Pensions - Articles - Government unveils rules for a 21st century pension system

 Under the new regulations, the majority of trustees will be required to explain their approach to ESG factors, stewardship of investments, and ethical issues. Many will also be required to report annually to pension scheme members on what they have done to implement their approach to these subjects. 

 ShareAction has long fought to see the law clearly state that pension schemes are required to address the financial risks posed by a wide range of environmental, social and governance factors, notably climate change. For the millions of people enrolled into defined contribution pension schemes over the last few years as a result of pensions auto-enrolment, the new regulations bring a much-needed new level of long-term risk protection. They also pave the way for members of UK pension schemes to be heard on ethical investment issues that matter to them.

 The DWP opened up its consultation process on these regulations to regular pension savers, receiving a substantial response from over 3400 individuals, the vast majority of whom signalled their strong support for the changes that are now being introduced to the UK’s pension regulations.

 Catherine Howarth, Chief Executive at ShareAction, says: “This is a major development, for which we have long fought, and we commend the government on this action to protect UK pension savers. Working people in the UK deserve 21st century risk management of their retirement assets and investment strategies that anticipate the impacts on portfolios of issues like climate change. They also deserve to be heard by the trustees and investment professionals looking after their savings. These regulations are a big step forward in shifting the culture and practice of the UK pensions sector, and we warmly welcome them. It is now over to the FCA to ensure savers in schemes it regulates are given similar information and protection”
  

 Clarifying and strengthening trustees investment duties