The Occupational Pension Schemes (Master Trusts) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2023

Implementation strategy: administration charges

18.—(1) The levels to be set out in the section relating to administration charges in the implementation strategy (“fixed charge levels”) must be set out and calculated using the following method.

(2) Where the triggering event period is more or less than a full year, the fixed charge levels apply on a pro rata basis.

(3) The method comprises the steps in paragraphs (4), (5) and (6).

(4) The first step is for the trustees to set out the levels of administration charges in paragraph (7) for the scheme year in which the triggering event occurred.

(5) The second step is for the trustees to set out the levels of administration charges in paragraph (7) for the scheme year preceding the one in which the triggering event occurred.

(6) The third step is for the trustees to—

(a) compare each level from the set of levels for the scheme year in paragraph (4) with the corresponding level from the set of levels for the scheme year in paragraph (5), and

(b) take the lower of the 2 levels as the fixed charge level.

(7) For the scheme year under paragraphs (4) and (5), the trustees must set out all levels of administration charges for each charge structure, including any discounted levels—

(a) for each arrangement, including a default arrangement, and any different levels in relation to any one arrangement;

(b) for any additional charges, including the reason for imposing them;

(c) for any third-party charges, including the reason for imposing them;

(d) for any other type of administration charge in the scheme, including the reason for imposing it.

(8) The levels in paragraph (7) must be set out on an annualised basis.

(9) Where there is a discounted level, the reason for charging the lower level must also be stated.