Philip Hammond

Chancellor Philip Hammond has said he would be happy to hear about reforming the retail prices index (RPI) as long as the Office of National Statistics (ONS) initiates discussions.

Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) members should be responsible for most of the cost of increased contributions if the scheme's defined benefit (DB) section remains open to accrual, Pensions Buzz respondents say.

This week's top stories included coverage of the ongoing Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) saga, where members rejected a negotiated deal between their union and the employers.

Philip Hammond's financial update was empty of any direct pensions impacts as the chancellor sought to trim down the fiscal statement.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has revised up the UK's GDP growth forecast for 2018 in today's inaugural Spring Statement, while forecasting inflation will fall to 2% by the end of 2018.

Do not expect any substantial pensions policy measures, if anything, in this week's Spring Statement, industry commentators have predicted.

Any further changes to tax relief would undoubtedly add to the cost and complexity of running a DB scheme, says Steve Webb

City lawyer Charles Randell has been confirmed as the next Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) chairman and takes up the post from 1 April.

The pension industry's reaction to the lack of policy in the Autumn Budget has been a mixture of relief and disappointment.

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) will clarify guidance on investments with long-term horizons as part of the government's plans to encourage pension funds to invest more in infrastructure, according to Autumn Budget documents.