Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Minister for Pensions' letter of 7 October 2026, whether the guidance on matters trustees should consider when releasing surplus and ways in which members may benefit has been commissioned; what topics it will cover; and when it is expected to be published.

TPR will consult on Defined Benefit surplus guidance before the end of the year, following publication of the Government’s response to the draft surplus regulations consultation. TPR expects to publish the final guidance alongside the new surplus regime coming into force from April 2027.

The guidance will aim to assist trustees in making decisions around surplus release. The guidance will cover how trustees can prepare for surplus discussions and provide factors they should consider when deciding on surplus, illustrated with case studies that will illustrate those considerations in practice.