Pensions - Articles - Pension Protection Fund issue PPF 7800 Index for March 2021

 A scheme’s s179 liabilities represent, broadly speaking, the premium that would have to be paid to an insurance company to take on the payment of PPF levels of compensation. This compensation may be lower than full scheme benefits.

 Highlights

 • The aggregate surplus of the 5,318 schemes in the PPF 7800 Index is estimated to have increased over the month to £34.2 billion at the end of March 2021, from a surplus of £14.6 billion at the end of February 2021.
 • The funding ratio increased from 100.8 per cent at the end of February 2021 to 102.0 per cent.
 • Total assets were £1,757.3 billion and total liabilities were £1,723.1 billion.
 • There were 2,730 schemes in deficit and 2,588 schemes in surplus.
 • The deficit of the schemes in deficit at the end of March 2021 was £144.3 billion, down from £154.4 billion at the end of February 2021.

 Lisa McCrory, Chief Finance Officer and Chief Actuary, said: “The funding position of the PPF 7800 Index has improved slightly in March. The aggregate surplus of the 5,318 defined benefit pension schemes increased to £34.2 billion with an improved funding ratio of 102 per cent primarily due to an increase in equities.

 “Although these recent market movements appear encouraging we remain mindful that this continues to be a volatile position.”

 To view the full March 2021 update
 
 For a more in-depth look at the monthly changes to our data