RPSM02100090 - Technical pages: Registering a pension scheme with HMRC: pension schemes which exist at 5 April 2006: Modifying the rules of existing pension schemes: Transitional period

Modifying the rules of existing pension schemes: Transitional period

The Registered Pension Schemes (Modification of the Rules of Existing Schemes) Regulations 2006 [SI 2006/364] modify the rules of an existing pension scheme that automatically becomes a registered pension scheme on 6 April 2006 (see RPSM02100020) for a certain period only, called the transitional period. This transitional period ends on the earlier of

• the first date after 5 April 2006 on which rule amendments in relation to such an existing scheme take effect that state that the modification regulations no longer apply to the scheme, or
• the end of the tax year 2010-11 (or such later time as is prescribed by HM Revenue and Customs).

Note, a rule amendment adopted on or after 6 April 2006 that states that the modification regulations no longer apply can only mean that none of the modifications that otherwise applied to the scheme no longer apply. It is not possible to state that only some of the modifications that applied to the scheme no longer apply.

HMRC does not need to see or approve amendments to scheme rules which take effect from 6 April 2006 or any later date.