The Pensions Regulator’s powers Gathering Information
One of the Pensions Regulator’s powers is to investigate potential breaches of pension legislation. To do this, they have a range of information gathering powers which enable them to inspect premises and the records held there, interview individuals, and issue formal written requests for information. The Regulator can also impose civil penalties or instigate criminal proceedings for non-compliance where they are investigating a potential breach of pension legislation.
	These information gathering powers vary depending on the particular function the Regulator undertakes, or the type of pension scheme it is investigating. The fact that the Regulator has the power to undertake inspections only in some circumstances, interviews in others, or issue civil penalties in different specified circumstances, can hinder investigations and cause confusion among those being regulated.
	The measures in the Act will give the Regulator a more coherent set of information gathering powers.