The Department for Work and Pensions has today launched a consultation on draft regulations which would allow trustees of well-funded defined benefit pension schemes to release surplus funds to sponsoring employers 

Responding to the consultation, John Wilson, Aptia’s Head of Pensions Technical, said: ‘We welcome the focus on making DB surplus more accessible - in particular, the option to pay lump sums without additional tax charges. 

‘However, the proposals will add complexity around reporting, tax and member communications, and place significant reliance on actuarial certification over a multi-year horizon. Ensuring these changes are workable in practice will be key to delivering real benefits.’ 

NOTES TO EDITORS 

• Founded to shape the future of pensions, health, and insurance solutions, Aptia is a leading UK pensions administrator and US employee benefits administrator dedicated to simplifying complexity for businesses and individuals. It brings together cutting-edge technology and deep industry expertise to help organisations navigate an evolving landscape with clarity and confidence. 
• Aptia is the UK’s largest private-sector third-party administrator serving 1200 clients and more than 3 million members, delivering solutions that drive efficiency, enhance financial security, and provide peace of mind. 
• Aptia has a presence in the UK, US, India. Aptia’s strength lies in the combination of smart technology and expert teams, ensuring that managing pensions, health, and insurance is more effective. By focusing on innovation, accessibility, and client success, Aptia helps businesses take care of their people, so they can focus on what they do best. 

For more information contact: 
Corinne Gladstone, Aptia Head of Corporate Communications & Public Relations. 
Email: media.enquiries@aptia-group.com 
Tel: 07989 448075 

Sam Emery/ Emma Murphy/ Robbie Lawther/Bruno Aldridge, Quill PR 
Email: Aptia@quillpr.com