making of a modification. 7 Regulations may provide that, in prescribed circumstances, this section— a does not apply in the case of occupational pension schemes of a prescribed class or description; or b in the case of occupational pension schemes of a prescribed class or description applies with prescribed modifications. 8 The times when an employer in relation to an occupational pension scheme shall be taken for the purposes of this section to be subject to an insolvency procedure are— a in the case of a trust scheme, while section 22 applies in relation to the scheme; and b in the case of a scheme that is not a trust scheme, while section 22 would apply in relation to the scheme if it were a trust scheme; and for the purposes of this subsection no account shall be taken of modifications or exclusions contained in any regulations under section 118. 9 The Authority shall not be entitled to make an order under this section in relation to a public service pension scheme. Modification of public service pension schemes. 72 1 The appropriate authority may make such provision for the modification of a public service pension scheme as could be made in respect of a scheme other than a public service pension scheme by an order of the Authority under section 69(1)(a) . 2 In this section “ the appropriate authority ”, in relation to a scheme, means such Minister of the Crown or government department as may be designated by the Treasury as having responsibility for the particular scheme. 3 The powers of the appropriate authority under this section are exercisable by means of an order— a directly modifying the scheme (without regard, in the case of a scheme contained in or made under powers conferred by an enactment, to the terms of the enactment or any of its restrictions), or b modifying an enactment under which the scheme was made or by virtue of which it has effect. 4 Any such order may adapt, amend or repeal any such enactment as is referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (3) as that authority thinks appropriate. Supervision of winding-up Reports to Authority about winding-up. 72A 1 Where— a an occupational pension scheme is being wound up, and b the winding-up is one beginning at a time (whether before or after the passing of this Act) by reference to which regulations provide that it is to be a winding-up to which this section applies, it shall be the duty of the trustees or managers, in accordance with this section, to make periodic reports in writing to the Authority about the progress of the winding-up. 2 In the case of each winding-up, the first report to be made under this section shall be made— a except in a case to which paragraph (b) applies— i after the end of the prescribed period beginning with the day on which the winding-up began; and ii before the end of the prescribed period that begins with the end of the period that applies for the purposes of sub-paragraph (i); and b in a case where the winding-up began before the coming into force of the regulations which (for the purposes of subsection (1)(b)) prescribe the time by reference to which the winding-up is one to which this section applies, before such date as may be prescribed by those regulations. 3 Subject to subsection (4), each subsequent report made under this section in the case of a winding-up shall be made no more than twelve months after the date which (apart from any postponement under subsection (4)) was the latest date for the making of the previous report required to be made in the case of that winding-up. 4 If, in the case of any report required to be made under subsection (3), the Authority consider (whether on an application made for the purpose or otherwise) that it would be appropriate to do so, they may, at any time before the latest time for the making of that report, postpone that latest time by such period as they think fit. 5 The latest time for making a report shall not be postponed under subsection (4) by more than twelve months. 6 Subject to the application of the limit specified in subsection (5) to the cumulative period of the postponements, more than one postponement may be made under subsection (4) in the case of the same report. 7 A report under this section— a must contain such information and statements as may be prescribed; and b must be made in accordance with the prescribed requirements. 8 Regulations may— a provide that, in prescribed circumstances, there shall be no obligation to make a report that would otherwise fall to be made under this section; b make provision for the period within which, and the manner in which, applications may be made for a postponement under subsection (4); and c modify subsections (3) and (5) by substituting periods of different lengths for the periods for the time being specified in those subsections. 9 If there is any failure by the trustees or managers of any scheme to comply with their duty to make a report in accordance with the requirements imposed by or under this section— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b section 10 applies (irrespective of the description of scheme involved) to any trustee or manager who has failed to take all such steps. Directions by Authority for facilitating winding-up. 72B 1 Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Authority shall have power, at any time after the winding-up of an occupational pension scheme has begun, to give directions under this section if they consider that the giving of the direction is appropriate on any of the grounds set out in subsection (2). 2 Those grounds are— a that the trustees or managers of the scheme are not taking all the steps in connection with the winding-up that the Authority consider would be being taken if the trustees or managers were acting reasonably; b that steps being taken by the trustees or managers for the purposes of the winding-up involve things being done with what the Authority consider to be unreasonable delay; c that the winding-up is being obstructed or unreasonably delayed by the failure of any person— i to provide information to the trustees or managers; ii to provide information to a person involved in the administration of the scheme; iii to provide information to a person of a prescribed description; or iv to take any step (other than the provision of information) that he has been asked to take by the trustees or managers; d that the winding-up would be likely to be facilitated or accelerated by the taking by any person other than the trustees or managers of any other steps; e that in any prescribed circumstances not falling within paragraphs (a) to (d)— i the provision by any person of any information to the trustees or managers or to any other person, or ii the taking of any other step by any person, would be likely to facilitate or accelerate the progress of the winding-up. 3 Except in prescribed circumstances, the power of the Authority to give a direction under this section in the case of a winding-up shall be exercisable only where— a periodic reports about the progress of the winding-up are required to be made under section 72A; and b the first report that has to be made for the purposes of that section in the case of that winding-up either has been made or should have been made. 4 Regulations may provide that, in prescribed circumstances, the Authority shall not give a direction on the ground set out in subsection (2)(e) except in response to an application made by the trustees or managers of the scheme for the giving of a direction on that ground. 5 A direction under this section is a direction in writing given to and imposing requirements on— a any or all of the trustees or managers of the scheme; b a person who is involved in its administration; or c a person of a prescribed description. 6 The requirements that may be imposed by a direction under this section are any requirement for the person to whom it is given, within such period specified in the direction as the Authority may consider reasonable— a to provide the trustees or managers with all such information as may be specified or described in the direction; b to provide a person involved in the administration of the scheme with all such information as may be so specified or described; c to provide a person who is of a prescribed description with all such information as may be so specified or described; d to take such steps (other than the provision of information) as may be so specified or described. 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Regulations may— a impose limitations on the steps that a person may be required to take by a direction under this section; b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 In this section references, in relation to a scheme, to a person involved in the administration of the scheme are (subject to subsection (10)) references to any person who is so involved otherwise than as— a the employer in relation to that scheme; b a trustee or manager of the scheme; c the auditor of the scheme or its actuary; d a legal adviser of the trustees or managers of the scheme; e a fund manager for the scheme; f a person acting on behalf of a person who is involved in the administration of the scheme; g a person providing services to a person so involved; h a person acting in his capacity as an employee of a person so involved; i a person who would fall within any of paragraphs (f) to (h) if persons acting in relation to the scheme in any capacity mentioned in the preceding paragraphs were treated as involved in the administration of a scheme. 10 In this section references, in relation to a scheme, to a person involved in the administration of the scheme do not include references to persons of a particular description if regulations provide for persons of that description to be excluded from those references. Duty to comply with directions under s. 72B. 72C 1 It shall be the duty of any person to whom a direction is given under section 72B to comply with it. 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Section 10 applies to any trustee or manager of a scheme who fails, without reasonable excuse, to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance by the trustees or managers of that scheme with any direction given to them under section 72B. 4 Section 10 applies to any person who— a is a person to whom a direction under section 72B is given otherwise than in the capacity of a trustee or manager; and b without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with that direction. 5 For the purposes of this section it shall not be a reasonable excuse in relation to any failure to provide information in pursuance of a direction under section 72B that the provision of that information would (but for the duty imposed by subsection (1) of this section) involve a breach by any person of a duty owed to another not to disclose that information. Winding up Preferential liabilities on winding up. 73 1 This section applies where an occupational pension scheme to which this section applies is being wound up to determine the order in which the assets of the scheme are to be applied towards satisfying the liabilities of the scheme in respect of pensions and other benefits. 2 This section applies to an occupational pension scheme other than a scheme which is— a a money purchase scheme, or b a prescribed scheme or a scheme of a prescribed description. 3 The assets of the scheme must be applied first towards satisfying the amounts of the liabilities mentioned in subsection (4) and, if the assets are insufficient to satisfy those amounts in full, then— a the assets must be applied first towards satisfying the amounts of the liabilities mentioned in earlier paragraphs of subsection (4) before the amounts of the liabilities mentioned in later paragraphs, and b where the amounts of the liabilities mentioned in one of those paragraphs cannot be satisfied in full, those amounts must be satisfied in the same proportions. 4 The liabilities referred to in subsection (3) are— a where— i the trustees or managers of the scheme are entitled to benefits under a relevant pre-1997 contract of insurance entered into in relation to the scheme, and ii either that contract may not be surrendered or the amount payable on surrender does not exceed the liability secured by the contract, the liability so secured; b any liability for pensions or other benefits to the extent that the amount of the liability does not exceed the corresponding PPF liability, other than a liability within paragraph (a); c any liability for pensions or other benefits which, in the opinion of the trustees or managers, are derived from the payment by any member of voluntary contributions, other than a liability within paragraph (a) or (b); d any other liability in respect of pensions or other benefits. 5 For the purposes of subsection (4)— “ corresponding PPF liability ” in relation to any liability for pensions or other benefits means— where the liability is to a member of the scheme, the cost of securing benefits for or in respect of the member corresponding to the compensation which would be payable to or in respect of the member in accordance with the pension compensation provisions if the Board of the Pension Protection Fund assumed responsibility for the scheme in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004 (pension protection), and where the liability is to another person in respect of a member of the scheme, the cost of securing benefits for that person corresponding to the compensation which would be payable to that person in respect of the member in accordance with the pension compensation provisions if the Board assumed responsibility for the scheme in accordance with that Chapter; “ relevant pre-1997 contract of insurance ” means a contract of insurance which was entered into before 6th April 1997 with a view to securing the whole or part of the scheme’s liability for— any pension or other benefit payable to or in respect of one particular person whose entitlement to payment of a pension or other benefit has arisen, and any benefit which will be payable in respect of that person on his death. 6 For the purposes of this section, when determining the corresponding PPF liability in relation to any liability of a scheme to, or in respect of, a member for pensions or other benefits, the pension compensation provisions apply with such modifications as may be prescribed. 7 Regulations may modify subsection (4). 8 For the purposes of that subsection— a regulations may prescribe how it is to be determined whether a liability for pensions or other benefits which, in the opinion of the trustees or managers of the scheme, are derived from the payment by any member of voluntary contributions falls within paragraph (a) or (b) of that subsection; b no pension or other benefit which is attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit is to be regarded for the purposes of paragraph (c) of that subsection as derived from the payment of voluntary contributions. 9 Where, on the commencement of the winding up period, a member becomes a person to whom Chapter 2 of Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (early leavers: cash transfer sums and contribution refunds) applies, that Chapter applies in relation to him with such modifications as may be prescribed. 10 For the purposes of this section— “assets” of a scheme to which this section applies do not include any assets representing the value of any rights in respect of money purchase benefits under the scheme rules; “liabilities” of such a scheme do not include any liabilities in respect of money purchase benefits under the scheme rules; “ the pension compensation provisions ” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004 (see section 162 of that Act); “ scheme rules ” has the same meaning as in the Pensions Act 2004 (see section 318 of that Act); “ winding up period ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme to which this section applies, means the period which— begins with the day on which the time immediately after the beginning of the winding up of the scheme falls, and ends when the winding up of the scheme is completed. Operation of scheme during winding up period 73A 1 This section applies where an occupational pension scheme to which section 73 applies is being wound up. 2 During the winding up period, the trustees or managers of the scheme— a must secure that any pensions or other benefits (other than money purchase benefits) paid to or in respect of a member are reduced, so far as necessary, to reflect the liabilities of the scheme to or in respect of the member which will be satisfied in accordance with section 73, and b may, for the purposes of paragraph (a), take such steps as they consider appropriate (including steps adjusting future payments) to recover any overpayment or pay any shortfall. 3 During the winding up period— a no benefits may accrue under the scheme rules to, or in respect of, members of the scheme, and b no new members of any class may be admitted to the scheme. 4 Subsection (3) does not prevent any increase, in a benefit, which would otherwise accrue in accordance with the scheme or any enactment. 5 Subsection (3) does not prevent the accrual of money purchase benefits to the extent that they are derived from income or capital gains arising from the investment of payments which are made by, or in respect of, a member of the scheme. 6 Where a person is entitled to a pension credit derived from another person’s shareable rights under the scheme, subsection (3) does not prevent the trustees or managers of the scheme discharging their liability in respect of the credit under Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (sharing of rights under pension arrangements) by conferring appropriate rights under the scheme on that person. 6A During the winding up period no right or entitlement of any member, or of any other person in respect of a member, to a benefit that is not a money purchase benefit is to be converted into, or replaced with, a right or entitlement to a money purchase benefit under the scheme rules. 7 Regulations may require the trustees or managers of the scheme, in prescribed circumstances— a to adjust the entitlement of a person to a pension or other benefit under the scheme rules where the entitlement arises as a result of a discretionary award which takes effect during the winding up period; b to adjust the entitlement of a person (“the survivor”) to a pension or other benefit under the scheme rules where— i a member of the scheme, or a person who was (or might have become) entitled to a pension or other benefit in respect of a member, dies during the winding up period, and ii the survivor’s entitlement is to a pension or other benefit in respect of the member (whether arising on the date of that death or subsequently). 8 Regulations under subsection (7) may, in particular— a prescribe how the required adjustments to entitlement are to be determined and the manner in which they are to be made; b in a case where the commencement of the winding up of the scheme is backdated (whether in accordance with section 154 of the Pensions Act 2004 (requirement to wind up schemes with sufficient assets to meet protected liabilities) or otherwise), require any adjustment to a person’s entitlement to be made with effect from the time the award takes effect; c without prejudice to sections 10(3) to (9), 73B(2) and 116, make provision about the consequences of breaching the requirements of the regulations. 9 If the scheme confers power on any person other than the trustees or managers of the scheme to apply the assets of the scheme in respect of pensions or other benefits (including increases in pensions or benefits), it cannot be exercised by that person but may, subject to the provisions made by or by virtue of this section and sections 73 and 73B, be exercised instead by the trustees or managers. 10 For the purposes of this section— “ appropriate rights ” has the same meaning as in paragraph 5 of Schedule 5 to the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (pension credits: mode of discharge); “ discretionary award ” means an award of a prescribed description; “ shareable rights ” has the same meaning as in Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999 (sharing of rights under pension arrangements); and subsection (10) of section 73 applies as it applies for the purposes of that section. Sections 73 and 73A: supplementary 73B 1 Any action taken in contravention of section 73A(3) or (6A) is void. 2 If any provision made by or by virtue of the winding up provisions is not complied with in relation to a scheme to which section 73 applies, section 10 applies to any trustee or manager of the scheme who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance. 3 For the purposes of subsection (2), when determining whether section 73A(3) or (6A) has been complied with subsection (1) of this section is to be disregarded. 4 Regulations may— a prescribe how, for the purposes of the winding up provisions— i the assets and liabilities of a scheme to which section 73 applies, and ii their value or amount, are to be determined, calculated and verified; b modify any of the winding up provisions as it applies— i to prescribed schemes or prescribed descriptions of schemes; ii in relation to a scheme where only part of the scheme is being wound up; iii in relation to a case where any liability of the scheme in respect of a member has been discharged by virtue of regulations under section 135(4) of the Pensions Act 2004 (power to make regulations permitting discharge of scheme’s liabilities during an assessment period). 5 Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (4), regulations under paragraph (b)(i) of that subsection may, in particular, modify any of the winding up provisions as it applies in relation to a scheme in relation to which there is more than one employer. 6 The winding up provisions do not apply— a in relation to any liability for an amount by way of pensions or other benefits which a person became entitled to payment of, under the scheme rules, before commencement of the winding up period, b in prescribed circumstances, in relation to any liability in respect of rights of a prescribed description to which a member of the scheme became entitled under the scheme rules by reason of his pensionable service under the scheme terminating before the commencement of the winding up period, c in relation to any liability in respect of rights of prescribed descriptions to which a member of the scheme had become entitled under the scheme rules before the commencement of the winding up period, or d in relation to any liability the discharge of which is validated under section 136 of the Pensions Act 2004 (power to validate actions taken during an assessment period to discharge liabilities of a scheme). 7 But nothing in subsection (6) prevents the winding up provisions applying in relation to a liability under Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (transfer values) which— a arose before the commencement of the winding up of the scheme, and b was not discharged before the commencement of the winding up period. 8 Regulations may provide that, in prescribed circumstances, where— a an occupational pension scheme to which section 73 applies is being wound up, b a member of the scheme died before the winding up began, and c during the winding up period a person becomes entitled under the scheme rules to a benefit of a prescribed description in respect of the member, his entitlement to payment of all or part of the benefit is, for the purposes of subsection (6), to be treated as having arisen immediately before the commencement of the winding up period. 9 If, immediately before the winding up period in relation to an occupational pension scheme to which section 73 applies, a person is entitled to an amount but has postponed payment of it, he is not, for the purposes of subsection (6), to be regarded as having become entitled to payment of the amount before that period. 10 For the purposes of this section— a “ winding up provisions ” means this section and sections 73, 73A and 74, and b subsection (10) of section 73 applies as it applies for the purposes of that section. Discharge of liabilities by insurance, etc. 74 1 This section applies where an occupational pension scheme to which section 73 applies is being wound up. 2 A liability to or in respect of a member of the scheme in respect of pensions or other benefits ... is to be treated as discharged (to the extent that it would not be so treated apart from this section) if the trustees or managers of the scheme have, in accordance with prescribed arrangements, provided for the discharge of the liability in one or more of the ways mentioned in subsection (3). 3 The ways referred to in subsection (2) are— a by acquiring transfer credits allowed under the rules of another occupational pension scheme which satisfies prescribed requirements and the trustees or managers of which are able and willing to accept payment in respect of the member, b by acquiring rights allowed under the rules of a personal pension scheme which satisfies prescribed requirements and the trustees or managers of which are able and willing to accept payment in respect of the member’s accrued rights or pension credit rights , c by purchasing one or more annuities which satisfy prescribed requirements from one or more insurers , being companies willing to accept payment in respect of the member from the trustees or managers, d by subscribing to other pension arrangements which satisfy prescribed requirements, e by the payment of a cash sum in circumstances where prescribed requirements are met. 4 If the assets of the scheme are insufficient to satisfy in full the liabilities, as calculated in accordance with the scheme rules , in respect of pensions and other benefits ... , the reference in subsection (2) to providing for the discharge of any liability in one or more of the ways mentioned in subsection (3) is to applying any amount available, in accordance with section 73, in one or more of those ways. 5 Regulations may provide for this section— a to have effect in relation to so much of any liability as may be determined in accordance with the regulations, ... b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 For the purposes of this section— a references to assets of the scheme do not include any assets representing the value of any rights in respect of money purchase benefits under the scheme rules, and b references to liabilities of the scheme do not include any liabilities in respect of money purchase benefits under the scheme rules; and “ scheme rules ” has the same meaning as in the Pensions Act 2004 (see section 318 of that Act). Deficiencies in the assets. 75 1 This section applies in relation to an occupational pension scheme other than a scheme which is— a a money purchase scheme, or b a prescribed scheme or a scheme of a prescribed description. 1A Where a pension scheme is divided into sections, each section that is a collective money purchase scheme for the purposes of Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 2021 (see section 1(2)(b) of that Act) is to be treated for the purposes of this section as a separate occupational pension scheme which is a money purchase scheme. 2 If— a at any time which falls— i when a scheme is being wound up, but ii before any relevant event in relation to the employer which occurs while the scheme is being wound up, the value of the assets of the scheme is less than the amount at that time of the liabilities of the scheme, and b the trustees or managers of the scheme designate that time for the purposes of this subsection (before the occurrence of an event within paragraph (a)(ii)), an amount equal to the difference shall be treated as a debt due from the employer to the trustees or managers of the scheme. This is subject to subsection (3). 3 Subsection (2) applies only if— a either— i no relevant event within subsection (6A)(a) or (b) occurred in relation to the employer during the period beginning with the appointed day and ending with the commencement of the winding up of the scheme, or ii during the period— a beginning with the occurrence of the last such relevant event which occurred during the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (i), and b ending with the commencement of the winding up of the scheme, a cessation notice was issued in relation to the scheme and became binding, and b no relevant event within subsection (6A)(c) has occurred in relation to the employer during the period mentioned in paragraph (a)(i). 4 Where— a immediately before a relevant event (“the current event”) occurs in relation to the employer the value of the assets of the scheme is less than the amount at that time of the liabilities of the scheme, b the current event— i occurred on or after the appointed day, and ii did not occur in prescribed circumstances, c if the scheme was being wound up immediately before that event, subsection (2) has not applied in relation to the scheme to treat an amount as a debt due from the employer to the trustees or managers of the scheme, d if the current event is within subsection (6A)(a) or (b), either— i no relevant event within subsection (6A)(a) or (b) occurred in relation to the employer during the period beginning with the appointed day and ending immediately before the current event, or ii a cessation event has occurred in relation to the scheme in respect of a cessation notice issued during the period— a beginning with the occurrence of the last such relevant event which occurred during the period mentioned in sub-paragraph (i), and b ending immediately before the current event, and e no relevant event within subsection (6A)(c) has occurred in relation to the employer during the period mentioned in paragraph (d)(i), an amount equal to the difference shall be treated as a debt due from the employer to the trustees or managers of the scheme. 4A Where the current event is within subsection (6A)(a) or (b), the debt under subsection (4) is to be taken, for the purposes of the law relating to insolvency as it applies to the employer, to arise immediately before the occurrence of the current event. 4B Subsection (4C) applies if, in a case within subsection (4)— a the current event is within subsection (6A)(a) or (b), and b the scheme was not being wound up immediately before that event. 4C Where this subsection applies, the debt due from the employer under subsection (4) is contingent upon— a a scheme failure notice being issued in relation to the scheme after the current event and the following conditions being satisfied— i the scheme failure notice is binding, ii no relevant event within subsection (6A)(c) has occurred in relation to the employer before the scheme failure notice became binding, and iii a cessation event has not occurred in relation to the scheme in respect of a cessation notice issued during the period— a beginning with the occurrence of the current event, and b ending immediately before the issuing of the scheme failure notice, and the occurrence of such a cessation event in respect of a cessation notice issued during that period is not a possibility, or b the commencement of the winding up of the scheme before— i any scheme failure notice or cessation notice issued in relation to the scheme becomes binding, or ii any relevant event within subsection (6A)(c) occurs in relation to the employer. 5 For the purposes of subsections (2) and (4) , the liabilities and assets to be taken into account, and their amount or value, must be determined, calculated and verified by a prescribed person and in the prescribed manner. 6 In calculating the value of any liabilities for those purposes, a provision of the scheme rules which limits the amount of its liabilities by reference to the amount of its assets is to be disregarded. In this subsection “ scheme rules ” has the same meaning as in the Pensions Act 2004 (“ the 2004 Act ”) (see section 318 of that Act). 6A For the purposes of this section, a relevant event occurs in relation to the employer in relation to an occupational pension scheme if and when— a an insolvency event occurs in relation to the employer, b the trustees or managers of the scheme make an application under subsection (1) of section 129 of the 2004 Act or receive a notice from the Board of the Pension Protection Fund under subsection (5)(a) of that section, or c a resolution is passed for a voluntary winding up of the employer in a case where a declaration of solvency has been made under section 89 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (members' voluntary winding up). 6B For the purposes of this section— a a “cessation notice”, in the case of a relevant event within subsection (6A)(a), means— i a withdrawal notice issued under section 122(2)(b) of the 2004 Act (scheme rescue has occurred), ii a withdrawal notice issued under section 148 of that Act (no insolvency event has occurred or is likely to occur), iii a notice issued under section 122(4) of that Act (inability to confirm status of scheme) in a case where the notice has become binding and section 148 of that Act does not apply, b a “cessation notice” in the case of a relevant event within subsection (6A)(b), means a withdrawal notice issued under section 130(3) of the 2004 Act (scheme rescue has occurred), c a cessation event occurs in relation to a scheme when a cessation notice in relation to the scheme becomes binding, d the occurrence of a cessation event in relation to a scheme in respect of a cessation notice issued during a particular period (“ the specified period ”) is a possibility until each of the following are no longer reviewable— i any cessation notice which has been issued in relation to the scheme during the specified period, ii any failure to issue such a cessation notice during the specified period, iii any notice which has been issued by the Board under Chapter 2 or 3 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act which is relevant to the issue of a cessation notice in relation to the scheme during the specified period or to such a cessation notice which has been issued during that period becoming binding, iv any failure to issue such a notice as is mentioned in sub-paragraph (iii), e the issue or failure to issue a notice is to be regarded as reviewable— i during the period within which it may be reviewed by virtue of Chapter 6 of Part 2 of the 2004 Act, and ii if the matter is so reviewed, until— a the review and any reconsideration, b any reference to the Ombudsman for the Board of the Pension Protection Fund in respect of the matter, and c any appeal against his determination or directions, has been finally disposed of, and f a “ scheme failure notice ” means a scheme failure notice issued under section 122(2)(a) or 130(2) of the 2004 Act (scheme rescue not possible). 6C For the purposes of this section— a section 121 of the 2004 Act applies for the purposes of determining if and when an insolvency event has occurred in relation to the employer, b “ appointed day ” means the day appointed under section 126(2) of the 2004 Act (no pension protection under Chapter 3 of Part 2 of that Act if the scheme begins winding up before the day appointed by the Secretary of State), c references to a relevant event in relation to an employer do not include a relevant event which occurred in relation to him before he became the employer in relation to the scheme, d references to a cessation notice becoming binding are to the notice in question mentioned in subsection (6B)(a) or (b) and issued under Part 2 of the 2004 Act becoming binding within the meaning given by that Part of that Act, and e references to a scheme failure notice becoming binding are to the notice in question mentioned in subsection (6B)(f) and issued under Part 2 of the 2004 Act becoming binding within the meaning given by that Part of that Act. 6D Where— a a resolution is passed for a voluntary winding up of the employer in a case where a declaration of solvency has been made under section 89 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (members' voluntary winding up), and b the voluntary winding up of the employer— i is stayed other than in prescribed circumstances, or ii becomes a creditors’ voluntary winding up under section 96 of that Act (conversion to creditors’ voluntary winding up), this section has effect as if that resolution had never been passed and any debt which arose under this section by virtue of the passing of that resolution shall be treated as if it had never arisen. 7 This section does not prejudice any other right or remedy which the trustees or managers may have in respect of a deficiency in the scheme’s assets. 8 A debt due by virtue only of this section shall not be regarded— a as a preferential debt for the purposes of the Insolvency Act 1986, or b as a preferred debt for the purposes of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 . 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Regulations may modify this section as it applies in prescribed circumstances. Deficiencies in the assets: multi-employer schemes 75A 1 Regulations may modify section 75 (deficiencies in the assets) as it applies in relation to multi-employer schemes. 2 The regulations may in particular provide for the circumstances in which a debt is to be treated as due under section 75 from an employer in relation to a multi-employer scheme (a “multi-employer debt”). 3 Those circumstances may include circumstances other than those in which the scheme is being wound up or a relevant event occurs (within the meaning of section 75). 4 For the purposes of regulations under this section, regulations under section 75(5) may prescribe alternative manners for determining, calculating and verifying— a the liabilities and assets of the scheme to be taken into account, and b their amount or value. 5 The regulations under this section may in particular— a provide for the application of each of the prescribed alternative manners under section 75(5) to depend upon whether prescribed requirements are met; b provide that, where in a particular case a prescribed alternative manner under section 75(5) is applied, the Authority may in prescribed circumstances issue a direction— i that any resulting multi-employer debt is to be unenforceable for such a period as the Authority may specify, and ii that the amount of the debt is to be re-calculated applying a different prescribed manner under section 75(5) if prescribed requirements are met within that period. 6 The prescribed requirements mentioned in subsection (5) may include a requirement that a prescribed arrangement, the details of which are approved in a notice issued by the Authority, is in place. 7 The regulations may provide that the Authority may not approve the details of such an arrangement unless prescribed conditions are met. 8 Those prescribed conditions may include a requirement that— a the arrangement identifies one or more persons to whom the Authority may issue a contribution notice under the regulations, and b the Authority are satisfied of prescribed matters in respect of each of those persons. 9 For the purposes of subsection (8) a “contribution notice” is a notice stating that the person to whom it is issued is under a liability to pay the sum specified in the notice— a to the trustees of the multi-employer scheme in question, or b where the Board of the Pension Protection Fund has assumed responsibility for the scheme in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Pensions Act 2004 (pension protection), to the Board. 10 The regulations may provide for the Authority to have power to issue a contribution notice to a person identified in an arrangement as mentioned in subsection (8) if— a the arrangement ceases to be in place or the Authority consider that the arrangement is no longer appropriate, and b the Authority are of the opinion that it is reasonable to impose liability on the person to pay the sum specified in the notice. 11 Where a contribution notice is issued to a person under the regulations as mentioned in subsection (8), the sum specified in the notice is to be treated as a debt due from that person to the person to whom it is to be paid as specified in the notice. 12 Where the regulations provide for the issuing of a contribution notice by the Authority as mentioned in subsection (8)— a the regulations must— i provide for how the sum specified by the Authority in a contribution notice is to be determined, ii provide for the circumstances (if any) in which a person to whom a contribution notice is issued is jointly and severally liable for the debt, iii provide for the matters which the notice must contain, and iv provide for who may exercise the powers to recover the debt due by virtue of the contribution notice, and b the regulations may apply with or without modifications some or all of the provisions of sections 47 to 51 of the Pensions Act 2004 (contribution notices where non-compliance with financial support direction) in relation to contribution notices issued under the regulations. 13 In this section “ multi-employer scheme ” means a trust scheme which applies to earners in employments under different employers. 14 This section is without prejudice to the powers conferred by— section 75(5) (power to prescribe the manner of determining, calculating and verifying assets and liabilities etc ), section 75(10) (power to modify section 75 as it applies in prescribed circumstances), section 118(1)(a) (power to modify any provisions of this Part in their application to multi-employer trust schemes), and section 125(3) (power to extend for the purposes of this Part the meaning of “employer”). Excess assets on winding up. 76 1 This section applies to a trust scheme in any circumstances if— a it is a registered pension scheme under section 153 of the Finance Act 2004, b the scheme is being wound up, and c in those circumstances power is conferred on the employer or the trustees to distribute assets to the employer on a winding up. 2 The power referred to in subsection (1)(c) cannot be exercised unless the requirements of subsections (3) and (in prescribed circumstances) (4), and any prescribed requirements, are satisfied. 3 The requirements of this subsection are that— a the liabilities of the scheme have been fully discharged, b where there is any power under the scheme, after the discharge of those liabilities, to distribute assets to any person other than the employer, the power has been exercised or a decision has been made not to exercise it, c ... and d notice has been given in accordance with prescribed requirements to the members of the scheme of the proposal to exercise the power. 4 The requirements of this subsection are that the Authority are of the opinion that— a any requirements prescribed by virtue of subsection (2) are satisfied, and b the requirements of subsection (3) are satisfied. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 If, where this section applies to any trust scheme, the trustees purport to exercise the power referred to in subsection (1)(c) without complying with the requirements of this section, section 10 applies to any of them who have failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance. 7 If, where this section applies to any trust scheme, any person other than the trustees purports to exercise the power referred to in subsection (1)(c) without complying with the requirements of this section, section 10 applies to him. 8 Regulations may provide that, in prescribed circumstances, this section does not apply to schemes falling within a prescribed class or description, or applies to them with prescribed modifications. Excess assets remaining after winding up: power to distribute. 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Pensions Compensation Board The Compensation Board. 78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reports to Secretary of State. 79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Review of decisions. 80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The compensation provisions Cases where compensation provisions apply. 81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Applications for payments. 82 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amount of compensation. 83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payments made in anticipation. 84 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Surplus funds. 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modification of compensation provisions. 86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Money purchase schemes Schedules of payments to money purchase schemes. 87 1 This section applies to an occupational pension scheme which is a money purchase scheme, other than one falling within a prescribed class or description. 1A Where a pension scheme is divided into sections, each section that is a collective money purchase scheme for the purposes of Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 2021 (see section 1(2)(b) of that Act) is to be treated for the purposes of this section and section 88 as an occupational pension scheme which is a money purchase scheme. 2 The trustees or managers of every occupational pension scheme to which this section applies must secure that there is prepared, maintained and from time to time revised a schedule (referred to in this section and section 88 as a “payment schedule”) showing— a the rates of contributions payable towards the scheme by or on behalf of the employer and the active members of the scheme, b such other amounts payable towards the scheme as may be prescribed, and c the dates on or before which payments of such contributions or other amounts are to be made (referred to in those sections as “due dates”). 3 The payment schedule for a scheme must satisfy prescribed requirements. 4 The matters shown in the payment schedule for a scheme— a to the extent that the scheme makes provision for their determination, must be so determined, and b otherwise, i must be matters previously agreed between the employer and the trustees or managers of the scheme, or ii if no such agreement has been made as to all matters shown in the schedule (other than those for whose determination the scheme makes provision), must be matters determined by the trustees or managers of the scheme. 5 Where in the case of a scheme this section is not complied with— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b section 10 applies to any trustee or manager who has failed to take all such steps. Schedules of payments to money purchase schemes: supplementary. 88 1 Where, in the case of an occupational pension scheme to which section 87 applies— a there is a failure to pay on or before the due date any amounts payable in accordance with the payment schedule, and b the trustees or managers have reasonable cause to believe that the failure is likely to be of material significance in the exercise by the Authority of any of their functions, they must, except in prescribed circumstances, give notice of the failure to the Authority and to the members of the scheme within a reasonable period after the due date. 2 Any such amounts which for the time being remain unpaid after that date (whether payable by the employer or not) shall, if not a debt due from the employer to the trustees or managers apart from this subsection, be treated as such a debt. 3 Where any amounts payable in accordance with the payment schedule by or on behalf of the employer on the employer’s own account have not been paid on or before the due date, section 10 applies to the employer. 4 If, in the case of an occupational pension scheme to which section 87 applies, subsection (1) is not complied with— a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b section 10 applies to any trustee or manager who has failed to take all such steps. Application of further provisions to money purchase schemes. 89 1 In the case of money purchase schemes falling within a prescribed class or description, regulations may— a provide for any of the provisions of Part 3 of the Pensions Act 2004 to apply, or apply with prescribed modifications (in spite of anything in that Part ), and b provide for any of the provisions of sections 87 and 88 to apply with prescribed modifications or not to apply, to such extent as may be prescribed. 2 Regulations may provide for any of the provisions of section 75 to apply, or apply with prescribed modifications, to money purchase schemes to such extent as may be prescribed (in spite of anything in that section), and the power conferred by this subsection includes power to apply section 75 in circumstances other than those in which the scheme is being wound up or a relevant ... event occurs (within the meaning of that section). 3 Where a pension scheme is divided into sections, each section that is a collective money purchase scheme for the purposes of Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 2021 (see section 1(2)(b) of that Act) is to be treated for the purposes of this section as a separate money purchase scheme. Unpaid contributions in cases of insolvency. 90 In section 124 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (duty of Secretary of State to pay unpaid contributions to schemes), after subsection (3) there is inserted— 3A Where the scheme in question is a money purchase scheme, the sum payable under this section by virtue of subsection (3) shall be the lesser of the amounts mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (c) of that subsection , and, accordingly, at the beginning of subsection (3) there is inserted “Subject to subsection (3A),”. Assignment, forfeiture, bankruptcy etc. Inalienability of occupational pension. 91 1 Subject to subsection (5), where a person is entitled to a pension under an occupational pension scheme or has a right to a future pension under such a scheme — a the entitlement or right cannot be assigned, commuted or surrendered, b the entitlement or right cannot be charged or a lien exercised in respect of it, and c no set-off can be exercised in respect of it, and an agreement to effect any of those things is unenforceable. 2 Where by virtue of this section a person’s entitlement to a pension under an occupational pension scheme, or right to a future pension under such a scheme, cannot, apart from subsection (5), be assigned, no order can be made by any court the effect of which would be that he would be restrained from receiving that pension. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Subsection (2) does not prevent the making of— a an attachment of earnings order under the Attachment of Earnings Act 1971, or b an income payments order under the Insolvency Act 1986. 5 In the case of a person (“the person in question”) who is entitled to a pension under an occupational pension scheme, or has a right to a future pension under such a scheme , subsection (1) does not apply to any of the following, or any agreement to effect any of the following— a an assignment in favour of the person in question’s widow, widower , surviving civil partner or dependant, b a surrender, at the option of the person in question, for the purpose of— i providing benefits for that person’s widow, widower , surviving civil partner or dependant, or ii acquiring for the person in question entitlement to further benefits under the scheme, c a commutation— i of the person in question’s benefit on or after retirement or in exceptional circumstances of serious ill health, ii in prescribed circumstances, of any benefit for that person’s widow, widower , surviving civil partner or dependant, or iii in other prescribed circumstances, d subject to subsection (6), a charge or lien on, or set-off against, the person in question’s entitlement, or right, (except to the extent that it includes transfer credits other than prescribed transfer credits) for the purpose of enabling the employer to obtain the discharge by him of some monetary obligation due to the employer and arising out of a criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission by him, e subject to subsection (6), except in prescribed circumstances a charge or lien on, or set-off against, the person in question’s entitlement, or right , for the purpose of discharging some monetary obligation due from the person in question to the scheme and— i arising out of a criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission by him, or ii in the case of a trust scheme of which the person in question is a trustee, arising out of a breach of trust by him, f subject to subsection (6), a charge or lien on, or set-off against, the person in question’s entitlement, or right, for the purpose of discharging some monetary obligation due from the person in question to the scheme arising out of a payment made in error in respect of the pension. 6 Where a charge, lien or set-off is exercisable by virtue of subsection (5)(d) , (e) or (f) — a its amount must not exceed the amount of the monetary obligation in question, or (if less) the value (determined in the prescribed manner) of the person in question’s entitlement or accrued right, and b the person in question must be given a certificate showing the amount of the charge, lien or set-off and its effect on his benefits under the scheme, and where there is a dispute as to its amount, the charge, lien or set-off must not be exercised unless the obligation in question has become enforceable under an order of a competent court or in consequence of an award of an arbitrator or, in Scotland, an arbiter to be appointed (failing agreement between the parties) by the sheriff. 7 This section is subject to section 159 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (inalienability of guaranteed minimum pension ... ). Forfeiture, etc. 92 1 Subject to the provisions of this section and section 93, an entitlement to a pension under an occupational pension scheme or a right to a future pension under such a scheme cannot be forfeited. 2 Subsection (1) does not prevent forfeiture by reference to— a a transaction or purported transaction which under section 91 is of no effect, ... b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whether or not that event occurred before or after the pension became payable. 3 Where such forfeiture as is mentioned in subsection (2) occurs, any pension which was, or would but for the forfeiture have become, payable may, if the trustees or managers of the scheme so determine, be paid to all or any of the following— a the member of the scheme to or in respect of whom the pension was, or would have become, payable, b the spouse, civil partner, widow, widower or surviving civil partner of the member, c any dependant of the member, and d any other person falling within a prescribed class. 4 Subsection (1) does not prevent forfeiture by reference to the pensioner, or prospective pensioner , having been convicted of one or more offences— a which are committed before the pension becomes payable, and b which are— i offences of treason, ii offences under the Official Secrets Acts 1911 to 1989 for which the person has been sentenced on the same occasion to a term of imprisonment of, or to two or more consecutive terms amounting in the aggregate to, at least 10 years, ... iia offences under section 18 of, or listed in section 33(3)(a) of, the National Security Act 2023 for which the person has been sentenced on the same occasion to a term of imprisonment of, or to two or more consecutive terms amounting in the aggregate to, at least 10 years, or iii prescribed offences. 5 Subsection (1) does not prevent forfeiture by reference to a failure by any person to make a claim for pension— a where the forfeiture is in reliance on any enactment relating to the limitation of actions, or b where the claim is not made within six years of the date on which the pension becomes due. 6 Subsection (1) does not prevent forfeiture in prescribed circumstances. 7 In this section and section 93, references to forfeiture include any manner of deprivation or suspension. Forfeiture by reference to obligation to employer. 93 1 Subject to subsection (2), section 92(1) does not prevent forfeiture of a person’s entitlement to a pension under an occupational pension scheme or right to a future pension under such a scheme by reference to the person having incurred some monetary obligation due to the employer and arising out of a criminal, negligent or fraudulent act or omission by the person. 2 A person’s entitlement or right may be forfeited by reason of subsection (1) to the extent only that it does not exceed the amount of the monetary obligation in question, or (if less) the value (determined in the prescribed manner) of the person’s entitlement or right . 3 Such forfeiture as is mentioned in subsection (1) must not take effect where there is a dispute as to the amount of the monetary obligation in question, unless the obligation has become enforceable under an order of a competent court or in consequence of an award of an arbitrator or, in Scotland, an arbiter to be appointed (failing agreement between the parties) by the sheriff. 4 Where a person’s entitlement or right is forfeited by reason of subsection (1), the person must be given a certificate showing the amount forfeited and the effect of the forfeiture on his benefits under the scheme. 5 Where such forfeiture as is mentioned in subsection (1) occurs, an amount not exceeding the amount forfeited may, if the trustees or managers of the scheme so determine, be paid to the employer. Sections 91 to 93: supplementary. 94 1 Regulations may— a modify sections 91 to 93 in their application to public service pension schemes or to other schemes falling within a prescribed class or description, or b provide that those sections do not apply in relation to schemes falling within a prescribed class or description. 2 In those sections, “pension” in relation to an occupational pension scheme, includes any benefit under the scheme and any part of a pension and any payment by way of pension. 3 In the application of sections 91 and 92 to Scotland— a references to a charge are to be read as references to a right in security or a diligence and “charged” is to be interpreted accordingly, b references to assignment are to be read as references to assignation and “assign” is to be interpreted accordingly, c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . d the reference to an income payments order under the Insolvency Act 1986 is to be read as a reference to an order under section 90 or 95 of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 , ... e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . f after subsection 91(4) there is inserted— Subject to section 73(3)(d) of the Debtors (Scotland) Act 1987, nothing in this section prevents any diligence mentioned in section 46 of that Act being done against a pension under an occupational pension scheme. Pension rights of individuals adjudged bankrupt etc. 95 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Questioning the decisions of the Authority Review of decisions. 96 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . References and appeals from the Authority. 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gathering information: the Authority Provision of information. 98 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspection of premises. 99 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Warrants. 100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information and inspection: penalties. 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Savings for certain privileges etc. 102 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publishing reports. 103 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disclosure of information: the Authority Restricted information. 104 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information supplied to the Authority by corresponding overseas authorities. 105 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disclosure for facilitating discharge of functions by the Authority. 106 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disclosure for facilitating discharge of functions by other supervisory authorities. 107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other permitted disclosures. 108 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disclosure of information by the Inland Revenue. 109 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gathering information: the Compensation Board Provision of information. 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information: penalties. 111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Savings for certain privileges. 112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Publishing reports. 113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disclosure of information. 114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Offences by bodies corporate and partnerships. 115 1 Where an offence under this Part committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. 2 Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) applies in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as to a director of a body corporate. 3 Where an offence under this Part committed by a Scottish partnership is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a partner, he as well as the partnership is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. Breach of regulations. 116 1 Regulations made by virtue of any provision of this Part may provide for the contravention of any provision contained in any such regulations to be an offence under this Part and for the recovery on summary conviction for any such offence of a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. 2 An offence under any provision of the regulations may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time; and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under such a provision by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction of the offence. 3 Where by reason of the contravention of any provision contained in regulations made by virtue of this Part— a a person is convicted of an offence under this Part, or b a person pays a penalty under section 10 or under provision contained in regulations made by virtue of section 41C , then, in respect of that contravention, he shall not, in a case within paragraph (a), be liable to pay such a penalty or, in a case within paragraph (b), be convicted of such an offence. Overriding requirements. 117 1 Where any provision mentioned in subsection (2) conflicts with the provisions of an occupational pension scheme— a the provision mentioned in subsection (2), to the extent that it conflicts, overrides the provisions of the scheme, and b the scheme has effect with such modifications as may be required in consequence of paragraph (a). 2 The provisions referred to in subsection (1) are those of— a this Part, b any subordinate legislation made or having effect as if made under this Part, ... c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Powers to modify this Part. 118 1 Regulations may modify any provisions of this Part, in their application— a to a trust scheme which applies to earners in employments under different employers, b to a trust scheme of which there are no members who are in pensionable service under the scheme, or c to any case where a partnership is the employer, or one of the employers, in relation to a trust scheme. 2 Regulations may provide for some or all of the provisions of sections 22 to 26 , and section 117 (so far as it applies to those sections), not to apply in relation to a trust scheme falling within a prescribed class or description. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calculations etc. under regulations: sub-delegation. 119 Regulations made by virtue of section ... 73B(4)(a) or 75 may provide for the values of the assets and the amounts of the liabilities there mentioned to be calculated and verified in accordance with guidance prepared and from time to time revised by a prescribed body . Consultations about regulations. 120 1 Before the Secretary of State makes any regulations by virtue of this Part, he must consult such persons as he considers appropriate. 2 Subsection (1) does not apply— a to regulations made for the purpose only of consolidating other regulations revoked by them, b to regulations in the case of which the Secretary of State considers consultation inexpedient because of urgency, c to regulations made before the end of the period of six months beginning with the coming into force of the provision of this Part by virtue of which the regulations are made, or d to regulations which— i state that they are consequential upon a specified enactment, and ii are made before the end of the period of six months beginning with the coming into force of that enactment. Crown application. 121 1 This Part applies to an occupational pension scheme managed by or on behalf of the Crown as it applies to other occupational pension schemes; and, accordingly, references in this Part to a person in his capacity as a trustee or manager of an occupational pension scheme include the Crown, or a person acting on behalf of the Crown, in that capacity. 2 References in this Part to a person in his capacity as employer in relation to an occupational pension scheme include the Crown, or a person acting on behalf of the Crown, in that capacity. 3 This section does not apply to any provision made by or under this Part under which a person may be prosecuted for an offence; but such a provision applies to persons in the public service of the Crown as it applies to other persons. 4 This section does not apply to sections 42 to 46. 5 Nothing in this Part applies to Her Majesty in Her private capacity (within the meaning of the Crown Proceedings Act 1947). Consequential amendments. 122 Schedule 3 (amendments consequential on this Part) shall have effect. “Connected” and “associated” persons. 123 1 Sections 249 and 435 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (connected and associated persons) shall apply for the purposes of the provisions of this Act listed in subsection (3) as they apply for the purposes of that Act. 2 Section 229 of the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (meaning of “associate”) shall apply for the purposes of the provisions so listed as it applies for the purposes of that Act. 3 The provisions referred to in subsections (1) and (2) are— a section 23(3)(b), b sections 27 and 28, c section 40, but in the case of section 40 the provisions mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) shall apply for those purposes with any prescribed modifications. Interpretation of Part I. 124 1 In this Part— “ active member ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means a person who is in pensionable service under the scheme, “ the actuary ” and “ the auditor ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, have the meanings given by section 47, “ the Authority ” means the Pensions Regulator, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ the Compensation Board ” has the meaning given by section 78(1), “ the compensation provisions ” has the meaning given by section 81(3), “ contravention ” includes failure to comply, “ deferred member ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means a person (other than an active or pensioner member) who has accrued rights under the scheme, “ employer ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means the employer of persons in the description or category of employment to which the scheme in question relates (but see section 125(3)), “ equal treatment rule ” has the meaning given by section 62, “ firm ” means a body corporate or a partnership, “ fund manager ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means a person who manages the investments held for the purposes of the scheme, “ independent trustee ” has the meaning given by section 23(3), “ managers ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme other than a trust scheme, means the persons responsible for the management of the scheme, “ member ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means any active, deferred , pensioner or pension credit member (but see section 125(4)), . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ normal pension age ” has the meaning given by section 180 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993, “ payment schedule ” has the meaning given by section 87(2), “ pension credit ” means a credit under section 29(1)(b) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999, or under corresponding Northern Ireland legislation, “ pension credit member ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means a person who has rights under the scheme which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit, “ pension credit rights ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means rights to future benefits under the scheme which are attributable (directly or indirectly) to a pension credit, “ pensionable service ”, in relation to a member of an occupational pension scheme, means service in any description or category of employment to which the scheme relates which qualifies the member (on the assumption that it continues for the appropriate period) for pension or other benefits under the scheme, “ pensioner member ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means a person who in respect of his pensionable service under the scheme or by reason of transfer credits, is entitled to the present payment of pension or other benefits ... , “ prescribed ” means prescribed by regulations, “ professional adviser ”, in relation to a scheme, has the meaning given by section 47, “ public service pension scheme ” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993, “ regulations ” means regulations made by the Secretary of State, “ resources ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means the funds out of which the benefits provided by the scheme are payable from time to time, including the proceeds of any policy of insurance taken out, or annuity contract entered into, for the purposes of the scheme, “ Scottish partnership ” means a partnership constituted under the law of Scotland, “ the Taxes Act 1988 ” means the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988, “ transfer credits ” means rights allowed to a member under the rules of an occupational pension scheme by reference to — a transfer to the scheme of, or transfer payment to the trustees or managers of the scheme in respect of, any of his rights (including transfer credits allowed) under another occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme, other than pension credit rights, or a cash transfer sum paid under Chapter 2 of Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (transfers and contribution refunds) in respect of him, to the trustees or managers of the scheme, “ trustees or managers ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means— in the case of a trust scheme, the trustees of the scheme, and in any other case, the managers of the scheme, “ trust scheme ” means an occupational pension scheme established under a trust. 2 For the purposes of this Part— a the accrued rights of a member of an occupational pension scheme at any time are the rights which have accrued to or in respect of him at that time to future benefits under the scheme, and b at any time when the pensionable service of a member of an occupational pension scheme is continuing, his accrued rights are to be determined as if he had opted, immediately before that time, to terminate that service; and references to accrued pension or accrued benefits are to be interpreted accordingly. 2A In subsection (2)(a), the reference to rights which have accrued to or in respect of the member does not include any rights which are pension credit rights. 3 In determining what is “ pensionable service ” for the purposes of this Part— a service notionally attributable for any purpose of the scheme is to be disregarded, and b no account is to be taken of any rules of the scheme by which a period of service can be treated for any purpose as being longer or shorter than it actually is but, in its application for the purposes of section 51, paragraph (b) does not affect the operation of any rules of the scheme by virtue of which a period of service is to be rounded up or down by a period of less than a month. 3A In a case of the winding-up of an occupational pension scheme in pursuance of an order of the Authority under section 11 or of an order of a court, the winding-up shall (subject to subsection (3E) and to sections 28, 154 and 219 of the Pensions Act 2004 ) be taken for the purposes of this Part to begin— a if the order provides for a time to be the time when the winding-up begins, at that time; and b in any other case, at the time when the order comes into force. 3B In a case of the winding-up of an occupational pension scheme in accordance with a requirement or power contained in the rules of the scheme, the winding-up shall (subject to subsections (3C) to (3E) and to sections 154 and 219 of the Pensions Act 2004 ) be taken for the purposes of this Part to begin— a at the time (if any) which under those rules is the time when the winding-up begins; and b if paragraph (a) does not apply, at the earliest time which is a time fixed by the trustees or managers as the time from which steps for the purposes of the winding-up are to be taken. 3C Subsection (3B) shall not require a winding-up of a scheme to be treated as having begun at any time before the end of any period during which effect is being given— a to a determination under section 38 that the scheme is not for the time being to be wound up; or b to a determination in accordance with the rules of the scheme to postpone the commencement of a winding-up. 3D In subsection (3B)(b) the reference to the trustees or managers of the scheme shall have effect in relation to any scheme the rules of which provide for a determination that the scheme is to be wound up to be made by persons other than the trustees or managers as including a reference to those other persons. 3E Subsections (3A) to (3D) above do not apply for such purposes as may be prescribed. 4 In the application of this Part to Scotland, in relation to conviction on indictment, references to imprisonment are to be read as references to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. 5 Subject to the provisions of this Act, expressions used in this Act and in the Pension Schemes Act 1993 have the same meaning in this Act as in that. Section 124: supplementary. 125 1 For the purposes of this Part, an occupational pension scheme is salary related if— a the scheme is not a money purchase scheme, and b the scheme does not fall within a prescribed class or description, and “ salary related trust scheme ” is to be read accordingly. 2 Regulations may apply this Part with prescribed modifications to occupational pension schemes— a which are not money purchase schemes, but b where some of the benefits that may be provided are money purchase benefits. 3 Regulations may, in relation to occupational pension schemes, extend for the purposes of this Part the meaning of “employer” to include persons who have been the employer in relation to the scheme. 4 For any of the purposes of this Part, regulations may in relation to occupational pension schemes— a extend or restrict the meaning of “member”, b determine who is to be treated as a prospective member, and c determine the times at which a person is to be treated as becoming, or as ceasing to be, a member or prospective member. Part II State Pensions Equalisation of pensionable age and of entitlement to certain benefits and increase in pensionable age . 126 Schedule 4 to this Act, of which— a Part I has effect to equalise pensionable age for men and women and then to increase it , b Part II makes provision for bringing equality for men and women to certain pension and other benefits, and c Part III makes consequential amendments of enactments, shall have effect. Enhancement of additional pension, etc. where family credit or disability working allowance paid. 127 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional pension: calculation of surpluses. 128 1 In section 44 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (Category A retirement pension), for subsection (5) (surplus on which additional pension is calculated) there is substituted— 5A For the purposes of this section and section 45 below— a there is a surplus in the pensioner’s earnings factor for a relevant year if that factor exceeds the qualifying earnings factor for that year, and b the amount of the surplus is the amount of that excess, as increased by the last order under section 148 of the Administration Act to come into force before the end of the final relevant year . 2 In subsection (6) of that section (calculation of earnings factors), for paragraphs (a)(ii) and (b) there is substituted— ii his earnings factors derived from Class 2 and Class 3 contributions actually paid in respect of that year, or, if less, the qualifying earnings factor for that year; and b where the relevant year is an earlier tax year, to the aggregate of— i his earnings factors derived from Class 1 contributions actually paid by him in respect of that year, and ii his earnings factors derived from Class 2 and Class 3 contributions actually paid by him in respect of that year, or, if less, the qualifying earnings factor for that year. 3 Section 148 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (revaluation of earnings factors) shall have effect in relation to surpluses in a person’s earnings factors under section 44(5A) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 for the purposes of section 45(1) and (2)(a) and (b) of that Act as it has effect in relation to earnings factors. 4 Subject to subsections (5) , (5A) and (6) below, this section has effect in relation to a person (“the pensioner”) who attains pensionable age after 5th April 2000. 5 Where the pensioner is a woman, this section has effect in the case of additional pension falling to be calculated under sections 44 and 45 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 by virtue of section 39 of that Act (widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension), including Category B retirement pension payable under section 48B(4), if her husband— a dies after 5th April 2000, and b has not attained pensionable age on or before that date. 5A This section has effect in the case of additional pension falling to be calculated under sections 44 and 45 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 by virtue of section 39C(1) of that Act (widowed parent’s allowance), including Category B retirement pension payable under section 48BB(2), if the pensioner’s spouse— a dies after 5th April 2000, and b has not attained pensionable age on or before that date. 6 This section has effect where additional pension falls to be calculated under sections 44 and 45 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 as applied by section ... 48B(2) or 48BB(5) of that Act (other Category B retirement pension) if— a the pensioner attains pensionable age after 5th April 2000, and b the pensioner’s spouse has not attained pensionable age on or before that date. Contribution conditions. 129 In Schedule 3 to the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (contribution conditions), in paragraph 5(3)(a) (conditions for widowed mother’s allowance, widow’s pension and Category A and Category B retirement pension), after “class” there is inserted “ or been credited (in the case of 1987-88 or any subsequent year) with earnings ” . Up-rating of pensions increased under section 52 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act. 130 1 For section 156 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 there is substituted— Up-rating under section 150 above of pensions increased under section 52(3) of the Contributions and Benefits Act. 156 1 This section applies in any case where a person is entitled to a Category A retirement pension with an increase, under section 52(3) of the Contributions and Benefits Act, in the additional pension on account of the contributions of a spouse who has died. 2 Where in the case of any up-rating order under section 150 above— a the spouse’s final relevant year is the tax year preceding the tax year in which the up-rating order comes into force, but b the person’s final relevant year was an earlier tax year, then the up-rating order shall not have effect in relation to that part of the additional pension which is attributable to the spouse’s contributions. 3 Where in the case of any up-rating order under section 150 above— a the person’s final relevant year is the tax year preceding the tax year in which the up-rating order comes into force, but b the spouse’s final relevant year was an earlier tax year, then the up-rating order shall not have effect in relation to that part of the additional pension which is attributable to the person’s contributions. 2 In section 151(1) of that Act (effect of up-rating orders on additional pensions), after “and shall apply” there is inserted “ subject to section 156 and ” . Graduated retirement benefit. 131 1 In section 62(1) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (graduated retirement benefit), after paragraph (a) there is inserted— aa for amending section 36(7) of that Act (persons to be treated as receiving nominal retirement pension) so that where a person has claimed a Category A or Category B retirement pension but— i because of an election under section 54(1) above, or ii because he has withdrawn his claim for the pension, he is not entitled to such a pension, he is not to be treated for the purposes of the preceding provisions of that section as receiving such a pension at a nominal weekly rate; . 2 In section 150(11) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 (application of up-rating provisions to graduated retirement benefit) for the words following “provisions of this section” there is substituted— a to the amount of graduated retirement benefit payable for each unit of graduated contributions, b to increases of such benefit under any provisions made by virtue of section 24(1)(b) of the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 or section 62(1)(a) of the Contributions and Benefits Act, and c to any addition under section 37(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 (addition to weekly rate of retirement pension for widows and widowers) to the amount of such benefit. 3 In section 155(7) of that Act (effect of alteration of rates of graduated retirement benefit) for the words following “provisions of this section” there is substituted— a to the amount of graduated retirement benefit payable for each unit of graduated contributions, b to increases of such benefit under any provisions made by virtue of section 24(1)(b) of the Social Security Pensions Act 1975 or section 62(1)(a) of the Contributions and Benefits Act, and c to any addition under section 37(1) of the National Insurance Act 1965 (addition to weekly rate of retirement pension for widows and widowers) to the amount of such benefit . Extension of Christmas bonus for pensioners. 132 1 Section 150 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (Christmas bonus: interpretation) is amended as follows. 2 In subsection (1), after paragraph (k) there is inserted— l a mobility supplement . 3 In subsection (2)— a after the definition of “attendance allowance” there is inserted— “ mobility supplement ” means a supplement awarded in respect of disablement which affects a person’s ability to walk and for which the person is in receipt of war disablement pension; , b in the definition of “retirement pension”, “ if paid periodically ” is omitted, c in paragraph (b) of the definition of “unemployability supplement or allowance”, after sub-paragraph (iv) there is inserted or v under the Pensions (Navy, Army, Air Force and Mercantile Marine) Act 1939. and accordingly, the “or” immediately following sub-paragraph(iii) is omitted. Contributions paid in error. 133 After section 61 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 there is inserted— Contributions paid in error. 61A 1 This section applies in the case of any individual if— a the individual has paid amounts by way of primary Class 1 contributions which, because the individual was not an employed earner, were paid in error, and b prescribed conditions are satisfied. 2 Regulations may, where— a this section applies in the case of any individual, and b the Secretary of State is of the opinion that it is appropriate for the regulations to apply to the individual, provide for entitlement to, and the amount of, additional pension to be determined as if the individual had been an employed earner and, accordingly, those contributions had been properly paid. 3 The reference in subsection (2) above to additional pension is to additional pension for the individual or the individual’s spouse falling to be calculated under section 45 above for the purposes of— a Category A retirement pension, b Category B retirement pension for widows or widowers, c widowed mother’s allowance and widow’s pension, and d incapacity benefit (except in transitional cases). 4 Regulations may, where— a this section applies in the case of any individual, and b the Secretary of State is of the opinion that it is appropriate for regulations made by virtue of section 4(8) of the Social Security (Incapacity for Work) Act 1994 (provision during transition from invalidity benefit to incapacity benefit for incapacity benefit to include the additional pension element of invalidity pension) to have the following effect in the case of the individual, provide for the regulations made by virtue of that section to have effect as if, in relation to the provisions in force before the commencement of that section with respect to that additional pension element, the individual had been an employed earner and, accordingly, the contributions had been properly paid. 5 Where such provision made by regulations as is mentioned in subsection (2) or (4) above applies in respect of any individual, regulations under paragraph 8(1)(m) of Schedule 1 to this Act may not require the amounts paid by way of primary Class 1 contributions to be repaid. 6 Regulations may provide, where— a such provision made by regulations as is mentioned in subsection (2) or (4) above applies in respect of any individual, b prescribed conditions are satisfied, and c any amount calculated by reference to the contributions in question has been paid in respect of that individual by way of minimum contributions under section 43 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (contributions to personal pension schemes), for that individual to be treated for the purposes of that Act as if that individual had been an employed earner and, accordingly, the amount had been properly paid . Minor amendments. 134 1 In section 23(1) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (contribution conditions: supplemental), for “22(1)(a)” there is substituted “ 22(1) ” . 2 Section 54(4) of that Act (effect on advance claims for retirement pension of deferral of entitlement) is omitted. 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 In section 122(1) of that Act (interpretation of Parts I to VI ), after the definition of “week” there is inserted— “ working life ” has the meaning given by paragraph 5(8) of Schedule 3 to this Act . 5 In paragraph 5(8) of Schedule 3 to that Act (contribution conditions: meaning of “working life”) for “this paragraph” there is substituted “ Parts I to VI of this Act ” . Part III Certification of pension schemes and effects on members’ state scheme rights and duties Introductory The “principal appointed day” for Part III. 135 An order under section 180 of this Act appointing a day for the coming into force of any provisions of this Part, being 6th April in any year, may designate that day as the principal appointed day for the purposes of this Part. New certification requirements applying as from the principal appointed day New requirements for contracted-out schemes. 136 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reduction in State scheme contributions, payment of rebates and reduction in State scheme benefits State scheme contributions and rebates. 137 1 In section 40 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (scope of Chapter II of Part III), in paragraph (b), after “members of” there is inserted “ money purchase contracted-out schemes and members of ” . 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 After that section there is inserted— Reduced rates of contributions, and rebates, for members of money purchase contracted-out schemes Reduced rates of Class 1 contributions, and rebates. 42A 1 Subsections (2) and (3) apply where— a the earnings paid to or for the benefit of an earner in any tax week are in respect of an employment which is contracted-out employment at the time of the payment, and b the earner’s service in the employment is service which qualifies him for a pension provided by a money purchase contracted-out scheme. 2 The amount of a Class 1 contribution in respect of so much of the earnings paid in that week in respect of that employment as exceeds the current lower earnings limit but not the current upper earnings limit for that week (or the prescribed equivalents if he is paid otherwise than weekly) shall be reduced by an amount equal to the appropriate flat-rate percentage of that part of those earnings. 3 The Secretary of State shall except in prescribed circumstances or in respect of prescribed periods pay in respect of that earner and that tax week to the trustees or managers of the scheme or, in prescribed circumstances, to a prescribed person the amount by which— a the appropriate age-related percentage of that part of those earnings, exceeds b the appropriate flat-rate percentage of that part of those earnings. 4 Regulations may make provision— a as to the manner in which and time at which or period within which payments under subsection (3) are to be made, b for the adjustment of the amount which would otherwise be payable under that subsection so as to avoid the payment of trivial or fractional amounts, c for earnings to be calculated or estimated in such manner and on such basis as may be prescribed for the purpose of determining whether any, and if so what, payments under subsection (3) are to be made. 5 If the Secretary of State pays an amount under subsection (3) which he is not required to pay or is not required to pay to the person to whom, or in respect of whom, he pays it, he may recover it from any person to whom, or in respect of whom, he paid it. 6 Where— a an earner has ceased to be employed in an employment, and b earnings are paid to him or for his benefit within the period of six weeks, or such other period as may be prescribed, from the day on which he so ceased, that employment shall be treated for the purposes of this section as contracted-out employment at the time when the earnings are paid if it was contracted-out employment in relation to the earner when he was last employed in it. 7 Subsection (3) of section 41 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of that. Determination and alteration of rates of contributions, and rebates, applicable under section 42A. 42B 1 The Secretary of State shall at intervals of not more than five years lay before each House of Parliament— a a report by the Government Actuary or the Deputy Government Actuary on the percentages which, in his opinion, are required to be specified in an order under this section so as to reflect the cost of providing benefits of an actuarial value equivalent to that of the benefits which, under section 48A, are foregone by or in respect of members of money purchase contracted-out schemes, b a report by the Secretary of State stating what, in view of the report under paragraph (a), he considers those percentages should be, and c a draft of an order under subsection (2). 2 An order under this subsection shall have effect in relation to a period of tax years (not exceeding five) and may— a specify different percentages for primary and secondary Class 1 contributions, and b for each of the tax years for which it has effect— i specify a percentage in respect of all earners which is “the appropriate flat-rate percentage” for the purposes of section 42A, and ii specify different percentages (not being less than the percentage specified by virtue of sub-paragraph (i)) in respect of earners by reference to their ages on the last day of the preceding year (the percentage for each group of earners being “the appropriate age-related percentage” in respect of earners in that group for the purposes of section 42A). 3 If the draft of an order under subsection (2) is approved by resolution of each House of Parliament, the Secretary of State shall make the order in the form of the draft. 4 An order under subsection (2) shall have effect from the beginning of such tax year as may be specified in the order, not being a tax year earlier than the second after that in which the order is made. 5 Subsection (2) is without prejudice to the generality of section 182 . 6 In Schedule 4 to that Act (priority in bankruptcy, etc. ), in paragraph 2(3)— a in paragraph (a), for “4.8 per cent.” there is substituted “ the percentage for non-contributing earners ” , b in paragraph (b), for “3 per cent.” there is substituted “ the percentage for contributing earners ” . 7 In paragraph 2(5) of that Schedule— a before the definition of “employer” there is inserted— “ appropriate flat-rate percentage ” has the same meaning as in section 42A , and b after the definition there is inserted— “ the percentage for contributing earners ” means— in relation to a salary related contracted-out scheme, 3 per cent, and in relation to a money purchase contracted-out scheme, the percentage which is the appropriate flat-rate percentage for secondary Class 1 contributions, “ the percentage for non-contributing earners ” means— in relation to a salary related contracted-out scheme, 4.8 per cent, and in relation to a money purchase contracted-out scheme, a percentage equal to the sum of the appropriate flat-rate percentages for primary and secondary Class 1 contributions . Minimum contributions towards appropriate personal pension schemes. 138 1 Section 45 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (minimum contributions to personal pension schemes) is amended as follows. 2 For subsection (1) there is substituted— 1 In relation to any tax week falling within a period for which the Secretary of State is required to pay minimum contributions in respect of an earner, the amount of those contributions shall be an amount equal to the appropriate age-related percentage of so much of the earnings paid in that week (other than earnings in respect of contracted-out employment) as exceeds the current lower earnings limit but not the current upper earnings limit for that week (or the prescribed equivalents if he is paid otherwise than weekly) . 3 Subsection (2) is omitted. 4 In subsection (3)(e), the words following “ prescribed period ” are omitted. 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Money purchase and personal pension schemes: verification of ages. 139 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reduction in benefits for members of certified schemes. 140 1 After section 48 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 there is inserted— Effect of reduced contributions and rebates on social security benefits Additional pension and other benefits. 48A 1 In relation to any tax week where— a the amount of a Class 1 contribution in respect of the earnings paid to or for the benefit of an earner in that week is reduced under section 41 or 42A, or b an amount is paid under section 45(1) in respect of the earnings paid to or for the benefit of an earner, section 44(6) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (earnings factors for additional pension) shall have effect, except in prescribed circumstances, as if no primary Class 1 contributions had been paid or treated as paid upon those earnings for that week and section 45A of that Act did not apply (where it would, apart from this subsection, apply). 2 Where the whole or part of a contributions equivalent premium has been paid or treated as paid in respect of the earner, the Secretary of State may make a determination reducing or eliminating the application of subsection (1). 3 Subsection (1) is subject to regulations under paragraph 5(3A) to (3E) of Schedule 2. 4 Regulations may, so far as is required for the purpose of providing entitlement to additional pension (such as is mentioned in section 44(3)(b) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992) but to the extent only that the amount of additional pension is attributable to provision made by regulations under section 45(5) of that Act, disapply subsection (1). 5 In relation to earners where, by virtue of subsection (1), section 44(6) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 has effect, in any tax year, as mentioned in that subsection in relation to some but not all of their earnings, regulations may modify the application of section 44(5) of that Act. 2 In section 48 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (effect of membership of money purchase contracted-out scheme or appropriate scheme on payment of social security benefits) in subsection (2), paragraph (b) is omitted and, in paragraph (c), “ if the earner dies before reaching pensionable age ” is omitted. 3 Section 48 of that Act shall cease to have effect in relation to minimum payments made, or minimum contributions paid, on or after the principal appointed day. Premiums and return to State scheme State scheme etc. premiums and buyback into State scheme. 141 1 In section 55 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (payment of state scheme premiums on termination of certified status), for subsection (2) there is substituted— 2 Where— a an earner is serving in employment which is contracted-out employment by reference to an occupational pension scheme (other than a money purchase contracted-out scheme), b paragraph (a) ceases to apply, by reason of any of the following circumstances, before the earner attains the scheme’s normal pension age or (if earlier) the end of the tax year preceding that in which the earner attains pensionable age, and c the earner has served for less than two years in the employment, the prescribed person may elect to pay a premium under this subsection (referred to in this Act as a “contributions equivalent premium”). 2A The circumstances referred to in subsection (2) are that— a the earner’s service in the employment ceases otherwise than on the earner’s death, b the earner ceases to be a member of the scheme otherwise than on the earner’s death, c the earner’s service in the employment ceases on the earner’s death and the earner dies leaving a widow or widower, d the scheme is wound up, e the scheme ceases to be a contracted-out occupational pension scheme; but paragraph (a), (b), (d) or (e) does not apply if the earner has an accrued right to short service benefit . 2 In Schedule 2 to that Act, in paragraph 5 (state scheme premiums)— a in sub-paragraph (3)— i “ in relation to state scheme premiums ” is omitted, ii paragraph (b) is omitted, and iii at the end there is added— “ and in this sub-paragraph and the following provisions of this paragraph “ premium ” means a contributions equivalent premium ” , b after sub-paragraph (3) there is inserted— 3A Sub-paragraph (3B) applies in relation to a member of a contracted-out occupational pension scheme which is being wound up if, in the opinion of the Secretary of State— a the resources of the scheme are insufficient to meet the whole of the liability for the cash equivalent of the member’s rights under the scheme, and b if the resources of the scheme are sufficient to meet a part of that liability, that part is less than the amount required for restoring his State scheme rights. 3B Where this sub-paragraph applies— a regulations may provide for treating the member as if sections 46 to 48 or, as the case may be, section 48A(1) did not apply, or applied only to such extent as is determined in accordance with the regulations, and b the amount required for restoring the member’s State scheme rights, or a prescribed part of that amount, shall be a debt due from the trustees or managers of the scheme to the Secretary of State. 3C Regulations may make provision— a for determining the cash equivalent of a member’s rights under a scheme and the extent (if any) to which the resources of the scheme are insufficient to meet the liability for that cash equivalent, b for the recovery of any debt due under sub-paragraph (3B)(b), and c for determining the amount required for restoring a member’s State scheme rights including provision requiring the Secretary of State to apply whichever prescribed actuarial table in force at the appropriate time is applicable. 3D Section 155 shall apply as if sub-paragraphs (3A) and (3B)(a), and regulations made by virtue of this sub-paragraph and sub-paragraph (3B)(b), were included among the provisions there referred to. 3E In sub-paragraphs (3A) and (3B), “State scheme rights”, in relation to a member of a scheme, are the rights for which, if the scheme had not been a contracted-out scheme, the member would have been eligible by virtue of section 44(6) of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 (earnings factors for additional pension). , and c sub-paragraph (5) is omitted. Protected rights Interim arrangements for giving effect to protected rights. 142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Requirements for interim arrangements. 143 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interim arrangements: supplementary. 144 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Extension of interim arrangements to occupational pension schemes. 145 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discharge of protected rights on winding up: insurance policies. 146 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miscellaneous Monitoring personal pension schemes. 147 After section 33 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 there is inserted— Appropriate schemes: “Blowing the whistle”. 33A 1 If any person acting as an auditor or actuary of an appropriate scheme has reasonable cause to believe that— a any requirement which, in the case of the scheme, is required by section 9(5)(a) to be satisfied is not satisfied, and b the failure to satisfy the requirement is likely to be of material significance in the exercise by the Secretary of State of any of his functions relating to appropriate schemes, that person must immediately give a written report of the matter to the Secretary of State. 2 No duty to which a person acting as auditor or actuary of an appropriate scheme is subject shall be regarded as contravened merely because of any information or opinion contained in a written report under this section. Earner employed in more than one employment. 148 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hybrid occupational pension schemes. 149 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dissolution of Occupational Pensions Board. 150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Minor and consequential amendments Minor and consequential amendments related to sections 136 to 150. 151 Schedule 5 (which makes amendments related to sections 136 to 150) shall have effect. Part IV Miscellaneous and General Transfer values Extension of scope of right to cash equivalent. 152 1 Section 93 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (scope of provisions relating to transfer values) is amended as follows. 2 For subsection (1)(a) there is substituted— a to any member of an occupational pension scheme— i whose pensionable service has terminated at least one year before normal pension age, and ii who on the date on which his pensionable service terminated had accrued rights to benefit under the scheme, except a member of a salary related occupational pension scheme whose pensionable service terminated before 1st January 1986 and in respect of whom prescribed requirements are satisfied . 3 After subsection (1) there is inserted— 1A For the purposes of this section and the following provisions of this Chapter, an occupational pension scheme is salary related if— a the scheme is not a money purchase scheme, and b the scheme does not fall within a prescribed class. 1B Regulations may— a provide for this Chapter not to apply in relation to a person of a prescribed description, or b apply this Chapter with prescribed modifications to occupational pension schemes— i which are not money purchase schemes, but ii where some of the benefits that may be provided are money purchase benefits. Right to guaranteed cash equivalent. 153 After section 93 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 there is inserted— Salary related schemes: right to statement of entitlement. 93A 1 The trustees or managers of a salary related occupational pension scheme must, on the application of any member, provide the member with a written statement (in this Chapter referred to as a “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. 2 In this section— “ the applicable rules ” has the same meaning as in section 94; “the guarantee date” means the date by reference to which the value of the cash equivalent is calculated, and must be— within the prescribed period beginning with the date of the application, and within the prescribed period ending with the date on which the statement of entitlement is provided to the member. 3 Regulations may make provision in relation to applications for a statement of entitlement, including, in particular, provision as to the period which must elapse after the making of such an application before a member may make a further such application. 4 If, in the case of any scheme, a statement of entitlement has not been provided under this section, section 10 of the Pensions Act 1995 (power of the Regulatory Authority to impose civil penalties) applies to any trustee or manager who has failed to take all such steps as are reasonable to secure compliance with this section. Right to guaranteed cash equivalent: supplementary. 154 1 In paragraph (a) of section 94(1) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993— a after “occupational pension scheme” there is inserted “ other than a salary related scheme ” , and b after “terminates” there is inserted “ (whether before or after 1st January 1986) ” . 2 After that paragraph there is inserted— aa a member of a salary related occupational pension scheme who has received a statement of entitlement and has made a relevant application within three months beginning with the guarantee date in respect of that statement acquires a right to his guaranteed cash equivalent . 3 After that subsection there is inserted— 1A For the purposes of subsection (1)(aa), a person’s “ guaranteed cash equivalent ” is the amount stated in the statement of entitlement mentioned in that subsection. 4 In subsection (2) of that section, after the definition of “the applicable rules” there is inserted— “ the guarantee date ” has the same meaning as in section 93A(2) . 5 After that subsection there is inserted— 3 Regulations may provide that, in prescribed circumstances, subsection (1)(aa) does not apply to members of salary related occupational pension schemes or applies to them with prescribed modifications. Penalties Breach of regulations under the Pension Schemes Act 1993. 155 1 For section 168 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (penalties for breach of regulations) there is substituted— Breach of regulations. 168 1 Regulations under any provision of this Act (other than Chapter II of Part VII) may make such provision as is referred to in subsection (2) or (4) for the contravention of any provision contained in regulations made or having effect as if made under any provision of this Act. 2 The regulations may provide for the contravention to be an offence under this Act and for the recovery on summary conviction of a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. 3 An offence under any provision of the regulations may be charged by reference to any day or longer period of time; and a person may be convicted of a second or subsequent offence under such a provision by reference to any period of time following the preceding conviction of the offence. 4 The regulations may provide for a person who has contravened the provision to pay to the Regulatory Authority, within a prescribed period, a penalty not exceeding an amount specified in the regulations; and the regulations must specify different amounts in the case of individuals from those specified in other cases and any amount so specified may not exceed the amount for the time being specified in the case of individuals or, as the case may be, others in section 10(2)(a) of the Pensions Act 1995. 5 Regulations made by virtue of subsection (4) do not affect the amount of any penalty recoverable under that subsection by reason of an act or omission occurring before the regulations are made. 6 Where— a apart from this subsection, a penalty under subsection (4) is recoverable from a body corporate or Scottish partnership by reason of any act or omission of the body or partnership as a trustee of a trust scheme, and b the act or omission was done with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any persons mentioned in subsection (7), such a penalty is recoverable from each of those persons who consented to or connived in the act or omission or to whose neglect the act or omission was attributable. 7 The persons referred to in subsection (6)(b)— a in relation to a body corporate, are— i any director, manager, secretary, or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, and ii where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, any member in connection with his functions of management, and b in relation to a Scottish partnership, are the partners. 8 Where the Regulatory Authority requires any person to pay a penalty by virtue of subsection (6), they may not also require the body corporate, or Scottish partnership, in question to pay a penalty in respect of the same act or omission. 9 A penalty under subsection (4) is recoverable by the Authority and any such penalty recovered by the Authority must be paid to the Secretary of State. 10 Where by reason of the contravention of any provision contained in regulations made, or having effect as if made, under this Act— a a person is convicted of an offence under this Act, or b a person pays a penalty under subsection (4), then, in respect of that contravention, he shall not, in a case within paragraph (a), be liable to pay such a penalty or, in a case within paragraph (b), be convicted of such an offence. 11 In this section “ contravention ” includes failure to comply, and “ Scottish partnership ” means a partnership constituted under the law of Scotland. Offence in connection with the Registrar. 168A 1 Any person who knowingly or recklessly provides the Registrar with information which is false or misleading in a material particular is guilty of an offence if the information— a is provided in purported compliance with a requirement under section 6, or b is provided otherwise than as mentioned in paragraph (a) above but in circumstances in which the person providing the information intends, or could reasonably be expected to know, that it would be used by the Registrar for the purpose of discharging his functions under this Act. 2 Any person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) is liable— a on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, b on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment or a fine, or both . 2 In section 186 of that Act (Parliamentary control of orders and regulations), in subsection (3), after paragraph (c) there is inserted or d regulations made by virtue of section 168(2) . Pensions Ombudsman Employment of staff by the Pensions Ombudsman. 156 For section 145(4) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (staff of the Pensions Ombudsman), there is substituted— 4A The Pensions Ombudsman may (with the approval of the Secretary of State as to numbers) appoint such persons to be employees of his as he thinks fit, on such terms and conditions as to remuneration and other matters as the Pensions Ombudsman may with the approval of the Secretary of State determine. 4B The Secretary of State may, on such terms as to payment by the Pensions Ombudsman as the Secretary of State thinks fit, make available to the Pensions Ombudsman such additional staff and such other facilities as he thinks fit. 4C Any function of the Pensions Ombudsman, other than the determination of complaints made and disputes referred under this Part, may be performed by any— a employee appointed by the Pensions Ombudsman under subsection (4A), or b member of staff made available to him by the Secretary of State under subsection (4B), who is authorised for that purpose by the Pensions Ombudsman. Jurisdiction of Pensions Ombudsman. 157 1 Sections 146 to 151 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 are amended as shown in subsections (2) to (11). 2 In section 146 (investigations concerning the trustees or managers of schemes), for subsections (1) to (4) there is substituted— 1 The Pensions Ombudsman may investigate and determine the following complaints and disputes— a a complaint made to him by or on behalf of an actual or potential beneficiary of an occupational or personal pension scheme who alleges that he has sustained injustice in consequence of maladministration in connection with any act or omission of a person responsible for the management of the scheme, b a complaint made to him— i by or on behalf of a person responsible for the management of an occupational pension scheme who in connection with any act or omission of another person responsible for the management of the scheme, alleges maladministration of the scheme, or ii by or on behalf of the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme who in connection with any act or omission of any trustee or manager of another such scheme, allege maladministration of the other scheme, and in any case falling within sub-paragraph (ii) references in this Part to the scheme to which the complaint relates is to the other scheme referred to in that paragraph, c any dispute of fact or law which arises in relation to an occupational or personal pension scheme between— i a person responsible for the management of the scheme, and ii an actual or potential beneficiary, and which is referred to him by or on behalf of the actual or potential beneficiary, and d any dispute of fact or law which arises between the trustees or managers of an occupational pension scheme and— i another person responsible for the management of the scheme, or ii any trustee or manager of another such scheme, and which is referred to him by or on behalf of the person referred to in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii); and in any case falling within sub-paragraph (ii) references in this Part to the scheme to which the reference relates is to the scheme first mentioned in that paragraph. 2 Complaints and references made to the Pensions Ombudsman must be made to him in writing. 3 For the purposes of this Part, the following persons (subject to subsection (4)) are responsible for the management of an occupational pension scheme— a the trustees or managers, and b the employer; but, in relation to a person falling within one of those paragraphs, references in this Part to another person responsible for the management of the same scheme are to a person falling within the other paragraph. 3A For the purposes of this Part, a person is responsible for the management of a personal pension scheme if he is a trustee or manager of the scheme. 4 Regulations may provide that, subject to any prescribed modifications or exceptions, this Part shall apply in the case of an occupational or personal pension scheme in relation to any prescribed person or body of persons where the person or body— a is not a trustee or manager or employer, but b is concerned with the financing or administration of, or the provision of benefits under, the scheme, as if for the purposes of this Part he were a person responsible for the management of the scheme . 3 In subsection (7) of that section, for “authorised complainants” there is substituted “ actual or potential beneficiaries ” . 4 In section 147 (death, insolvency etc.), in subsections (1) and (2), for “authorised complainant” there is substituted “ actual or potential beneficiary ” and for “the authorised complainant’s” there is substituted “ his ” . 5 In subsection (3) of that section, for “an authorised complainant” there is substituted “ a person by whom, or on whose behalf, a complaint or reference has been made under this Part ” . 6 In section 148 (staying court proceedings), in subsection (5), for paragraphs (a) and (b) there is substituted— a the person by whom, or on whose behalf, the complaint or reference has been made, b any person responsible for the management of the scheme to which the complaint or reference relates . 7 In section 149 (procedure on investigation), in subsection (1)(a), for “the trustees and managers of the scheme concerned” there is substituted “ any person (other than the person by whom, or on whose behalf, the complaint or reference was made) responsible for the management of the scheme to which the complaint or reference relates ” . 8 In section 150 (investigations: further provisions), in subsection (1)(a), for “any trustee or manager of the scheme concerned” there is substituted “ any person responsible for the management of the scheme to which the complaint or reference relates ” . 9 In section 151 (determinations of Pensions Ombudsman), for subsection (1)(a) and (b) there is substituted— a to the person by whom, or on whose behalf, the complaint or reference was made, and b to any person (if different) responsible for the management of the scheme to which the complaint or reference relates . 10 In subsection (2) of that section, for “the trustees or managers of the scheme concerned” there is substituted “ any person responsible for the management of the scheme to which the complaint or reference relates ” . 11 In subsection (3) of that section, for paragraphs (a) to (c) there is substituted— a the person by whom, or on whose behalf, the complaint or reference was made, b any person (if different) responsible for the management of the scheme to which the complaint or reference relates, and c any person claiming under a person falling within paragraph (a) or (b) . 12 In Part I of Schedule 1 to the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 (tribunals under the direct supervision of the Council on Tribunals), in paragraph 35(e), for “section 146(2)” there is substituted “ section 146(1)(c) and (d) ” . Costs and expenses. 158 In section 149 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993— a after subsection (3)(b) there is inserted and c for the payment by the Ombudsman of such travelling and other allowances (including compensation for loss of remunerative time) as the Secretary of State may determine, to— i actual or potential beneficiaries of a scheme to which a complaint or reference relates, or ii persons appearing and being heard on behalf of such actual or potential beneficiaries, who attend at the request of the Ombudsman any oral hearing held in connection with an investigation into the complaint or dispute. , and b at the end of subsection (3)(a), “ and ” is omitted. Disclosing information. 159 1 In section 149 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993, after subsection (4) there is added— 5 The Pensions Ombudsman may disclose any information which he obtains for the purposes of an investigation under this Part to any person to whom subsection (6) applies, if the Ombudsman considers that the disclosure would enable or assist that person to discharge any of his functions. 6 This subsection applies to the following— a the Regulatory Authority, b the Pensions Compensation Board, c the Registrar, d any department of the Government (including the government of Northern Ireland), e the Bank of England, f the Friendly Societies Commission, g the Building Societies Commission, h an inspector appointed by the Secretary of State under Part XIV of the Companies Act 1985 or section 94 or 177 of the Financial Services Act 1986, j an inspector appointed by the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland under Part XV of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, k a person authorised under section 106 of the Financial Services Act 1986 to exercise powers conferred by section 105 of that Act, l a designated agency or transferee body or the competent authority within the meaning of that Act, and m a recognised self-regulating organisation, recognised professional body, recognised investment exchange or recognised clearing house, within the meaning of that Act. 7 The Secretary of State may by order— a amend subsection (6) by adding any person or removing any person for the time being specified in that subsection, or b restrict the circumstances in which, or impose conditions subject to which, disclosure may be made to any person for the time being specified in that subsection. 2 In section 151 of that Act, in subsection (7)(a), after “this section” there is inserted— aa in disclosing any information under section 149(5) . Interest on late payment of benefit. 160 After section 151 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 there is inserted— Interest on late payment of benefit. 151A Where under this Part the Pensions Ombudsman directs a person responsible for the management of an occupational or personal pension scheme to make any payment in respect of benefit under the scheme which, in his opinion, ought to have been paid earlier, his direction may also require the payment of interest at the prescribed rate . Modification and winding up of schemes Repeal of sections 136 to 143 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993. 161 Sections 136 to 141 (modification) and 142 and 143 (winding up) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 are repealed. Personal pensions Annual increase in rate of personal pension. 162 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section 162: supplementary. 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power to reject notice choosing appropriate personal pension scheme. 164 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Levy Levy. 165 For section 175 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (levies towards meeting certain costs and grants) there is substituted— Levies towards certain expenditure. 175 1 For the purpose of meeting expenditure— a under section 6, b under Part X and section 174, or c of the Regulatory Authority (including the establishment of the authority and, if the authority are appointed as Registrar under section 6 of this Act, their expenditure as Registrar), regulations may make provision for imposing levies in respect of prescribed occupational or prescribed personal pension schemes. 2 Any levy imposed under subsection (1) is payable to the Secretary of State by or on behalf of— a the administrators of any prescribed public service pension scheme, b the trustees or managers of any other prescribed occupational or prescribed personal pension scheme, or c any other prescribed person, at prescribed rates and at prescribed times. 3 Regulations made by virtue of subsection (1)— a in determining the amount of any levy in respect of the Regulatory Authority, must take account (among other things) of any amounts paid to the Secretary of State under section 168(4) of this Act or section 10 of the Pensions Act 1995, and b in determining the amount of expenditure in respect of which any levy is to be imposed, may take one year with another and, accordingly, may have regard to expenditure estimated to be incurred in current or future periods and to actual expenditure incurred in previous periods (including periods ending before the coming into force of this subsection). 4 Regulations may make provision for imposing a levy in respect of prescribed occupational pension schemes for the purpose of meeting expenditure of the Pensions Compensation Board (including the establishment of the Board). 5 Any levy imposed under subsection (4) is payable to the Board by or on behalf of— a the trustees of any prescribed occupational pension scheme, or b any other prescribed person, at prescribed times and at a rate, not exceeding the prescribed rate, determined by the Board. 6 In determining the amount of expenditure in respect of which any levy under subsection (4) is to be imposed, the Board, and regulations made by virtue of subsection (5), may take one year with another and, accordingly, may have regard to expenditure estimated to be incurred in current or future periods and to actual expenditure incurred in previous periods (including periods ending before the coming into force of this subsection). 7 Notice of the rates determined by the Board under subsection (5) must be given to prescribed persons in the prescribed manner. 8 An amount payable by a person on account of a levy imposed under this section shall be a debt due from him to the appropriate person, that is— a if the levy is imposed under subsection (1), the Secretary of State, and b if the levy is imposed under subsection (4), the Board, and an amount so payable shall be recoverable by the appropriate person accordingly or, if the appropriate person so determines, be recoverable by the Registrar on behalf of the appropriate person. 9 Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (4), regulations under this section may include provision relating to— a the collection and recovery of amounts payable by way of levy under this section, or b the circumstances in which any such amount may be waived. Pensions on divorce, etc. Pensions on divorce etc. 166 1 In the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, after section 25A there is inserted— Pensions. 25B 1 The matters to which the court is to have regard under section 25(2) above include— a in the case of paragraph (a), any benefits under a pension scheme which a party to the marriage has or is likely to have, and b in the case of paragraph (h), any benefits under a pension scheme which, by reason of the dissolution or annulment of the marriage, a party to the marriage will lose the chance of acquiring, and, accordingly, in relation to benefits under a pension scheme, section 25(2)(a) above shall have effect as if “in the foreseeable future” were omitted. 2 In any proceedings for a financial provision order under section 23 above in a case where a party to the marriage has, or is likely to have, any benefit under a pension scheme, the court shall, in addition to considering any other matter which it is required to consider apart from this subsection, consider— a whether, having regard to any matter to which it is required to have regard in the proceedings by virtue of subsection (1) above, such an order (whether deferred or not) should be made, and b where the court determines to make such an order, how the terms of the order should be affected, having regard to any such matter. 3 The following provisions apply where, having regard to any benefits under a pension scheme, the court determines to make an order under section 23 above. 4 To the extent to which the order is made having regard to any benefits under a pension scheme, the order may require the trustees or managers of the pension scheme in question, if at any time any payment in respect of any benefits under the scheme becomes due to the party with pension rights, to make a payment for the benefit of the other party. 5 The amount of any payment which, by virtue of subsection (4) above, the trustees or managers are required to make under the order at any time shall not exceed the amount of the payment which is due at that time to the party with pension rights. 6 Any such payment by the trustees or managers— a shall discharge so much of the trustees or managers liability to the party with pension rights as corresponds to the amount of the payment, and b shall be treated for all purposes as a payment made by the party with pension rights in or towards the discharge of his liability under the order. 7 Where the party with pension rights may require any benefits which he has or is likely to have under the scheme to be commuted, the order may require him to commute the whole or part of those benefits; and this section applies to the payment of any amount commuted in pursuance of the order as it applies to other payments in respect of benefits under the scheme. Pensions: lump sums. 25C 1 The power of the court under section 23 above to order a party to a marriage to pay a lump sum to the other party includes, where the benefits which the party with pension rights has or is likely to have under a pension scheme include any lump sum payable in respect of his death, power to make any of the following provision by the order. 2 The court may— a if the trustees or managers of the pension scheme in question have power to determine the person to whom the sum, or any part of it, is to be paid, require them to pay the whole or part of that sum, when it becomes due, to the other party, b if the party with pension rights has power to nominate the person to whom the sum, or any part of it, is to be paid, require the party with pension rights to nominate the other party in respect of the whole or part of that sum, c in any other case, require the trustees or managers of the pension scheme in question to pay the whole or part of that sum, when it becomes due, for the benefit of the other party instead of to the person to whom, apart from the order, it would be paid. 3 Any payment by the trustees or managers under an order made under section 23 above by virtue of this section shall discharge so much of the trustees, or managers, liability in respect of the party with pension rights as corresponds to the amount of the payment. Pensions: supplementary. 25D 1 Where— a an order made under section 23 above by virtue of section 25B or 25C above imposes any requirement on the trustees or managers of a pension scheme (“the first scheme”) and the party with pension rights acquires transfer credits under another pension scheme (“the new scheme”) which are derived (directly or indirectly) from a transfer from the first scheme of all his accrued rights under that scheme (including transfer credits allowed by that scheme), and b the trustees or managers of the new scheme have been given notice in accordance with regulations, the order shall have effect as if it has been made instead in respect of the trustees or managers of the new scheme; and in this subsection “ transfer credits ” has the same meaning as in the Pension Schemes Act 1993. 2 Regulations may— a in relation to any provision of sections 25B or 25C above which authorises the court making an order under section 23 above to require the trustees or managers of a pension scheme to make a payment for the benefit of the other party, make provision as to the person to whom, and the terms on which, the payment is to be made, b require notices to be given in respect of changes of circumstances relevant to such orders which include provision made by virtue of sections 25B and 25C above, c make provision for the trustees or managers of any pension scheme to provide, for the purposes of orders under section 23 above, information as to the value of any benefits under the scheme, d make provision for the recovery of the administrative expenses of— i complying with such orders, so far as they include provision made by virtue of sections 25B and 25C above, and ii providing such information, from the party with pension rights or the other party, e make provision for the value of any benefits under a pension scheme to be calculated and verified, for the purposes of orders under section 23 above, in a prescribed manner, and regulations made by virtue of paragraph (e) above may provide for that value to be calculated and verified in accordance with guidance which is prepared and from time to time revised by a prescribed person and approved by the Secretary of State. 3 In this section and sections 25B and 25C above— a references to a pension scheme include— i a retirement annuity contract, or ii an annuity, or insurance policy, purchased or transferred for the purpose of giving effect to rights under a pension scheme, b in relation to such a contract or annuity, references to the trustees or managers shall be read as references to the provider of the annuity, c in relation to such a policy, references to the trustees or managers shall be read as references to the insurer, and in section 25B(1) and (2) above, references to benefits under a pension scheme include any benefits by way of pension, whether under a pension scheme or not. 4 In this section and sections 25B and 25C above— “ the party with pension rights ” means the party to the marriage who has or is likely to have benefits under a pension scheme and “ the other party ” means the other party to the marriage, “ pension scheme ” means an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme (applying the definitions in section 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993, but as if the reference to employed earners in the definition of “personal pension scheme” were to any earners), “ prescribed ” means prescribed by regulations, and “ regulations ” means regulations made by the Lord Chancellor; and the power to make regulations under this section shall be exercisable by statutory instrument, which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 2 In section 25(2)(h) of that Act (loss of chance to acquire benefits), “ (for example, a pension) ” is omitted. 3 In section 31 of that Act (variation, discharge, etc. of orders)— a in subsection (2), after paragraph (d) there is inserted— dd any deferred order made by virtue of section 23(1)(c) (lump sums) which includes provision made by virtue of— i section 25B(4), or ii section 25C, (provision in respect of pension rights) , and b after subsection (2A) there is inserted— 2B Where the court has made an order referred to in subsection (2)(dd)(ii) above, this section shall cease to apply to the order on the death of either of the parties to the marriage . 4 Nothing in the provisions mentioned in subsection (5) applies to a court exercising its powers under section 23 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 (financial provision in connection with divorce proceedings, etc.) in respect of any benefits under a pension arrangement (within the meaning of section 25B(1) of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973) which a party to the marriage has or is likely to have. 4A Nothing in the provisions mentioned in subsection (5) applies to a court exercising its powers under Part 6 of Schedule 5 to the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (making of Part 1 orders having regard to pension benefits). 5 The provisions referred to in subsections (4) and (4A) are — a section 356 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 or 159(4) and (4A) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993 (which prevent assignment, or orders being made restraining a person from receiving anything which he is prevented from assigning), b section 91 of this Act, c any provision of any enactment (whether passed or made before or after this Act is passed) corresponding to any of the enactments mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b), and d any provision of the arrangement in question corresponding to any of those enactments. 6 Subsections (3) to (7) of section 25B, and section 25C of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, as inserted by this section, do not affect the powers of the court under section 31 of that Act (variation, discharge, etc.) in relation to any order made before the commencement of this section. Pensions on divorce, etc.: Scotland. 167 1 In section 8(1) (orders for financial provision) of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 1985 (“the 1985 Act”), after paragraph (b) there is inserted— ba an order under section 12A(2) or (3) of this Act; . 2 In section 10 of the 1985 Act (sharing of value of matrimonial property)— a in subsection (5)— i after “party” there is inserted “ (a) ” ; and ii for “or occupational pension scheme or similar arrangement” there is substituted— or similar arrangement; and b in any benefits under a pension scheme which either party has or may have (including such benefits payable in respect of the death of either party), which is ; and b after subsection (7) there is inserted— 8 The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision— a for the value of any benefits under a pension scheme to be calculated and verified, for the purposes of this Act, in a prescribed manner; b for the trustees or managers of any pension scheme to provide, for the purposes of this Act, information as to that value, and for the recovery of the administrative expenses of providing such information from either party, and regulations made by virtue of paragraph (a) above may provide for that value to be calculated and verified in accordance with guidance which is prepared and from time to time revised by a prescribed body and approved by the Secretary of State. 9 Regulations under subsection (8) above shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 10 In this section— “ benefits under a pension scheme ” includes any benefits by way of pension, whether under a pension scheme or not; “ pension scheme ” means— an occupational pension scheme or a personal pension scheme (applying the definitions in section 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993, but as if the reference to employed earners in the definition of “personal pension scheme” were to any earners); a retirement annuity contract; or an annuity, or insurance policy, purchased or transferred for the purpose of giving effect to rights under a pension scheme falling within paragraph (a) above; and “ prescribed ” means prescribed by regulations. 11 In this section, references to the trustees or managers of a pension scheme— a in relation to a contract or annuity referred to in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of “ pension scheme ” in subsection (10) above, shall be read as references to the provider of the annuity; b in relation to an insurance policy referred to in paragraph (c) of that definition, shall be read as a reference to the insurer. . 3 After section 12 of the 1985 Act there is inserted— Orders for payment of capital sum: pensions lump sums. 12A 1 This section applies where the court makes an order under section 8(2) of this Act for payment of a capital sum (a “capital sum order”) by a party to the marriage (“the liable party”) in circumstances where— a the matrimonial property within the meaning of section 10 of this Act includes any rights or interests in benefits under a pension scheme which the liable party has or may have (whether such benefits are payable to him or in respect of his death); and b those benefits include a lump sum payable to him or in respect of his death. 2 Where the benefits referred to in subsection (1) above include a lump sum payable to the liable party, the court, on making the capital sum order, may make an order requiring the trustees or managers of the pension scheme in question to pay the whole or part of that sum, when it becomes due, to the other party to the marriage (“the other party”). 3 Where the benefits referred to in subsection (1) above include a lump sum payable in respect of the death of the liable party, the court, on making the capital sum order, may make an order— a if the trustees or managers of the pension scheme in question have power to determine the person to whom the sum, or any part of it, is to be paid, requiring them to pay the whole or part of that sum, when it becomes due, to the other party; b if the liable party has power to nominate the person to whom the sum, or any part of it, is to be paid, requiring the liable party to nominate the other party in respect of the whole or part of that sum; c in any other case, requiring the trustees or managers of the pension scheme in question to pay the whole or part of that sum, when it becomes due, to the other party instead of to the person to whom, apart from the order, it would be paid. 4 Any payment by the trustees or managers under an order under subsection (2) or (3) above— a shall discharge so much of the trustees’ or managers’ liability to or in respect of the liable party as corresponds to the amount of the payment; and b shall be treated for all purposes as a payment made by the liable party in or towards the discharge of his liability under the capital sum order. 5 Where the liability of the liable party under the capital sum order has been discharged in whole or in part, other than by a payment by the trustees or managers under an order under subsection (2) or (3) above, the court may, on an application by any person having an interest, recall any order under either of those subsections or vary the amount specified in such an order, as appears to the court appropriate in the circumstances. 6 Where— a an order under subsection (2) or (3) above imposes any requirement on the trustees or managers of a pension scheme (“the first scheme”) and the liable party acquires transfer credits under another scheme (“the new scheme”) which are derived (directly or indirectly) from a transfer from the first scheme of all his accrued rights under that scheme; and b the trustees or managers of the new scheme have been given notice in accordance with regulations under subsection (8) below, the order shall have effect as if it had been made instead in respect of the trustees or managers of the new scheme; and in this subsection “ transfer credits ” has the same meaning as in the Pension Schemes Act 1993. 7 Without prejudice to subsection (6) above, the court may, on an application by any person having an interest, vary an order under subsection (2) or (3) above by substituting for the trustees or managers specified in the order the trustees or managers of any other pension scheme under which any lump sum referred to in subsection (1) above is payable to the liable party or in respect of his death. 8 The Secretary of State may by regulations— a require notices to be given in respect of changes of circumstances relevant to orders under subsection (2) or (3) above; b make provision for the recovery of the administrative expenses of complying with such orders from the liable party or the other party. 9 Regulations under subsection (8) above shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 10 Subsection (10) (other than the definition of “benefits under a pension scheme”) and subsection (11) of section 10 of this Act shall apply for the purposes of this section as those subsections apply for the purposes of that section. . 4 Nothing in the provisions mentioned in section 166(5) above applies to a court exercising its powers under section 8 (orders for financial provision on divorce, etc.) or 12A (orders for payment of capital sum: pensions lump sums) of the 1985 Act in respect of any benefits under a pension arrangement which fall within subsection (5)(b) of section 10 of that Act (“ pension arrangement ” having the meaning given in subsection (1) of section 27 of that Act, as it has effect for the purposes of subsection (5) of the said section 10). War pensions for widows: effect of remarriage. 168 1 In determining whether a pension is payable to a person as a widow, widower or surviving civil partner under any of the enactments mentioned in subsection (3) in respect of any period beginning on or after the commencement date, no account may be taken of the fact that the person has married or formed a civil partnership with another person if, before the beginning of that period— a the marriage or civil partnership has been terminated, b the parties to it have been judicially separated, or c in the case of a civil partnership, a separation order has been made in respect of the parties. 1A The commencement date is— a for the purpose of determining whether a pension is payable to a person as a widow or widower, 19 July 1995; b for the purpose of determining whether a pension is payable to a person as a surviving civil partner, 5 December 2005. 2 For the purposes of this section— a the reference to the termination of a marriage or civil partnership is to its termination by death, dissolution or annulment, and b the reference to judicial separation includes any legal separation obtained in a country or territory outside the British Islands and recognised in the United Kingdom; and for those purposes a divorce , dissolution , annulment or legal separation obtained in a country or territory outside the British Islands must, if the Secretary of State so determines, be treated as recognised in the United Kingdom even though no declaration as to its validity has been made by any court in the United Kingdom. 3 The enactments referred to in subsection (1) are— a The Naval, Military and Air Forces etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 2006 , and any order re-enacting the provisions of that order, b The Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983, and any subsequent scheme made under the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act 1939, c any scheme made under the Pensions (Navy, Army, Air Force and Mercantile Marine) Act 1939 or the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 applying the provisions of any such order as is referred to in paragraph (a), d the order made under section 1(5) of the Ulster Defence Regiment Act 1969 concerning pensions and other grants in respect of disablement or death due to service in the Ulster Defence Regiment. Extensions of Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act 1943. 169 1 The Pensions Appeal Tribunals Act 1943 is amended as follows. 2 In section 1 (appeals against rejection of war pension claims made in respect of members of armed forces)— a in subsection (1), after “administered by the Minister” there is inserted “ or under a scheme made under section 1 of the Polish Resettlement Act 1947 ” , and b in subsections (3) and (3A), for “or Order of His Majesty” there is substituted “ , Order of Her Majesty or scheme ” . 3 In section 7 (application of Act to past decisions and assessments)— a in subsection (2), at the beginning there is inserted “ Subject to subsection (2A) of this section, ” , and b after that subsection, there is inserted— 2A Subsection (2) of this section shall not apply in relation to any decision given by the Minister before the passing of this Act which corresponds, apart from any difference of the kind referred to in that subsection, with such a decision as is referred to in section 1 of this Act in respect of claims made under the scheme referred to in that section. 4 In section 10 (power to modify sections 1 to 4 by Order in Council), in subsections (1) and (2), for “or Order of His Majesty” there is substituted “ , Order of Her Majesty or scheme ” . 5 In section 12 (interpretation), in the definition of “ relevant service ”— a for “or Order of His Majesty” there is substituted “ , Order of Her Majesty or scheme ” , and b for “or Order” there is substituted “ , Order or scheme ” . 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Official and public service pensions Pensions for dependants of the Prime Minister etc. 170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equal treatment in relation to official pensions. 171 1 Section 3 of the Pensions (Increase) Act 1971 (qualifying conditions for pensions increase) is amended as follows. 2 In subsection (2)(c), “ is a woman who ” is omitted. 3 In subsection (10)— a for “woman is in receipt of a pension” there is substituted “ person is in receipt of a pension the whole or any part of ” , and b for “woman and that pension” there is substituted “ person and that pension or part ” . 4 In subsection (11)— a for “woman’s” there is substituted “ person’s ” , and b for “woman” there is substituted “ person ” , and accordingly for “she” there is substituted “ he ” . 5 This section shall have effect, and shall be deemed to have had effect, in relation to pensions commencing after 17th May 1990, and in relation to so much of any such pension as is referable to service on or after that date. Information about public service schemes. 172 1 In prescribed circumstances, the Secretary of State may provide information to any prescribed person in connection with the following questions— a whether an individual who during any period— i has been eligible to be an active member of an occupational pension scheme under the Superannuation Act 1972, but ii has instead made contributions to a personal pension scheme, has suffered loss as a result of a contravention which is actionable under section 62 of the Financial Services Act 1986 or under section 138D of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (actions for damages in respect of contravention of rules etc. made under the Act), and b if so, what payment would need to be made to the occupational scheme in respect of the individual to restore the position to what it would have been if the individual had been an active member of the occupational scheme throughout the period in question, and may impose on that person reasonable fees in respect of administrative expenses incurred in providing that information. 2 Where— a such an individual as is mentioned in subsection (1) is admitted or readmitted as an active member of an occupational pension scheme under the Superannuation Act 1972, or b a payment is made to the Secretary of State in respect of such an individual for the purpose mentioned in paragraph (b) of that subsection, the Secretary of State may impose on any prescribed person reasonable fees in respect of administrative expenses incurred in connection with the admission, readmission or payment. 3 In the case of an occupational pension scheme under section 1 of the Superannuation Act 1972 (superannuation of civil servants), the references in subsections (1) and (2) to the Secretary of State shall be read as references to the Minister for the Civil Service, or such person as may be prescribed. 4 In the case of an occupational pension scheme under section 7 of the Superannuation Act 1972 (superannuation of persons employed in local government etc.), the references in subsections (1) and (2) to the Secretary of State shall be read as references to a prescribed person. 5 In this section— “ prescribed ” means— in the case of a scheme made under section 1 of the Superannuation Act 1972, prescribed by a scheme made by the Minister for the Civil Service, or in any other case, prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State, and “ active member ”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, has the same meaning as in Part I. General minor and consequential amendments General minor and consequential amendments. 173 Schedule 6, which makes general minor and consequential amendments, shall have effect. Subordinate legislation etc. Orders and regulations (general provisions). 174 1 Any power under this Act to make regulations or orders (except a power of the court or the Authority to make orders) shall be exercisable by statutory instrument. 2 Except in so far as this Act provides otherwise, any power conferred by it to make regulations or an order may be exercised— a either in relation to all cases to which the power extends, or in relation to those cases subject to specified exceptions, or in relation to any specified cases or classes of case, b so as to make, as respects the cases in relation to which it is exercised— i the full provision to which the power extends or any less provision (whether by way of exception or otherwise), ii the same provision for all cases in relation to which the power is exercised, or different provision for different cases or different classes of case or different provision as respects the same case or class of case for different purposes of this Act, or iii any such provision either unconditionally or subject to any specified condition, and where such a power is expressed to be exercisable for alternative purposes it may be exercised in relation to the same case for any or all of those purposes; and any power to make regulations or an order for the purposes of any one provision of this Act shall be without prejudice to any power to make regulations or an order for the purposes of any other provision. 3 Any power conferred by this Act to make regulations or an order includes power to make such incidental, supplementary, consequential or transitional provision as appears to the authority making the regulations or order to be expedient for the purposes of the regulations or order. 4 Regulations made by the Secretary of State may, for the purposes of or in connection with the coming into force of any provisions of this Act, make any such provision as could be made, by virtue of subsection (4)(a) of section 180, by an order bringing those provisions into force. Parliamentary control of orders and regulations. 175 1 Subject to subsections (2) , (2A) and (3), a statutory instrument which contains any regulations or order made under this Act shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament. 2 A statutory instrument which contains any regulations made by virtue of— a section 64(4), b section 78(6), c section 116(1), ... d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . or order under section 10(2) must not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. 2A A statutory instrument which contains the first regulations made by virtue of section 41A or 41C must not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament. 3 Subsection (1) does not apply to an order under section 180. General Interpretation. 176 In this Act— “ enactment ” includes an enactment comprised in subordinate legislation (within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978), “ occupational pension scheme ” and “ personal pension scheme ” have the meaning given by section 1 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993, and the definition of “enactment” shall apply for the purposes of section 114 as if “ Act ” in section 21(1) of the Interpretation Act 1978 included any enactment. Repeals. 177 The enactments shown in Schedule 7 are repealed to the extent specified in the third column. Extent. 178 1 Subject to the following provisions, this Act does not extend to Northern Ireland. 2 Sections ... 68(5), ... ...168, 170(4) to (7), 172 and 179 extend to Northern Ireland. 3 The amendment by this Act of an enactment which extends to Northern Ireland extends also to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland. 179 An Order in Council under paragraph 1(1)(b) of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Act 1974 (legislation for Northern Ireland in the interim period) which states that it is made only for purposes corresponding to those of this Act— a shall not be subject to paragraph 1(4) and (5) of that Schedule (affirmative resolution of both Houses of Parliament), but b shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House. Commencement. 180 1 Subject to the following provisions, this Act shall come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument appoint and different days may be appointed for different purposes. 2 The following provisions shall come into force on the day this Act is passed— a subject to the provisions of Schedule 4, Part II, b section 168, c sections 170 and 171, d section 179, and any repeal in Schedule 7 for which there is a note shall come into force in accordance with that note. 3 Section 166 shall come into force on such day as the Lord Chancellor may by order made by statutory instrument appoint and different days may be appointed for different purposes. 4 Without prejudice to section 174(3), the power to make an order under this section includes power— a to make transitional adaptations or modifications— i of the provisions brought into force by the order, or ii in connection with those provisions, of any provisions of this Act, or the Pension Schemes Act 1993, then in force, or b to save the effect of any of the repealed provisions of that Act, or those provisions as adapted or modified by the order, as it appears to the Secretary of State expedient, including different adaptations or modifications for different periods. Short title. 181 This Act may be cited as the Pensions Act 1995.