PART 1 Master Trusts

Definition of a Master Trust scheme

Master Trust schemes: definition

1.—(1) In this Act, “Master Trust scheme” means an occupational pension scheme which—

(a) provides money purchase benefits (whether alone or in conjunction with other benefits),

(b) is used, or intended to be used, by two or more employers,

(c) is not used, or intended to be used, only by employers which are connected with each other, and

(d) is not a relevant public service pension scheme.

(2) Where a Master Trust scheme provides money purchase benefits in conjunction with other benefits, references in the following provisions of this Act to a Master Trust scheme are to a Master Trust scheme only to the extent that it provides money purchase benefits, except as provided in section 39(2) to (4).

(3) For the purposes of this section, an employer (“A”) is connected with another employer (“B”)—

(a) where A is, or has been a group undertaking in relation to B within the meaning of section 1161(5) of the Companies Act 2006, or

(b) in circumstances specified in regulations made by the Department.

(4) In this section—

“employer”, in relation to an occupational pension scheme, means a person who employs or engages persons who are, or are entitled to become, members of the scheme;

“money purchase benefits” has the same meaning as in the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993 (in this Act referred to as “the Pension Schemes Act”) (see section 176 of that Act);

“occupational pension scheme” has the same meaning as in the Pension Schemes Act (see section 1(1) of that Act);

“relevant public service pension scheme” has the meaning given in section 2.

(5) Regulations under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

Relevant public service pension schemes

2.—(1) For the purposes of section 1, a pension scheme is a relevant public service pension scheme if it falls within subsection (2) or (3).

(2) A scheme falls within this subsection if it is a public service pension scheme within the meaning of the Pension Schemes Act (see section 1(1) of that Act).

(3) A scheme falls within this subsection if it is—

(a) a scheme under section 1 of the Public Service Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (new public service schemes),

(b) a new public body pension scheme (as defined in section 31 of that Act), or

(c) a statutory pension scheme which is connected with a scheme referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) (and for this purpose “statutory pension scheme” and “connected” have the meanings given in that Act; see sections 34 and 4(6) of that Act).

(4) But a scheme does not fall within subsection (3) if it is a scheme specified in an order made under Article 2(6A)(b) of the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (in this Act referred to as “the 2005 Order”) (schemes excluded from the definition of “public service pension scheme”).

Authorisation: applications etc

Prohibition on operating a scheme unless authorised

3.—(1) A person may not operate a Master Trust scheme unless the scheme is authorised.

(2) Article 10 of the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (in this Act referred to as “the 1995 Order”) (civil penalties) applies to a person who breaches subsection (1).

(3) If the Regulator becomes aware that a Master Trust scheme is operating without authorisation, it must notify the trustees of the scheme that the scheme is not authorised.

(4) The notification must include an explanation that it is a triggering event for the purposes of sections 20 to 33 and of the trustees’ duties under those sections.

(5) For the purposes of this Part, a person “operates” a Master Trust scheme if the person—

(a) accepts money from members or employers (or prospective members or employers), in respect of fees, charges, contributions or otherwise, in relation to the scheme, or

(b) enters into an agreement with an employer that relates to the provision of pension savings for employees or other workers,

and references to a scheme that is “operating” or “in operation” are to be construed accordingly.

Application for authorisation

4.—(1) The trustees of a Master Trust scheme may apply to the Regulator for authorisation.

(2) The application must include the following—

(a) the scheme’s latest accounts;

(b) the latest accounts of each scheme funder;

(c) the scheme’s business plan (see section 9);

(d) the scheme’s continuity strategy (see section 12).

(3) In considering an application, the Regulator may take into account any matters it considers appropriate, including—

(a) additional information provided by the applicant, and

(b) subsequent changes to the application or to any information provided by the applicant.

(4) The application must be made in the manner and form specified by the Regulator.

(5) The Department may make regulations setting out—

(a) other information to be included in an application, and

(b) the application fee payable to the Regulator.

(6) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Decision on application

5.—(1) Where an application is made for authorisation of a Master Trust scheme under section 4, the Regulator must decide whether it is satisfied that the scheme meets the authorisation criteria.

(2) The Regulator must make that decision within the period of six months beginning with the day on which it received the application.

(3) The authorisation criteria are—

(a) that the persons involved in the scheme are fit and proper persons (see section 7),

(b) that the scheme is financially sustainable (see section 8),

(c) that each scheme funder meets the requirements set out in section 10,

(d) that the systems and processes used in running the scheme are sufficient to ensure that it is run effectively (see section 11), and

(e) that the scheme has an adequate continuity strategy (see section 12).

(4) If the Regulator is satisfied that the Master Trust scheme meets the authorisation criteria, it must—

(a) grant the authorisation,

(b) notify the applicant of its decision, and

(c) add the scheme to its list of authorised Master Trust schemes (see section 13).

(5) If the Regulator is not satisfied that the Master Trust scheme meets the authorisation criteria, it must—

(a) refuse to grant the authorisation, and

(b) notify the applicant of its decision.

(6) A notification under subsection (5) must also include—

(a) the reasons for the decision, and

(b) details of the right of referral to the First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal (see section 6).

Referral to Tribunal of refusal to grant authorisation

6.—(1) If the Regulator refuses to grant authorisation to a Master Trust scheme, the decision may be referred to the Tribunal by—

(a) the trustees, or

(b) any other person who appears to the Tribunal to be directly affected by the decision.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, any reference in section 3 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 to “any other Act” includes a reference to an Act of the Assembly.

(3) In this section—

“the Tribunal”, in relation to a referral under subsection (1), means—

“First-tier Tribunal” and “Upper Tribunal” mean those tribunals established under section 3 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007;

“Tribunal Procedure Rules” has the same meaning as in the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Authorisation criteria

Fit and proper persons requirement

7.—(1) This section applies for the purposes of enabling the Regulator to decide whether it is satisfied that the persons involved in a Master Trust scheme are fit and proper persons (see section 5(3)(a)).

(2) The Regulator must assess whether each of the following is a fit and proper person to act in relation to the scheme in the capacity mentioned—

(a) a person who establishes the scheme;

(b) a trustee;

(c) a person who (alone or with others) has power to appoint or remove a trustee;

(d) a person who (alone or with others) has power to vary the terms of the trust under which the scheme is established (where the scheme is established under a trust);

(e) a person who (alone or with others) has power to vary the scheme (where the scheme is not established under a trust);

(f) a scheme funder;

(g) a scheme strategist;

(h) a person acting in a capacity specified in regulations made by the Department.

(3) The Regulator may also assess whether each of the following is a fit and proper person to act in relation to the scheme in the capacity mentioned—

(a) a person who promotes or markets the scheme;

(b) a person acting in a capacity specified in regulations made by the Department.

(4) In assessing whether a person is a fit and proper person to act in a particular capacity, the Regulator—

(a) must take into account any matters specified in regulations made by the Department, and

(b) may take into account such other matters as it considers appropriate (including, in particular, matters relating to a person connected with that person).

(5) For the purposes of this section, a person (“A”) is connected with another person (“B”) if—

(a) A is an associate of B;

(b) where B is a company, A is a director or shadow director of B or an associate of a director or shadow director of B;

(c) A is a trustee of an occupational pension scheme established under a trust and—

(i) the beneficiaries of the trust include B or an associate of B, or

(ii) the terms of the trust confer a power that may be exercised for the benefit of B or an associate of B.

(6) In this section—

“associate” has the meaning given by Article 4 of the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989;

“director” and “shadow director” have the meanings given by Article 5 of that Order.

(7) The first regulations that are made under subsection (4) are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(8) Any subsequent regulations under subsection (4), and regulations under subsections (2) and (3), are subject to negative resolution.

Financial sustainability requirement

8.—(1) This section applies for the purposes of enabling the Regulator to decide whether it is satisfied that a Master Trust scheme is financially sustainable (see section 5(3)(b)).

(2) In order to be satisfied that a Master Trust scheme is financially sustainable, the Regulator must be satisfied—

(a) that the business strategy relating to the scheme is sound, and

(b) that the scheme has sufficient financial resources to meet the costs mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) The costs are—

(a) the costs of setting up and running the scheme, and

(b) in the event of a triggering event occurring—

(i) the costs of complying with the duties in sections 20 to 33, and

(ii) the costs of continuing to run the scheme for such period (which must be at least six months and no more than two years) as the Regulator thinks appropriate for the scheme.

(4) In deciding whether it is satisfied about the matters mentioned in subsection (2)(a) and (b), the Regulator must take into account any matters specified in regulations made by the Department.

(5) The regulations may include provision specifying—

(a) the information that the Regulator must take into account, such as—

(i) the scheme’s business plan and supporting documents and information (see section 9);

(ii) the scheme’s accounts and the accounts of a scheme funder;

(b) requirements to be met by the scheme or by a scheme funder relating to its financing, such as requirements relating to assets, capital or liquidity.

(6) The first regulations that are made under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(7) Any subsequent regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Financial sustainability requirement: business plan

9.—(1) A scheme strategist of a Master Trust scheme must prepare a business plan for the scheme.

(2) The Department may make regulations setting out—

(a) information that must be included in a business plan, and

(b) any other requirements with which a business plan must comply.

(3) The scheme strategist must review the business plan at least once a year, and revise it if appropriate.

(4) The scheme strategist must revise the business plan at any time if there is any significant change to the information included in it.

(5) The business plan, and any revisions to it, must be approved by each scheme funder, any other scheme strategist and the trustees.

(6) The scheme strategist or the trustees must provide the Regulator with the most recent business plan, and any supporting information or documents required by the Regulator—

(a) on application for authorisation (see section 4);

(b) within three months of the plan being revised;

(c) at any other time, on request from the Regulator.

(7) The first regulations that are made under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(8) Any subsequent regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Scheme funder requirements

10.—(1) This section makes provision about the requirements that a scheme funder must meet in order for the scheme to meet the authorisation criterion mentioned in section 5(3)(c).

(2) The first requirement is that the scheme funder is a body corporate or a partnership that is a legal person under the law by which it is governed.

(3) The second requirement is that the scheme funder only carries out activities that relate directly to Master Trust schemes in relation to which it is a scheme funder or prospective scheme funder.

(4) The Department may make regulations providing for exceptions from the second requirement.

(5) The regulations may include provision excepting a scheme funder from the second requirement—

(a) where the scheme funder meets additional requirements specified in the regulations (such as requirements relating to a scheme funder’s financial position, its financial arrangements with the Master Trust scheme in question or its business activities);

(b) where the scheme funder applies to the Regulator and provides the Regulator with information specified in the regulations, or such other information as the Regulator may require in order to satisfy the Regulator that the Master Trust scheme is financially sustainable.

(6) The Department may make regulations setting out requirements relating to a scheme funder’s accounts.

(7) The regulations may include provision—

(a) setting out requirements relating to the audit of accounts;

(b) applying some or all of the provisions of Parts 15 and 16 of the Companies Act 2006 (accounts and reports; audit), with or without modifications.

(8) The first regulations that are made under subsection (4) are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(9) Any subsequent regulations under subsection (4), and regulations under subsection (6), are subject to negative resolution.

Systems and processes requirements

11.—(1) This section applies for the purposes of enabling the Regulator to decide whether it is satisfied that the systems and processes used in running the scheme are sufficient to ensure that it is run effectively (see section 5(3)(d)).

(2) In deciding whether it is satisfied that the systems and processes used in running the scheme are sufficient for those purposes, the Regulator must take into account any matters specified in regulations made by the Department.

(3) Regulations about the systems used in running a scheme may include provision about—

(a) the features and functionality required of the IT systems used in running the scheme;

(b) standards that those IT systems must meet (for example, in relation to quality and security of data);

(c) the maintenance of those IT systems.

(4) Regulations about the processes used in running a scheme may include provision about—

(a) records management;

(b) risk management;

(c) resource planning;

(d) processes relating to transactions and investment decisions;

(e) processes relating to the appointment and removal of trustees, and their professional development;

(f) processes relating to the roles and responsibilities of a scheme strategist and a scheme funder;

(g) processes relating to the appointment, removal, roles and responsibilities of—

(i) persons (other than those mentioned in paragraphs (e) and (f)) involved in running the scheme, and

(ii) persons providing services in relation to the scheme.

(5) The first regulations that are made under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(6) Any subsequent regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Continuity strategy requirement

12.—(1) This section applies for the purposes of enabling the Regulator to decide whether it is satisfied that a Master Trust scheme has an adequate continuity strategy (see section 5(3)(e)).

(2) A continuity strategy is a document addressing how the interests of members of the scheme are to be protected if a triggering event occurs in relation to the scheme (see section 21).

(3) A continuity strategy must be prepared by a scheme strategist.

(4) A continuity strategy must include a section setting out the levels of administration charges that apply in relation to members of the scheme.

(5) The strategy must set out those levels of charges in the manner specified in regulations made by the Department.

(6) A continuity strategy must—

(a) contain such other information as may be specified in regulations made by the Department, and

(b) be prepared in accordance with regulations made by the Department.

(7) A scheme strategist must keep the continuity strategy under review and revise it if appropriate.

(8) The continuity strategy, and any revisions to it, must be approved by each scheme funder, any other scheme strategist and the trustees.

(9) A scheme strategist or the trustees must provide the continuity strategy to the Regulator—

(a) on application for authorisation (see section 4),

(b) within three months of the strategy being revised, and

(c) at any other time, on request from the Regulator.

(10) The first regulations that are made under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(11) Any subsequent regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Ongoing supervision of Master Trust schemes

List of authorised schemes

13.—(1) The Regulator must maintain and publish a list of authorised Master Trust schemes.

(2) The list—

(a) must identify each authorised Master Trust scheme by name, and

(b) may include any other information that the Regulator considers appropriate.

(3) The list may be included in the list maintained and published under section 13 of the Pension Schemes Act 2017.

Requirement to submit annual accounts

14.—(1) The trustees of an authorised Master Trust scheme must send the scheme’s accounts to the Regulator.

(2) The accounts must be sent to the Regulator no later than two months after they are obtained by the trustees.

(3) A scheme funder of a Master Trust scheme must send its accounts to the Regulator.

(4) The scheme funder’s accounts must be sent to the Regulator—

(a) no later than nine months after the end of the financial year to which they relate, or

(b) within such other period as may be specified in regulations made by the Department.

(5) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by this section.

(6) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Requirement to submit supervisory return

15.—(1) The Regulator may by notice in writing require the trustees of an authorised Master Trust scheme to submit a supervisory return.

(2) The Department may make regulations setting out the information that the Regulator may require in a supervisory return.

(3) The notice must specify—

(a) the information required to be included in the return,

(b) the manner and form in which the return must be submitted, and

(c) the time period (of at least 28 days) within which the return must be submitted.

(4) The trustees of an authorised Master Trust scheme may not be required to submit a supervisory return more than once in any 12 month period.

(5) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a trustee who fails to submit a supervisory return when required to do so.

(6) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Duty to notify Regulator of significant events

16.—(1) Where a person mentioned in subsection (2) becomes aware of the fact that a significant event has occurred in relation to an authorised Master Trust scheme, the person must give notice of that fact, in writing, to the Regulator as soon as reasonably practicable.

(2) The persons are—

(a) a trustee of the scheme;

(b) a person who (alone or with others) has power to appoint or remove a trustee;

(c) a person who (alone or with others) has power to vary the terms of the trust under which the scheme is established (where the scheme is established under a trust);

(d) a person who (alone or with others) has power to vary the scheme (where the scheme is not established under a trust);

(e) a scheme funder;

(f) a scheme strategist;

(g) a person who provides legal, financial or actuarial advice in relation to the scheme;

(h) a person who manages the scheme administration services;

(i) a person acting in a capacity specified in regulations made by the Department.

(3) The Department must make regulations setting out the events that constitute significant events for the purposes of this section.

(4) No duty to which a person is subject is to be regarded as contravened merely because of any information provided to the Regulator under this section.

(5) A person is not required by this section to disclose anything in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

(6) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with subsection (1).

(7) The first regulations that are made under subsection (3) are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(8) Any subsequent regulations under subsection (3), and regulations under subsection (2), are subject to negative resolution.

Fixed penalty notice for failure to comply with request for information

17.—(1) The Regulator may issue a fixed penalty notice to a person if it considers that the person has failed to comply with a notice issued under Article 67 of the 2005 Order (provision of information to Regulator on request), so far as relevant to the exercise of any of the Regulator’s functions under or by virtue of this Part.

(2) A fixed penalty notice is a notice requiring the person to whom it is issued to pay a penalty within the period specified in the notice.

(3) The penalty—

(a) is to be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Department, and

(b) must not exceed £50,000.

(4) A fixed penalty notice must—

(a) state the amount of the penalty;

(b) state the date, which must be at least 28 days after the date on which the notice is issued, by which the penalty must be paid;

(c) state the period to which the penalty relates;

(d) specify the failure to which the penalty relates;

(e) notify the person to whom the notice is issued of the review process under section 43 of the Pensions (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (in this Act referred to as “the Pensions (No. 2) Act”) and the right of referral to a tribunal under section 44 of that Act (as applied by subsection (5)).

(5) The following sections of the Pensions (No. 2) Act apply to a penalty notice under this section as they apply to a penalty notice under section 40 of that Act—

(a) section 42 (penalty notices: recovery);

(b) section 43 (review of penalty notices);

(c) section 44 (references to First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal).

(6) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Escalating penalty notice for failure to comply with request for information

18.—(1) The Regulator may issue an escalating penalty notice to a person if it considers that the person has failed to comply with a notice issued under Article 67 of the 2005 Order (provision of information to Regulator on request), so far as relevant to the exercise of any of the Regulator’s functions under or by virtue of this Part (an “Article 67 notice”).

(2) But the Regulator may not issue an escalating penalty notice to a person if—

(a) the person has exercised the right of referral to a tribunal under section 44 of the Pensions (No. 2) Act (as applied by section 17(5)) in respect of a fixed penalty notice issued under section 17 in relation to the Article 67 notice, and

(b) the reference has not been determined.

(3) An escalating penalty notice is a notice requiring the person to whom it is issued to pay an escalating penalty if the person fails to comply with an Article 67 notice.

(4) An escalating penalty is a penalty which is calculated by reference to a daily rate.

(5) The daily rate—

(a) is to be determined in accordance with regulations made by the Department, and

(b) must not exceed £10,000.

(6) An escalating penalty notice must—

(a) specify the failure to which the penalty relates;

(b) state that, if the person fails to comply with the Article 67 notice before a specified date, the person will be liable to pay an escalating penalty;

(c) state the daily rate of the escalating penalty and the way in which the penalty is calculated;

(d) state the date from which the escalating penalty will be payable, which must not be earlier than the date specified in the fixed penalty notice under section 17(4)(b);

(e) state that the escalating penalty will continue to be payable at the daily rate until the date on which the person complies with the Article 67 notice or such earlier date as the Regulator may determine;

(f) notify the person to whom the notice is issued of the review process under section 43 of the Pensions (No. 2) Act and the right of referral to a tribunal under section 44 of that Act (as applied by subsection (7)).

(7) The following sections of the Pensions (No. 2) Act apply to an escalating penalty notice under this section as they apply to an escalating penalty notice under section 41 of that Act—

(a) section 42 (penalty notices: recovery);

(b) section 43 (review of penalty notices);

(c) section 44 (references to First-tier Tribunal or Upper Tribunal).

(8) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Withdrawal of authorisation

19.—(1) If the Regulator stops being satisfied that an authorised Master Trust scheme meets the authorisation criteria, it may decide to withdraw the scheme’s authorisation.

(2) A warning notice under the standard procedure or a determination notice under the special procedure given in relation to a decision under subsection (1) must—

(a) explain that the issue of the notice is a triggering event for the purposes of sections 20 to 33, and

(b) include an explanation of the trustees’ duties under those sections.

(3) On withdrawal of a scheme’s authorisation, the Regulator must—

(a) notify the trustees that the scheme is no longer authorised, and

(b) remove the scheme from the list of authorised Master Trust schemes.

(4) In this section—

“determination notice” has the meaning given by Article 93(2)(a) of the 2005 Order;

“special procedure” has the meaning given by Article 93 of that Order;

“standard procedure” has the meaning given by Article 91 of that Order;

“warning notice” has the meaning given by Article 91(2)(a) of that Order.

Triggering events: continuity

Triggering event: duties of trustees

20.  If a triggering event occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme, the trustees must—

(a) comply with the notification requirements applicable to them (see section 22),

(b) comply with the requirements of section 23 (continuity options), and

(c) comply with the requirements of section 26 (approval of implementation strategy).

Triggering events

21.—(1) A triggering event occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme if—

(a) an event within the second column of the table in subsection (6) occurs in relation to it, and

(b) the event does not occur within an existing triggering event period for the scheme (subject to subsection (2)).

(2) An event within item 1, 2 or 3 of the table (notice of decision to withdraw authorisation; notification that scheme is not authorised) is a triggering event even if it occurs within an existing triggering event period.

(3) A triggering event occurs on the date specified in relation to the event in the third column of the table.

(4) A “triggering event period” for a Master Trust scheme is a period—

(a) starting with the date on which a triggering event occurs in relation to the scheme, and

(b) ending with the earliest of the dates given by subsection (5).

(5) The dates are—

(a) the date on which the scheme is wound up;

(b) the date on which the trustees receive notification from the Regulator that the Regulator is satisfied that the triggering event has been resolved (see section 25);

(c) in the case of an event within item 1 or 2 of the table (notice of decision to withdraw authorisation), the date on which it becomes clear that authorisation is not to be withdrawn (see section 34).

(6) The table is—

(7) A Master Trust scheme is to be taken to permit the trustees of the scheme to make the decision referred to in item 10 of the table, to the extent that it would not otherwise do so.

(8) In this section—

“determination notice” has the meaning given by Article 93(2)(a) of the 2005 Order;

“special procedure” has the meaning given by Article 93 of that Order;

“standard procedure” has the meaning given by Article 91 of that Order;

“warning notice” has the meaning given by Article 91(2)(a) of that Order.

Notification requirements

22.—(1) Subsection (2) applies if an event within an item of the table in section 21(6) that is listed in the first column of the table in subsection (3) occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme.

(2) Each person specified in relation to the event in the second column of the table must notify the Regulator.

(3) The table is—

(4) If—

(a) an event within an item of the table in section 21(6) that is listed in the first column of the table in subsection (5) occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme, and

(b) a person specified in relation to the event in the second column of the table becomes aware that the event has occurred,

the person must notify the Regulator.

(5) The table is—

(6) If a triggering event occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme, the trustees must notify the employers—

(a) of the occurrence of the event, and

(b) of such other matters as may be specified in regulations made by the Department.

(7) A notification under this section must be given before the end of the period specified in regulations made by the Department.

(8) No duty to which a person is subject is to be regarded as contravened merely because of any information provided to the Regulator under this section.

(9) A person is not required by this section to disclose anything in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

(10) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by this section.

(11) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Continuity options

23.—(1) If a triggering event occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme, the trustees must comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) In the following cases, the trustees must pursue continuity option 1—

(a) the triggering event is within item 1 or 2 of the table in section 21(6), and the decision to withdraw authorisation has become final (see section 35);

(b) the triggering event is within item 3 of that table.

(3) In those cases, the trustees must pursue continuity option 1 even if—

(a) the triggering event within item 1, 2 or 3 occurs within the triggering event period for an earlier triggering event, and

(b) the trustees have already decided to pursue continuity option 2 in respect of the earlier triggering event.

(4) In any other case, the trustees must decide whether to pursue continuity option 1 or continuity option 2.

(5) “Continuity option 1” is for—

(a) the accrued rights and benefits under the Master Trust scheme of all members of the scheme to be transferred out of the scheme, and

(b) the Master Trust scheme to be wound up,

in accordance with regulations under section 24.

(6) “Continuity option 2” is for the triggering event to be resolved (see section 25).

(7) This section overrides any provision of the Master Trust scheme, to the extent that there is a conflict.

(8) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by this section.

Continuity option 1: transfer out and winding up

24.—(1) Where the trustees of a Master Trust scheme are required, or decide, to pursue continuity option 1 they must—

(a) identify one or more pension schemes to which (subject to Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act and to provision made by regulations under subsections (2)(b) and (4)) members’ accrued rights and benefits under the Master Trust scheme are proposed to be transferred, and

(b) notify employers and members of the proposed transfer and of such other matters as may be specified in regulations made by the Department.

(2) Each pension scheme proposed under subsection (1)(a) must be—

(a) a Master Trust scheme, or

(b) in such circumstances as may be specified in regulations made by the Department, a pension scheme that has characteristics specified in regulations made by the Department (“an alternative scheme”).

(3) Notification under subsection (1)(b) must be given—

(a) in the manner specified in regulations made by the Department, and

(b) before the end of the time period specified in regulations made by the Department.

(4) The Department—

(a) must make regulations about how continuity option 1 is to be pursued, in a case where a proposed transfer is to a Master Trust scheme;

(b) may make regulations about how continuity option 1 is to be pursued, in a case where a proposed transfer is to an alternative scheme;

(c) may make regulations for the purpose of otherwise giving effect to continuity option 1, in either case.

(5) Regulations under subsection (4)(a) must include provision—

(a) for the purpose of ensuring that members of the Master Trust scheme stop accruing rights and receiving benefits under the scheme;

(b) conferring rights on all or a specified description of members to opt out of the proposed transfer;

(c) conferring rights on all or a specified description of employers to opt out of the proposed transfer;

(d) conferring rights on all or a specified description of members to require the trustees to transfer the members’ accrued rights and benefits to alternative schemes;

(e) conferring rights on all or a specified description of employers to propose the transfer of members’ accrued rights to one or more alternative schemes;

(f) imposing duties on employers and the trustees to inform members of any such proposal;

(g) about how rights conferred by the regulations may be exercised (including the time periods within which they may be exercised);

(h) specifying requirements to be met by a scheme proposed by the trustees or an employer (which may include approval or authorisation by the Regulator in accordance with the regulations);

(i) requiring a scheme proposed by the trustees or an employer to provide the Regulator with a document setting out the levels of administration charges that applied in relation to members of the scheme, in the manner and as at the date specified or described in the regulations;

(j) imposing duties on the trustees to notify all or a specified description of employers and members of their rights under the regulations and of members’ rights under Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act (transfers and contribution refunds);

(k) about the exercise by the trustees of their power to transfer members’ accrued rights and benefits out of a Master Trust scheme in cases where employers and members do not exercise their rights under the regulations or Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act;

(l) about the exercise by the trustees of their power to transfer members’ accrued rights and benefits out of a Master Trust scheme other than by a transfer to a scheme in a specified description of cases;

(m) imposing conditions on the exercise by the trustees of their power to transfer members’ accrued rights and benefits out of a Master Trust scheme in a specified description of cases;

(n) about the winding up of the Master Trust scheme in circumstances where the accrued rights and benefits of the members are, or are to be, transferred out of the scheme;

(o) conferring power on the Regulator to direct the trustees to do things permitted or required by the regulations.

(6) Regulations under subsection (4)(b) may include—

(a) any provision mentioned in subsection (5);

(b) provision deeming any member whose accrued rights or benefits are to be transferred to an alternative scheme to have entered into an agreement with a person of a description specified in the regulations.

(7) In this section references to a transfer of members’ accrued rights and benefits out of a Master Trust scheme include references to the trustees complying with obligations imposed on them under Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act.

(8) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by this section.

(9) Regulations under this section may provide for the application of Article 10 of the 1995 Order to a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by the regulations.

(10) Regulations under subsections (2)(b) and (4) are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(11) Other regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Continuity option 2: resolving triggering event

25.—(1) Where the trustees of a Master Trust scheme decide to pursue continuity option 2, they must attempt to resolve the triggering event.

(2) The trustees must notify the Regulator when they consider that the triggering event has been resolved.

(3) The notification must set out how the trustees consider that the triggering event has been resolved.

(4) The notification must be given before the end of the period specified in regulations made by the Department.

(5) After receiving the notification, the Regulator must notify the trustees of whether it is satisfied that the triggering event has been resolved.

(6) The Regulator may not form the view that a triggering event has been resolved unless it is satisfied that any other event within the table in section 21(6) that has occurred in relation to the Master Trust scheme since the occurrence of the triggering event has also been resolved.

(7) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a trustee who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by this section.

(8) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Approval of implementation strategy

26.—(1) If a triggering event occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme, the trustees must submit an implementation strategy to the Regulator for approval.

(2) But in the case of a triggering event within item 1 or 2 of the table in section 21(6), the trustees must submit an implementation strategy only if the decision to withdraw authorisation has become final (see section 35).

(3) If a triggering event within item 1, 2 or 3 of the table in section 21(6) occurs within the triggering event period for an earlier triggering event—

(a) the trustees are not required to submit an implementation strategy in respect of the earlier triggering event, if they have not done so when the later triggering event occurs;

(b) any implementation strategy approved by the Regulator in respect of the earlier triggering event ceases to have effect when the later triggering event occurs.

(4) The Regulator may approve an implementation strategy only if it is satisfied that the strategy is adequate (see section 27).

(5) Where the trustees are required to submit an implementation strategy to the Regulator for approval, the strategy must be submitted before the end of a period specified in regulations made by the Department.

(6) The procedure for approval of an implementation strategy is to be specified by the Regulator.

(7) The Regulator may direct the trustees to comply with the requirements of this section.

(8) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with a direction under subsection (7).

(9) This section overrides any provision of the Master Trust scheme, to the extent that there is a conflict.

(10) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Content of implementation strategy

27.—(1) This section applies for the purposes of enabling the Regulator to decide whether it is satisfied that an implementation strategy for a Master Trust scheme is adequate (see section 26(4)).

(2) An implementation strategy is a document setting out how the interests of members of the scheme are to be protected following the occurrence of the triggering event.

(3) An implementation strategy must include a section setting out the levels of administration charges that applied in relation to members of the scheme.

(4) The strategy must set out those levels of administration charges in the manner and as at the date specified or described in regulations made by the Department.

(5) An implementation strategy must include information about the following matters—

(a) the continuity option that the trustees are required, or decide, to pursue (see section 23);

(b) where the trustees are required, or decide, to pursue continuity option 1 (transfer of members’ accrued rights and benefits and winding up)—

(i) the scheme or schemes to which it is proposed that the accrued rights and benefits be transferred (if known), and

(ii) when the accrued rights and benefits are expected to be transferred (where employers and members do not exercise their rights under section 24 of this Act and Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act);

(c) where the trustees intend to pursue continuity option 2 (resolving the triggering event), how it is proposed that the triggering event should be resolved.

(6) An implementation strategy must—

(a) contain such other information as may be specified in regulations made by the Department, and

(b) be prepared in accordance with regulations made by the Department.

(7) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Duty to pursue continuity option

28.—(1) When the Regulator has notified the trustees of a Master Trust scheme that the implementation strategy is approved, the trustees must—

(a) pursue the continuity option identified in the strategy;

(b) take such other steps as are identified in the strategy in order to carry it out.

(2) The trustees must also make the strategy available to the employers before the end of a period specified in regulations made by the Department.

(3) If—

(a) a triggering event within item 1, 2 or 3 of the table in section 21(6) occurs within the triggering event period for an earlier triggering event, and

(b) an implementation strategy has been approved by the Regulator in respect of the earlier triggering event,

the trustees are not required to comply with subsections (1) and (2) in respect of the strategy approved in respect of the earlier triggering event.

(4) The Regulator may direct the trustees to comply with the requirements of subsection (1), if they fail to do so.

(5) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with a direction under subsection (4).

(6) This section overrides any provision of—

(a) the Master Trust scheme, and

(b) a Master Trust scheme contract,

to the extent that there is a conflict.

(7) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Prohibition on winding up except in accordance with continuity option 1

29.—(1) A person may only wind up a Master Trust scheme in accordance with continuity option 1 (see section 24).

(2) Subsection (1) overrides any provision of a Master Trust scheme to the extent that there is a conflict.

(3) But subsection (1) does not prevent a Master Trust scheme from being wound up in pursuance of an order under Article 11 of the 1995 Order (power to wind up occupational pension schemes).

(4) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with subsection (1).

Periodic reporting requirement

30.—(1) During a triggering event period for a Master Trust scheme, the trustees must submit periodic reports to the Regulator.

(2) The first report must be submitted before the end of a period specified in regulations made by the Department.

(3) Subsequent reports must be submitted at intervals specified by the Regulator.

(4) The reports must—

(a) report on progress in carrying out the implementation strategy,

(b) record events or decisions of a description specified in regulations made by the Department,

(c) contain such other information as is specified in regulations made by the Department, and

(d) be made in the manner and form specified by the Regulator.

(5) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with a requirement imposed by this section.

(6) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Pause orders

31.—(1) This section applies during a triggering event period for a Master Trust scheme.

(2) The Regulator may make a pause order in relation to the scheme if either of the following two conditions is met.

(3) Condition 1 is that the Regulator is satisfied that making a pause order will help the trustees to carry out the implementation strategy.

(4) Condition 2 is that the Regulator is satisfied that—

(a) there is, or is likely to be if a pause order is not made, an immediate risk to the interests of members under the scheme or the assets of the scheme, and

(b) it is necessary to make a pause order to protect the interests of the generality of the members of the scheme.

(5) A pause order is an order that during the period for which it has effect one or more of the following directions has effect—

(a) a direction that no new members (or no specified classes of new members) are to be admitted to the scheme;

(b) a direction that no further contributions or payments (or no further specified contributions or payments) are to be paid towards the scheme by or on behalf of any employers or members (or any specified employers or members);

(c) a direction that any amount (or any specified amount) which—

(i) corresponds to any contribution which would be due to be paid towards the scheme on behalf of a member but for a direction under paragraph (b), and

(ii) has been deducted from a payment of any earnings in respect of an employment,

is to be repaid to the member in question by the employer;

(d) a direction that no benefits (or no specified benefits) are to be paid to or in respect of any members (or any specified members) under the scheme rules;

(e) a direction that—

(i) no transfers (or no specified transfers) of any member’s rights under the scheme rules are to be made from the scheme,

(ii) no transfer payments (or no specified transfer payments) in respect of any member’s rights under the scheme rules are to be made from the scheme, or

(iii) no other steps (or no specified other steps) are to be taken to discharge any liability of the scheme to or in respect of a member of the scheme in respect of pensions or other benefits.

(6) In subsection (5)(b)—

(a) the references to contributions do not include contributions due to be paid before the order takes effect, and

(b) the references to payments towards a scheme include payments in respect of pension credits where the person entitled to the credit is a member of the scheme.

(7) A direction under subsection (5)(e) may provide that transfers or specified transfers of, or transfer payments or specified transfer payments in respect of, any member’s rights under the scheme rules may not be made from the scheme unless the amounts paid out from the scheme in respect of the transfers or transfer payments are determined in a specified manner and the transfers or transfer payments satisfy such other conditions as may be specified.

(8) Schedule 1 makes further provision about pause orders.

(9) In this section—

“earnings” has the meaning given by section 176(1) of the Pension Schemes Act;

“pension credit” means a credit under Article 26(1)(b) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 or under section 29(1)(b) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions Act 1999;

“specified” means specified in the pause order.

Prohibition on new employers during triggering event period

32.—(1) During a triggering event period for a Master Trust scheme, neither the trustees nor a scheme funder nor a scheme strategist may—

(a) permit a new person to become an employer in relation to the scheme, or

(b) enter into an agreement under which a new person will become an employer in relation to the scheme after the end of the triggering event period.

(2) A “new person” is a person who was not an employer in relation to the scheme on the date on which the triggering event occurred.

(3) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who fails to comply with subsection (1).

Prohibition on increasing charges etc during triggering event period

33.—(1) During a triggering event period for a Master Trust scheme, the trustees must not—

(a) impose any administration charges on or in respect of members at levels above those set out in the implementation strategy,

(b) impose any new administration charges on or in respect of members, or

(c) impose any administration charges on or in respect of a member in consequence of the member leaving, or deciding to leave, the scheme during that period.

(2) The trustees of a receiving scheme that is a Master Trust scheme must not—

(a) impose any administration charges on or in respect of members at levels above those set out in the document provided to the Regulator by virtue of regulations under section 24(5)(i), or

(b) impose any new administration charges on or in respect of members,

for the purposes of meeting any of the costs mentioned in subsection (3).

(3) The costs are costs for which a receiving scheme is liable which—

(a) were incurred by the transferring scheme, or

(b) relate directly to the transfer of members’ accrued rights or benefits from the transferring scheme.

(4) The Department may by regulations make provision about—

(a) how levels of administration charges are to be calculated for the purposes of this section;

(b) how to determine for the purposes of subsection (2) the purposes for which charges are increased or imposed;

(c) how to determine whether costs for which a receiving scheme is liable fall within subsection (3)(a) or (b).

(5) This section overrides any provision of—

(a) the Master Trust scheme, and

(b) a Master Trust scheme contract,

to the extent that there is a conflict.

(6) The Department may by regulations apply some or all of the provisions of this section to a receiving scheme that has characteristics specified in regulations under section 24(2)(b).

(7) Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a trustee who fails to comply with subsection (1) or (2).

(8) In this section—

“receiving scheme” means a pension scheme that—

“transferring scheme” means a Master Trust scheme the trustees of which, following a triggering event, are pursuing continuity option 1.

(9) Regulations under subsection (6) are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(10) Other regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Decisions on withdrawal of authorisation: timing

When it becomes clear that authorisation not to be withdrawn

34.—(1) Where a triggering event within item 1 or 2 of the table in section 21(6) occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme, this section applies for determining the date on which it becomes clear that authorisation is not to be withdrawn (see section 21(5)(c)).

(2) That date is the date given in relation to the event by the third column of the table in subsection (3), in the circumstances set out in relation to the event in the second column of that table.

(3) The table is—

(4) In this section “the Tribunal” has the meaning given by—

(a) Article 91(7) of the 2005 Order, in a case where the standard procedure applies;

(b) Article 94(13) of that Order, in a case where the special procedure applies.

When a decision to withdraw authorisation becomes final

35.—(1) Where a triggering event within item 1 or 2 of the table in section 21(6) occurs in relation to a Master Trust scheme, this section applies for the purposes of determining the date on which a decision to withdraw authorisation becomes final (see sections 23(2)(a) and 26(2)).

(2) That date is the date given in relation to the event by the third column of the table in subsection (3), in the circumstances set out in relation to the event in the second column of that table.

(3) The table is—

(4) In this section “the Tribunal” has the meaning given by—

(a) Article 91(7) of the 2005 Order, in a case where the standard procedure applies;

(b) Article 94(13) of that Order, in a case where the special procedure applies.

Supplementary

Fraud compensation

36.—(1) The Department may by regulations modify Articles 165 to 170 of the 2005 Order (fraud compensation) as they apply in relation to—

(a) Master Trust schemes;

(b) schemes to which some or all of the provisions of this Part apply by virtue of section 40.

(2) Regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Master trusts in operation on commencement: transitional provision

37.  Schedule 2 makes provision about the application of this Part in relation to Master Trust schemes that are in operation before the date on which section 3 comes into operation.

Minor and consequential amendments

38.—(1) Schedule 3 makes minor and consequential amendments relating to this Part.

(2) The Department may by regulations make provision that is consequential upon any provision of this Part.

(3) Regulations under this section may amend, repeal or revoke any statutory provision passed or made before the passing of this Act.

(4) Regulations under this section which amend, repeal or revoke an Act of Parliament or Northern Ireland legislation (within the meaning of section 24(5) of the Interpretation Act 1978) are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(5) Otherwise, regulations under this section are subject to negative resolution.

Interpretation of Part 1

39.—(1) In this Part—

the “accounts” of a Master Trust scheme means the accounts audited by the auditor of the scheme (and see subsection (2));

the “accounts” of a scheme funder means—

“accrued rights” has the meaning given by section 96D of the Pension Schemes Act;

“administration charge” has the meaning given by paragraph 1 of Schedule 18 to the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015;

“authorisation” means authorisation under section 5;

“authorisation criteria” has the meaning given in section 5(3);

“continuity option 1” and “continuity option 2” have the meanings given in section 23;

“employer” has the meaning given in section 1;

“implementation strategy” has the meaning given in section 27;

“insolvency event” has the meaning given by Article 105 of the 2005 Order;

“Master Trust scheme” has the meaning given in section 1;

“Master Trust scheme contract” means a contract between the trustees of the scheme and a person providing services in relation to the scheme;

“member” has the meaning given by Article 121 of the 1995 Order (read with regulations made under Article 122(4) of that Order);

“occupational pension scheme” has the meaning given in section 1;

“operate” in relation to a Master Trust scheme, has the meaning given in section 3;

“pause order” means an order under section 31;

“pension scheme” has the meaning given by section 1(5) of the Pension Schemes Act;

“the Regulator” means the Pensions Regulator;

“scheme funder”, in relation to a Master Trust scheme, means a person who—

“scheme rules” has the meaning given by Article 2(3) and (4) of the 2005 Order;

“scheme strategist”, in relation to a Master Trust scheme, means a person who is responsible for making business decisions relating to the commercial activities of the scheme;

“triggering event” has the meaning given in section 21;

“triggering event period” has the meaning given in section 21(4);

“trustee”, in relation to a Master Trust scheme which is not a scheme established under a trust, means a manager of the scheme.

(2) In relation to a Master Trust scheme which provides money purchase benefits in conjunction with other benefits, references in this Part to the scheme’s accounts are to be read as references to the accounts of the scheme as a whole.

(3) The reference in section 10(3) to activities that relate directly to Master Trust schemes is, in its application to a Master Trust scheme which provides money purchase benefits in conjunction with other benefits, to be read as a reference to activities that relate directly to the scheme as a whole.

(4) This Part applies to a Master Trust scheme—

(a) which provides money purchase benefits in conjunction with other benefits, and

(b) for which there is no power to wind up the scheme to the extent only that it provides money purchase benefits,

as if references to winding up the scheme, or to the scheme being wound up, were to ceasing to operate the scheme, or the scheme ceasing to operate, to the extent that it provides money purchase benefits.

(5) The Department may make regulations providing—

(a) that other descriptions of person may be treated as scheme funders for the purposes of this Part;

(b) that a person who would otherwise be a scheme funder may be treated as not being one, either generally or in circumstances specified in the regulations.

(6) Regulations under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

Regulations modifying application of Part 1

40.—(1) The Department may make regulations—

(a) applying some or all of the provisions of this Part to pension schemes (other than Master Trust schemes) that have the characteristics set out in the regulations, or

(b) disapplying some or all of those provisions from Master Trust schemes that have the characteristics set out in the regulations.

(2) The Department may make regulations which provide for two or more pension schemes to be treated as a single Master Trust scheme for the purposes of this Part, in the circumstances set out in the regulations.

(3) Those circumstances may include—

(a) the schemes being under common control;

(b) the schemes being subject to common rules;

(c) the schemes being provided by the same service provider.

(4) Regulations under this section are subject to the confirmatory procedure.

PART 2 Administration Charges

Power to override contract terms

41.—(1) Paragraph 6 of Schedule 18 to the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (power to restrict charges or impose requirements in relation to schemes: overriding provision) is amended as follows.

(2) After sub-paragraph (1) insert—

“(1A)  The Department may by regulations provide that specified provisions override any term of a relevant contract to the extent that it conflicts with them. ”.

(3) In sub-paragraph (2), at the end insert “or (1A)”.

(4) After sub-paragraph (2) add—

“(3)  “Relevant contract” means a contract between the trustees or managers of a relevant scheme and a person providing services in relation to the scheme. ”.

PART 3 General

Regulations: general provisions

42.—(1) Regulations under Part 1 may—

(a) include incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision;

(b) confer a discretion on a person.

(2) Regulations under Part 1 which are subject to the confirmatory procedure—

(a) must be laid before the Assembly after being made; and

(b) take effect on such date as may be specified in the regulations, but (without prejudice to the validity of anything done thereunder or to the making of new regulations) cease to have effect upon the expiration of a period of six months from that date unless at some time before the expiration of that period the regulations are approved by resolution of the Assembly.

(3) This subsection applies to any regulations made by the Department under this Act which—

(a) but for subsection (4), would be subject to negative resolution, and

(b) are contained in a statutory rule which includes any regulations subject to the confirmatory procedure.

(4) Any regulations to which subsection (3) applies shall not be subject to negative resolution, but shall be subject to the confirmatory procedure.

General interpretation

43.—(1) In this Act—

“the 1995 Order” means the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1995;

“the 2005 Order” means the Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005;

“the Department” means the Department for Communities;

“the Pension Schemes Act” means the Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993;

“the Pensions (No. 2) Act” means the Pensions (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008;

“statutory provision” has the meaning given in section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954.

(2) In the application, for the purposes of this Act, of—

(a) section 24(1) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (service of documents by post), omit the word “registering”;

(b) section 39(2) of that Act (time beginning on a particular day), omit the word “not”.

Commencement

44.—(1) The following provisions come into operation on the day after this Act is passed—

(a) the following provisions as they apply to existing Master Trust schemes within the meaning of Schedule 2—

(i) sections 1 and 2 (definition of a Master Trust scheme);

(ii) section 6(2) (referral to Tribunal of refusal to grant authorisation);

(iii) sections 17 and 18 (penalty notices);

(iv) sections 20 to 22, 25 and 33, as modified by Schedule 2 (triggering events: notification requirements and prohibition on increasing charges);

(v) paragraphs 5 and 9 of Schedule 3 (power of Regulator to request information), and section 38 as it applies to those paragraphs;

(vi) section 39 (interpretation of Part 1);

(b) paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 2, and section 37 as it applies to those paragraphs (Master Trusts operating before commencement: transitional provisions);

(c) paragraphs 1 to 6 of Schedule 3, and section 38 as it applies to those paragraphs (amendments to definitions of “scheme rules”);

(d) section 41 (power to override contract terms);

(e) this Part.

(2) To the extent not already commenced by subsection (1), Part 1 comes into operation on such day or days as the Department may by order appoint.

(3) The Department may by order make incidental, supplementary, transitional, transitory and saving provision in connection with the coming into operation of any provision of this Act.

Short title

45.  This Act may be cited as the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021.

SCHEDULES

Section 31.

SCHEDULE 1 Pause orders

Consequences of a pause order

1.—(1) If a pause order is made in relation to a Master Trust scheme, any action taken in contravention of the order is void, except to the extent that the action is validated by an order under paragraph 3.

(2) A pause order in relation to a Master Trust scheme does not prevent the scheme being wound up in pursuance of an order under Article 11 of the 1995 Order (power to wind up occupational pension schemes).

(3) If a pause order contains a direction under section 31(5)(b) that no further contributions (or no further specified contributions) are to be paid towards a scheme during the period for which the order has effect—

(a) any contributions which are the subject of the direction and which would otherwise be due to be paid towards the scheme during that period are to be treated as if they do not fall due, and

(b) any obligation to pay those contributions (including any obligation under Article 49(8) of the 1995 Order to pay amounts deducted corresponding to such contributions) is to be treated as if it does not arise.

(4) If a pause order contains a direction under section 31(5)(e) (no transfers etc of members’ rights) it does not prevent—

(a) a pension sharing order or provision having effect, or

(b) a pension earmarking order having effect in a case where—

(i) the order requires a payment to be made if a payment in respect of any benefits under the scheme becomes due to a person, and

(ii) a direction under section 31(5)(d) does not prevent the payment becoming due.

(5) In sub-paragraph (4)—

“pension sharing order or provision” means an order or provision falling within Article 25(1) of the Welfare Reform and Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 (activation of pension sharing);

“pension earmarking order” means—

(6) The Department may make regulations modifying any provision of—

(a) Chapter 1 of Part 4ZA of the Pension Schemes Act (transfer rights: general), or

(b) Chapter 2 of that Part (early leavers: cash transfer sums and contribution refunds),

in their application to a Master Trust scheme in relation to which a pause order has effect containing a direction under section 31(5)(e) (no transfers etc of members’ rights).

(7) Regulations under sub-paragraph (6) override any provision of the Master Trust scheme, to the extent that there is a conflict.

(8) Disregarding sub-paragraph (1), if a pause order made in relation to a scheme is not complied with, Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to any trustee of the Master Trust scheme who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance.

(9) Sub-paragraph (8) does not apply in the case of non-compliance with a direction under section 31(5)(c) (direction that certain deducted contributions are to be repaid by employer).

(10) In such a case, Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to an employer who, without reasonable excuse, fails to repay an amount as required by the direction.

(11) Regulations under this paragraph are subject to negative resolution.

Period of effect etc of a pause order

2.—(1) A pause order must specify the period for which it has effect, which must not exceed three months.

(2) The Regulator may on one or more occasions by order extend the period for which the pause order has effect for a further three months.

(3) A pause order that is in effect at the end of the triggering event period ceases to have effect at the end of that period.

Validation of action in contravention of pause order

3.—(1) If a pause order is made in relation to a Master Trust scheme, the Regulator may by order validate action taken in contravention of the order.

(2) Any of the following persons may apply to the Regulator for an order under this paragraph validating particular action—

(a) the trustees of the scheme;

(b) any person directly affected by the action.

Notification of trustees, scheme funders, scheme strategists, employers and members

4.—(1) This paragraph applies where—

(a) a pause order is made in relation to a Master Trust scheme, or

(b) an order is made under paragraph 3 validating action taken in contravention of a pause order made in relation to a scheme.

(2) The Regulator must, as soon as reasonably practicable after the order has been made, notify the following persons of the fact that the order has been made and of its effect—

(a) the trustees of the scheme;

(b) the scheme funders and scheme strategists.

(3) The Regulator may by order direct the trustees of the scheme to notify the following persons of the fact that the order has been made and of its effect—

(a) all of the members of the scheme or such members as are specified in the order;

(b) all employers by which the scheme is used, or such employers as are specified in the order.

(4) The trustees must give a notification under sub-paragraph (3) within the period and in the manner specified in the order under that sub-paragraph.

(5) If the trustees of a scheme fail to comply with a direction to them contained in an order made under sub-paragraph (3), Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to any trustee who has failed to take all reasonable steps to secure compliance.

Supplementary provision

5.  A pause order, or an order made under any of paragraphs 2, 3 or 4, may be made in relation to a Master Trust scheme—

(a) in spite of any statutory provision or rule of law, or any rule of the scheme, which would otherwise operate to prevent the order being made, and

(b) without regard to any such statutory provision, rule of law or rule of the scheme as would otherwise require, or might otherwise be taken to require, the implementation of any procedure or the obtaining of any consent, with a view to making the order.

Section 37.

SCHEDULE 2 Master Trusts operating before commencement: Transitional provision

Overview of Schedule

1.—(1) This Schedule modifies the application of Part 1 as it applies in relation to existing Master Trust schemes.

(2) The modifications in paragraphs 2 to 7 have effect from the date on which this Act is passed.

(3) The modifications in paragraphs 8 to 15 have effect from the commencement date.

(4) In this Schedule—

the “commencement date” means the date on which section 3 (prohibition on operating scheme unless authorised) comes into operation;

“existing Master Trust scheme” means a Master Trust scheme in operation before the commencement date.

Modifications having effect from the date on which this Act is passed

2.  Section 20 (triggering event: duties of trustees) has effect as if—

(a) the existing text were numbered subsection (1);

(b) before that subsection there were inserted—

“(A1)  If a triggering event occurs in relation to an existing Master Trust scheme on or after 20 October 2016 but before the commencement date, the trustees must comply with the notification requirements applicable to them (see sections 22 and 25). ”;

(c) in subsection (1), for “a Master Trust scheme” there were substituted “an existing Master Trust scheme on or after the commencement date”.

3.  Section 21 (triggering events) has effect as if, in subsection (5)(b) after “resolved” there were inserted “, or in a case where the Regulator is satisfied that the triggering event was resolved before the date on which this Act is passed, the date specified in that notification”.

4.  Section 22 (notification requirements) has effect as if for subsection (7) there were substituted—

“(7)  A notification under this section must be given—

(a) in a case where the triggering event occurs on or after 20 October 2016 but before the date on which this Act is passed, before the end of the period of seven days beginning with the date on which this Act is passed;

(b) in a case where the triggering event occurs on or after the date on which this Act is passed but before the commencement date, before the end of the period of seven days beginning with the date on which the triggering event occurred;

(c) in a case where the triggering event occurs on or after the commencement date, before the end of the period specified in regulations made by the Department. ”.

5.  Section 25 (continuity option 2: resolving triggering event) has effect as if—

(a) for subsections (1) and (2) there were substituted—

“(1)  Where—

(a) a triggering event occurs in relation to an existing Master Trust scheme on or after 20 October 2016 but before the commencement date, and

(b) the trustees consider that the triggering event has been resolve

the trustees must notify the Regulator that they consider that the triggering event has been resolved.

(2)  Where—

(a) a triggering event occurs in relation to an existing Master Trust scheme on or after the commencement date, and

(b) the trustees decide to pursue continuity option 2

the trustees must attempt to resolve the triggering event and must notify the Regulator when they consider that the triggering event has been resolved. ”;

(b) in subsection (3), for “The notification” there were substituted “A notification under subsection (1) or (2)”;

(c) for subsection (4) there were substituted—

“(4)  The notification must be given—

(a) in a case where the trustees consider that the triggering event was resolved before the date on which this Act is passed, before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with that date (but the trustees may notify the Regulator before that date);

(b) in a case where the trustees consider that the triggering event was resolved on or after the date on which this Act is passed but before the commencement date, before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date on which the triggering event was, in the opinion of the trustees, resolved;

(c) in a case where the triggering event occurred before the commencement date and the trustees consider that it was resolved on or after that date, before the end of the period of 14 days beginning with the date on which the triggering event was, in the opinion of the trustees, resolved;

(d) in a case where the triggering event occurred on or after the commencement date, before the end of the period specified in regulations made by the Department. ”;

(d) in subsection (5), at the end there were added “and, in a case where the Regulator is satisfied that the triggering event was resolved before the date on which this Act is passed, must specify in the notification the date on which the Regulator considers that the triggering event was resolved”.

6.  Section 33 (prohibition on increasing charges etc during triggering event period) has effect as if—

(a) at the beginning there were inserted—

“(A1)  Subsections (B1) and (C1) apply where a triggering event occurs in relation to an existing Master Trust scheme on or after 20 October 2016 but before the commencement date.

(B1)  The trustees must, before the end of the period of seven days beginning with (whichever is the later of) the date on which—

(a) the triggering event occurred, or

(b) this Act is passed,

provide the Regulator with a statement under subsection (1F).

(C1)  The trustees must not, during the triggering event period—

(a) impose any administration charges on or in respect of members at levels above those set out in the statement under subsection (1F),

(b) impose any new administration charges on or in respect of members, or

(c) impose any administration charges on or in respect of a member in consequence of the member leaving, or deciding to leave, the scheme during the triggering event period. ”;

(b) in subsection (1), for “a Master Trust scheme” there were substituted “an existing Master Trust scheme, where the triggering event occurred on or after the commencement date”;

(c) after that subsection, there were inserted—

“(1A)  Subsections (1B) to (1E) have effect where—

(a) a triggering event occurs in relation to an existing Master Trust scheme on or after 20 October 2016 but before the commencement date, and

(b) the accrued rights of members of that scheme (the “transferring scheme”) have been transferred to one or more other Master Trust schemes under section 69(2)(a) of the Pension Schemes Act (a “receiving scheme”).

(1B)  The trustees of a receiving scheme must provide the Regulator with a statement under subsection (1F) and a statement under subsection (1G).

(1C)  In a case where the accrued rights are transferred before the date on which this Act is passed, the statements must be provided to the Regulator before the end of the period of seven days beginning with the date on which this Act is passed.

(1D)  In a case where the accrued rights are transferred on or after the date on which this Act is passed but before the commencement date, the statements must be provided to the Regulator before the end of the period of seven days beginning with the date on which the rights are transferred.

(1E)  The trustees of a receiving scheme must not—

(a) impose any administration charges on or in respect of members at levels above those set out in the statement under subsection (1F), or

(b) impose any new administration charges on or in respect of members,

for the purposes of meeting any of the costs mentioned in subsection (3).

(1F)  A statement under this subsection must state the annual levels of administration charges that applied in relation to members of the scheme on 20 October 2016, for each arrangement or fund within the scheme.

(1G)  A statement under this subsection is a statement explaining how the receiving scheme has complied with subsection (1E), and must include—

(a) an explanation of whether the receiving scheme is liable for the costs mentioned in subsection (3)(a) or (b), and

(b) in a case where the receiving scheme is so liable, how it is to meet those costs. ”;

(d) in subsection (2), at the beginning there were inserted “Where a triggering event occurs in relation to an existing Master Trust scheme on or after the commencement date,”;

(e) in subsection (4)(b), after “subsection” there were inserted “(1E) or”;

(f) in subsection (7), for “subsection (1)” there were substituted “subsection (B1), (C1), (1), (1B), (1E)”;

(g) in subsection (8), before the definition of “receiving scheme” there were inserted—

““arrangement” means an allocation of contributions towards an investment or investments according to a strategy adopted by the trustees; ”;

(h) in that subsection—

(i) in the definition of “receiving scheme”, before “means” there were inserted “, other than in subsections (1A), (1B) and (1E), and subsection (3) as it applies to subsection (1E),”;

(ii) in the definition of “transferring scheme”, before “means” there were inserted “, other than in subsection (1A), and subsection (3) as it applies to subsection (1E),”.

7.  Part 1 applies to an existing Master Trust scheme as if after section 33 there were inserted—

“33A.     Existing unauthorised schemes: liability for costs of winding up

(1)  This section applies where—

(a) a triggering event occurs on or after 20 October 2016 in relation to an existing Master Trust scheme that has not been authorised when the event occurs, and

(b) a decision is taken that the scheme should be wound up, or the trustees are required to secure that the scheme is wound up.

(2)  A scheme funder of the Master Trust scheme is liable for the costs incurred by the scheme during the triggering event period, to the extent that liability for those costs does not lie elsewhere (taking into account, in particular, the prohibitions in section 33). ”.

Modifications having effect from the commencement date

8.  Section 3 (prohibition on operating a Master Trust scheme unless authorised) has effect as if there were substituted—

“3.     Existing Master Trust schemes: need for authorisation

(1)  A person may not operate an existing Master Trust scheme at any time after the end of the application period unless—

(a) the scheme is authorised, or

(b) the trustees have applied for authorisation of the scheme under section 4 and the decision on the application has not yet become final (see section 35).

(2)  Article 10 of the 1995 Order (civil penalties) applies to a person who breaches subsection (1).

(3)  The trustees of an existing Master Trust scheme must, before the end of the application period—

(a) apply for authorisation of the scheme under section 4, or

(b) decide to wind up the scheme.

For the consequences of a decision to wind up the scheme, see sections 20 to 33A (as modified by paragraphs 2 to 7 of Schedule 2).

(4)  If—

(a) the Regulator becomes aware that an existing Master Trust scheme is operating after the end of the application period without authorisation, and

(b) the Regulator has not received either—

(i) an application for authorisation, or

(ii) a notification under section 22 of a decision to wind up the scheme

the Regulator must notify the trustees of the scheme that it is not authorised.

(5)  A notification under subsection (4) must include an explanation that it is a triggering event for the purposes of sections 20 to 33A, and of the trustees’ duties under those sections.

(6)  The application period is the period of six months beginning with the commencement date.

(7)  But if, before the end of that six month period, the trustees satisfy the Regulator that they have a good reason for needing an extension to the period, the Regulator may extend the application period by up to six weeks.

(8)  For the purposes of this Part, a person “operates” a Master Trust scheme if the person—

(a) accepts money from members or employers (or prospective members or employers), in respect of fees, charges, contributions or otherwise, in relation to the scheme, or

(b) enters into an agreement with an employer that relates to the provision of pension savings for employees or other workers,

and references to a scheme that is “operating” or “in operation” are to be construed accordingly.

3A.     Existing Master Trust schemes: pause orders

(1)  This section applies where the trustees of an existing MasterTrust scheme have applied for authorisation of the scheme under section 4 and the decision on the application has not yet become final (see section 35).

(2)  The Regulator may make a pause order in relation to the scheme if it is satisfied that—

(a) there is, or is likely to be if a pause order is not made, an immediate risk to the interests of members under the scheme or the assets of the scheme, and

(b) it is necessary to make a pause order to protect the interests of the generality of members of the scheme.

(3)  A pause order under this section is to be treated as if it is made under section 31.

(4)  But in its application to a pause order under this section, paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 is to be read as if sub-paragraph (3) were omitted. ”.

9.  Section 5 (decision on application) has effect as if at the end there were added—

“(7)  In the case of a notification under subsection (5) relating to an existing Master Trust scheme, the notification must also include an explanation that the decision is a triggering event for the purposes of sections 20 to 33A, and of the trustees’ duties under those sections.

(8)  In relation to an application received under section 4 from the trustees of an existing Master Trust scheme, the functions of the Regulator under this section are to be exercised by the Determinations Panel on behalf of the Regulator.

(9)  In subsection (8), “the Determinations Panel” means the committee established under section 9 of the Pensions Act 2004. ”.

10.  Section 21 (triggering events) has effect as if—

(a) in subsection (2)—

(i) after “2” there were inserted “, 2A”;

(ii) after “withdraw” there were inserted “or refuse”;

(b) in subsection (5)(c)—

(i) after “2” there were inserted “or 2A”;

(ii) after “withdraw” there were inserted “or refuse”;

(iii) after “withdrawn” there were inserted “or refused”;

(c) in the table in subsection (6), after the row for item 2 there were inserted—

(d) in that table, in the triggering event described in item 3, for “3(3)” there were substituted “3(4)”.

11.  Section 23 (continuity options) has effect as if—

(a) in subsection (2)(a)—

(i) after “2” there were inserted “or 2A”;

(ii) after “withdraw” there were inserted “or refuse”;

(b) in subsection (3)(a), after “2” there were inserted “, 2A”.

12.  Section 26 (approval of implementation strategy) has effect as if—

(a) in subsection (2)—

(i) after “2” there were inserted “or 2A”;

(ii) after “withdraw” there were inserted “or refuse”;

(b) in subsection (3), after “2” there were inserted “, 2A”.

13.  Section 28 (duty to pursue continuity option) has effect as if, in subsection (3)(a), after “2” there were inserted “, 2A”.

14.  Section 34 (when it becomes clear that authorisation not to be withdrawn) has effect as if—

(a) in subsection (1)—

(i) after “2” there were inserted “or 2A”;

(ii) after “withdrawn” there were inserted “or refused”;

(b) in the table in subsection (3), in the first column (triggering event) for “Item 1 or 2” (in both places) there were substituted “Item 1 or 2 or 2A (decision to refuse to authorise existing Master Trust scheme)”;

(c) in that table, in the first row for item 1 or 2 or 2A, in the second column (circumstances)—

(i) in point 1, after “determination” there were inserted “or decision”;

(ii) in point 2, after “withdrawn” there were inserted “or refused”;

(d) in that table, in the second row for item 1 or 2 or 2A, in the second column (circumstances), in point 2, after “withdrawn” there were inserted “or refused”;

(e) in subsection (4), at the end there were added—

“(c) section 6(3), in a case where that section applies. ”;

(f) in the section heading, at the end there were added “or refused”.

15.  Section 35 (when decision to withdraw authorisation becomes final) has effect as if—

(a) in subsection (1)—

(i) after “2” there were inserted “or 2A”;

(ii) after “withdraw” there were inserted “or refuse”;

(b) after subsection (1) there were inserted—

“(1A)  This section also applies for the purposes of determining the date on which the decision on an application for authorisation of an existing Master Trust scheme becomes final for the purposes of section 3(1)(b). ”;

(c) in the table in subsection (3), after the row for item 2 there were inserted—

(d) in that table—

(i) in the first column, for “Item 1 or 2” (in both places) there were substituted “Item 1 or 2 or 2A”;

(ii) in the first row for item 1 or 2 or 2A, in the second column, in point 2, after “withdrawn” there were inserted “or refused”;

(iii) in the second row for item 1 or 2 or 2A, in the second column, in point 2, after “withdrawn” there were inserted “or refused”;

(e) in subsection (4), at the end there were added—

“(c) section 6(3), in a case where that section applies. ”;

(f) in the section heading, after “withdraw” there were inserted “or refuse”.

Section 38.

SCHEDULE 3 Minor and Consequential Amendments

The Pension Schemes (Northern Ireland) Act 1993 (c. 49)

1.  The Pension Schemes Act is amended as follows.

2.  In section 96B(2) (meaning of “scheme rules”: occupational pension schemes)—

(a) in paragraph (a), after sub-paragraph (xii) insert—

“(xiia) sections 21, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 33 of and Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021; ”;

(b) in paragraph (b), after sub-paragraph (ix) insert—

“(ixa) sections 21(7), 23(7), 26(9), 28(6), 29(2) and 33(5) of and paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

3.  In section 97AI(7) (rights under section 97AB: further provision)—

(a) in paragraph (a), after sub-paragraph (xi) insert—

“(xia) sections 21, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 33 of and Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021; ”;

(b) in paragraph (b), after sub-paragraph (ix) insert—

“(ixa) sections 21(7), 23(7), 26(9), 28(6), 29(2) and 33(5) of and paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

The Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (NI 22)

4.  In Article 67A(9) of the 1995 Order (subsisting rights provisions: meaning of “scheme rules”)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a), at the end add—

“(xii) sections 21, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 33 of and Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021; ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b), at the end add—

“(ix) sections 21(7), 23(7), 26(9), 28(6), 29(2) and 33(5) of and paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

The Pensions (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 (NI 1)

5.  The 2005 Order is amended as follows.

6.  In Article 2(4) (interpretation: scheme rules)—

(a) in sub-paragraph (a), at the end add—

“(xii) sections 21, 23, 26, 28, 29 and 33 of and Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021; ”;

(b) in sub-paragraph (b), at the end add—

“(ix) sections 21(7), 23(7), 26(9), 28(6), 29(2) and 33(5) of and paragraph 1(7) of Schedule 1 to the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

7.  In Article 9 (improvement notices), in paragraph (7) (meaning of “pensions legislation”)—

(a) in the opening words, after “by virtue of” insert “any of the following”;

(b) at the end add

“, or

(i) Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

8.  In Article 65 (duty to report breaches of the law) in paragraph (1), at the end add—

“(f) a scheme strategist or scheme funder of a Master Trust scheme within the meaning of Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 (see section 39 of that Act). ”.

9.  In Article 67 (provision of information), in paragraph (1A), after “2008” insert “or Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021”.

10.  In Article 68 (inspection of premises), in paragraph (2) before sub-paragraph (e) insert—

“(dc) the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021; ”.

11.  In Article 72A (fixed penalty notices), in paragraph (6) after “2008” insert “or section 17 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021”.

12.  In Article 72B (escalating penalty notices), in paragraph (8) after “2008” insert “or section 18 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021”.

13.  In Article 75 (offences of providing false or misleading information), in paragraph (1)(c)—

(a) omit the “or” at the end of head (iv); and

(b) in head (v), at the end add

“, or

(vi) the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

14.  In Article 75A (financial penalty for providing false or misleading information to Regulator), in paragraph (2)(c)—

(a) omit the “or” at the end of head (iv); and

(b) in head (v), at the end add

“, or

(vi) the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

15.—(1) Article 85 (codes of practice) is amended as follows.

(2) In paragraph (2) (matters on which the Pensions Regulator must issue codes of practice), before sub-paragraph (k) insert—

“(jc) the process for making an application for authorisation of a Master Trust scheme under Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021;

(jd) the matters that the Regulator expects to take into account in deciding whether it is satisfied that a Master Trust scheme meets the authorisation criteria under that Part (see section 5 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021); ”.

(3) In paragraph (6), in the definition of “the pensions legislation” at the end add

“, or

16.  In Article 88(2) (“regulatory functions” of the Regulator subject to procedure), before sub-paragraph (q) insert—

“(pe) the power to give a direction under section 26(7) of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021 (direction to submit implementation strategy), and ”.

17.  In Article 92(5) (special procedure: applicable cases), before sub-paragraph (u) insert—

“(tg) the power to withdraw authorisation of a Master Trust scheme under section 19 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021;

(th) the power to make a pause order under section 31 of that Act;

(ti) the power to make an order under paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 1 to that Act extending the period for which a pause order has effect;

(tj) the power to make an order under paragraph 3 of that Schedule validating action taken in contravention of a pause order;

(tk) the power to make an order under paragraph 4(3) of that Schedule directing the notification of members or employers; ”.

18.  In Schedule 1 (the Pensions Regulator), in Part 1 (delegation), in paragraph 2(2), after head (o) add—

“(p) the power to issue a fixed penalty notice under section 17 of thePension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021;

(q) the power to issue an escalating penalty notice under section 18 of that Act. ”.

19.  In Schedule 2 (functions exercisable by the Determinations Panel), before Part 5 insert—

“PART 4B Functions Under The Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

44I.   The power to withdraw authorisation of a Master Trust scheme under section 19.

44J.   The power to give a direction under section 28(4) (direction to pursue continuity option).

44K.   The power to make a pause order under section 31.

44L.   The power to make an order under paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 1 extending the period for which a pause order has effect.

44M.   The power to make an order under paragraph 3 of that Schedule validating action taken in contravention of a pause order.

44N.   The power to make an order under paragraph 4(3) of that Schedule directing the notification of members or employers.

44O.   Terms used in this Part have the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”.

The Pensions (No. 2) Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (c. 13)

20.  In section 31 of the Pensions (No. 2) Act (effect of freezing order or assessment period: qualifying schemes)—

(a) in subsection (3), in the definition of “freezing event”, at the end add—

“, or

(d) the making of a pause order under section 31 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021; ”;

(b) in subsection (3), in the definition of “relevant provision”, at the end add—

“(d) in relation to a pause order, provision contained in the order or the provision made with respect to the order by section 31 of the Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. ”;

(c) in the section heading, for “or assessment period” substitute “, assessment period or pause order”.

The Pension Schemes Act (Northern Ireland) 2021

21.—(1) Section 17 (fixed penalty notice for failure to comply with request for information) is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, at the end insert “etc”.

(3) In subsection (1)—

(a) for “with a” substitute

“with—

(a) a ”;

(b) after “Part” insert

“, or

(b) a notice issued under Article 67A of that Order (interviews), so far as relevant to the exercise of any of the Regulator’s functions under or by virtue of this Part. ”.

22.—(1) Section 18 (escalating penalty notice for failure to comply with request for information) is amended as follows.

(2) In the heading, at the end insert “etc”.

(3) In subsection (1)—

(a) for “with a” substitute

“with—

(a) a ”;

(b) after “notice”)” insert

“, or

(b) a notice issued under Article 67A of that Order (interviews), so far as relevant to the exercise of any of the Regulator’s functions under or by virtue of this Part (an “Article 67A notice”). ”.

(4) In subsection (2)(a), after “67 notice” insert “or the Article 67A notice”.

(5) In subsection (3), after “67 notice” insert “or an Article 67A notice”.

(6) In subsection (6)—

(a) in paragraph (b), after “notice” insert “or the Article 67A notice”;

(b) in paragraph (e), after “notice” insert “or the Article 67A notice”.