Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Rules definition

What does Rules mean? Rules describes the written provisions that govern how a pension scheme operates—especially occupational pension schemes—usually contained in, or annexed to, the trust deed (trust deed and rules). Legislation refers to these as scheme rules (for example, Pensions Act 1995 and Pensions Act 2004 in the UK, and the Pensions Act 1990 in Ireland). Scheme rules set out eligibility, benefit structure (defined benefit or defined contribution), contributions, service and accrual, retirement options and ages, revaluation/indexation, ill‑health and death benefits, transfers in and out, leaver provisions, forfeiture, augmentation, priority on winding‑up, discretions and decision‑making, and the scheme’s amendment and termination powers. They also...

A-day (Finance Act 2004) rule changes for UK occupational pension schemes: drafting amendments, transitional modifications and authorised payments

Published by a LexisNexis Pensions expert

Practice notes

THIS PRACTICE NOTE APPLIES ONLY TO OCCUPATIONAL PENSION SCHEMES ARCHIVED: This archived Practice Note reviews the revisions occupational pension schemes adopted to their Rules to mirror the pensions tax changes implemented by the Finance Act 2004 from 6 April 2006 (A‑day). It is not updated and is provided for background only. For more detail on the A‑day reforms, see Practice Note: The Finance Act 2004, A‑day and the pensions tax regime [Archived].

A-Day-an overview

The Finance Act 2004 (FA 2004), effective from A‑day, brought in a new, streamlined framework for taxing UK pension schemes. Before A‑day, schemes had to obtain and keep Inland Revenue (now His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)) exempt approval to secure favourable tax status.

To secure and retain that exempt approval, the maximum benefits payable by schemes were constrained by HMRC‑set ceilings (the HMRC Limits). For additional context, see The pre A‑day pensions tax regime [Archived]. The Finance Act 2004 removed the former approval system and, in its place, required pension schemes to be registered with HMRC. It also...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 27/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...