Here is our weekly summary of key legal and regulatory developments relevant to occupational pension schemes that you might have missed, with links for further information.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published Pension Schemes Newsletter 185. This includes a reminder that registered pension schemes should be migrated onto the Managing Pension Schemes service by 31 December 2026, with the old Pension Schemes Online platform closing in April 2027. Our blog contains more information on the process. The newsletter also notes that the government plans on legislating to simplify the taxation of certain lump sum death benefits paid in excess of the lump sum and death benefit allowance. Any tax due on these payments will still be charged at the beneficiary’s marginal rate of income tax, but the amount above the allowance will no longer count as pension income for other tax purposes.
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has published a paper on rethinking pension policy for the self-employed. This addresses findings in the Pensions Commission’s interim report that just 4% of wholly self-employed workers are currently saving into a pension scheme, with participation even lower among the younger self-employed. The paper explores a range of policy options to make retirement saving simpler, more accessible and more consistent with the realities of modern self-employment.
The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published its September 2026 Master Trust Bulletin. TPR notes that updated guidance on significant event J will be published in the autumn, in response to industry feedback. (A significant event J is a failure of the systems or processes used in running the scheme that has a significant adverse effect on the security or quality of data or on service delivery). The bulletin also considers increasing investment in UK private markets, and provides the latest information on dashboards for master trusts.
Many employers are grappling with a significant increase in AI-assisted grievances, which are emerging as one of the most pressing workplace challenges for employers. Join our colleagues in the Employment & Labour team on 18 November 2026, for a webinar providing some practical tips and tactics for identifying and responding to AI-assisted grievances.
If you would like specific advice on any of these issues or anything else, please contact a member of our Pensions team.
