19
Acknowledged
Give the PPF more flexibility in setting its levy rates
Recommendation
The Government should find an early legislative opportunity to give the PPF more flexibility in how it sets the levy, allowing it to reduce it to zero and then increase it again if necessary.
Government Response Summary
The government announced it will consider giving the Board of the PPF greater flexibility to adjust the annual pension protection levy, aiming to reduce costs for levy payers, but did not commit to specific legislative action or a timeline.
Paragraph Reference
139
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The PPF is now in a strong financial position, with a reserve fund of more than £13 billion. Clearly the PPF should not have to charge a levy when it is not required. Currently restrictions in the legislation prevent the PPF Board from significantly raising the levy beyond 25% of what it collected the previous financial year. This has been a barrier to the PPF board reducing the levy. That is why the Government announced on 30 January that it will consider giving the Board of the PPF greater flexibility to adjust the annual pension protection levy it collects from private sector occupational DB pension schemes. This will reduce costs for levy payers who have helped to fund the PPF over the years. Giving the Board of the PPF greater flexibility to adjust the pension protection levy will help to unlock millions of pounds for schemes, enabling employers to invest in their business and grow the economy.
Source
Committee
Work and Pensions Committee
Inquiry
Defined benefit pension schemes
Report
Third Report - Defined benefit pension schemes
26 Mar 2024
HC 144
Addressee Bodies
Department for Work and Pensions
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.2 yrs
Report published
26 Mar 2024