§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the costs and benefits to(a) employers and (b) employees of the legal framework governing the operation of occupational pension schemes. [159363]
§ Mr. RookerOccupational pension schemes in the UK are voluntary. As such, the legal framework that governs occupational pension schemes must achieve a balance between the necessary protection of scheme members, which will include employees as well as pensioner and deferred members, and the costs created for the employers who sponsor the schemes. We are always conscious of the need to maintain this balance and therefore keep the framework under continuous review.
Two examples of recent changes to be introduced as a result of this on-going review are the member nominated trustee provisions, to ensure that all scheme members can play a role in the running of their schemes, and the proposals to replace the minimum funding requirement for occupational schemes.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what help he proposes to provide for those people who are in receipt of a final salary occupational pension plan. [158425]
§ Mr. RookerThe pension credit will ensure that people of modest means are rewarded for building on the basic pension level through SERPS, a private or occupational pension, or other forms of income and savings.