The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced plans for a "reset" of the Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP), with a further update on the plan for the delivery of pensions dashboards expected before summer recess.

The framework for dashboards will remain unchanged, although DWP will legislate to provide new connection deadlines and further information on the revised timeline will be made available following an agreement on PDP’s delivery plan.

In a written statement, Pensions Minister, Laura Trott, emphasised that the project is a "significant undertaking", confirming that whilst the first connection deadline is 31 August 2023, additional time will be required to deliver the "complex technical solution to enable the connection of pension providers and schemes".

She stated: "More time is needed to deliver this complex build, and for the pensions industry to help facilitate the successful connection of a wide range of different IT systems to the dashboards digital architecture.

"Given these delays, I have initiated a reset of the PDP in which DWP will play a full role. The new chair of the programme board will develop a new plan for delivery."

As part of that, Trott confirmed plans for DWP to legislate "at the earliest opportunity" to amend the timing of the obligations to provide clarity to schemes.

However, she said that the initial framework set out in the regulations for pensions dashboards remains fit for purpose.

"We will ensure that the pensions industry has adequate time and the necessary technical information to prepare for any revised connection deadlines," she continued. "I will provide a further update to the House before summer recess."

Commenting on the delay, PDP principal, Chris Curry, stated: “Delivering the central digital architecture for pensions dashboards is a complex undertaking. DWP and the Money and Pensions Service (Maps) remain committed to dashboards.

"Significant progress has already been made. However, we need to do more work to ensure the connection journey is stable and secure for industry, and that it’s achievable ahead of mandatory connection.

"Industry has played a significant role in getting us to this point, whether as early participants, inputting on standards or continually feeding back on getting dashboards right.

"We will continue to work closely with industry to deliver dashboards that will transform retirement planning and create new opportunities for engagement with savers.”

Adding to this, Maps chief executive, Caroline Siarkiewicz, suggested that the reset provides an opportunity to "replan the work of PDP, collaborating closely with industry partners on the way forward".

"Pensions dashboards will be a vital tool for pensions savers, helping them plan effectively for and in later life, so it’s essential that we take the time to get them right," she continued.

"Maps, alongside government, remains committed to this programme, and will continue to work with industry to ensure that pensions dashboards are delivered.”

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