Margaret Ferrier, an independent MP, is sponsoring a private member’s Bill that aims to amend and clarify existing GMP conversion legislation.
Ferrier, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West says her motivation for selecting GMP equalisation is “helping to reassure occupational pension schemes that they are able to use the methodology published in DWP guidance to level the effective differences between pension amounts paid out to men and women.
“Historical inequalities of treatment between men and women in the pension system have long resulted in uneven amounts being paid out as Guaranteed Minimum Pensions in occupational pension schemes to men and women. This bill will begin to rectify these persisting issues.”
Each parliamentary session there is a ballot of MPs, with the winning 20 given the opportunity to bring forward legislation on a topic of their choosing. The topics chosen by the winning MPs have just been announced.
Many pension trustees and sponsors are keen to use GMP conversion to achieve GMP Equalisation. It has the potential to deliver simplification rather than adding further complexity. However, it is acknowledged that clarifications and amendments to the existing legislation would be helpful to streamline the process.
Alasdair Mayes, partner and head of GMP equalisation at Lane Clark & Peacock LLP says: “This is great news. It has been known for several years that the GMP conversion legislation has some rough edges. And survey after survey shows that GMP conversion, in some shape and form, is preferred by many as a means to equalise benefits for GMPs over the administratively complex ‘dual record’ approaches. Hopefully this Bill will iron out the rough edges in the conversion legislation.”
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