Open consultation

Surplus Flexibilities for Defined Benefit Pension Schemes: Unlocking Value for Employers and Scheme Members

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 10 June 2026

Summary

Public consultation on draft regulations which set out the conditions that must be met to release surplus from Defined Benefit pension schemes.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 2 September 2026

Consultation description

This consultation seeks views on the draft Occupational Pension Schemes (Payments to Employer) Regulations 2027. These draft regulations set out the conditions that must be met for trustees of Defined Benefit pension schemes to make a surplus payment to the sponsoring employer. This will enable more trustees of well-funded schemes to release surplus to the sponsoring employer and benefit members.

Documents

Surplus Flexibilities for Defined Benefit Pension Schemes: Unlocking Value for Employers and Scheme Members

HTML

Annex B: draft regulations

PDF, 290 KB, 14 pages

Annex C: surplus journey illustration

PDF, 196 KB, 1 page

Annex D: Keeling Schedule

PDF, 423 KB, 12 pages

Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Email to:

pensions.surplusconsultation@DWP.gov.uk

Write to:

DWP Consultation Coordinator
Legislative Strategy Team
4th Floor, Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA

Published 10 June 2026