Financial Services Compensation Scheme Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18

Financial Services Compensation
Scheme – Management Expenses Levy
Limit 2017/18
Consultation Paper FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17
January 2017

FCA and PRA January 2017 1
Contents
Abbreviations used in this document 3
1 Overview 5
2 MELL 2017/18 8
Annexes
1 List of questions 15
2 Cost Benefit Analysis 16
3 Compatibility statement 18
Appendices
1 Draft FCA Handbook text 22
2 Draft PRA Rulebook text 23
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18

The Bank of England and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) reserve the right to publish any information which it may receive as part of this consultation. Information provided in response to this consultation, including personal information may be subject to publication or release to other parties or to disclosure, in accordance with access to information regimes under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Data Protection Act 1998 or otherwise as required by law or in discharge of our statutory functions. Please indicate if you regard all, or some of, the information you provide as confidential. If the Bank of England or the PRA receives a request for disclosure of this information, the Bank of England or the PRA will take your indication(s) into account, but cannot give an assurance that confidentiality can be maintained in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system on emails will not, of itself, be regarded as binding on the Bank of England and the PRA. This Consultation Paper proposes changes to the PRA Rulebook. The proposals contained in this CP have been designed in the context of the current UK and EU regulatory framework. The PRA will keep the policy under review to assess whether any changes would be required due to changes in the UK regulatory framework, including those arising once any new arrangements with the European Union take effect. We are asking for comments on this Consultation Paper by 13 February 2017. You can send them using the form on the FCA website at:
www.fca.org.uk/cp17-01-response-form.
Or in writing to:
Douglas Greenshields
Strategy & Competition
Financial Conduct Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London E14 5HS
Telephone: 0131 301 2153
Email: cp17-01@fca.org.uk
The FCA has developed the policy in this consultation paper in the context of the existing UK and EU regulatory framework. We will keep the proposals under review to assess whether any amendments will be required due to changes in the UK regulatory framework, including as a result of any negotiations following the UK’s vote to leave the EU. We make all responses to formal consultation available for public inspection unless the respondent requests otherwise. We will not regard a standard confidentiality statement in an email message as a request for non-disclosure. Despite this, we may be asked to disclose a confidential response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. We may consult you if we receive such a request. Any decision we make not to disclose the response is reviewable by the Information Commissioner and the Information Rights Tribunal. All our publications are available to download from www.fca.org.uk. If you would like to receive this paper in an alternative format, please call 020 7066 0790 or email publications_graphics@fca.org.uk or write to Editorial and Digital Department, Financial Conduct Authority, 25 The North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5HS FCA CP17/1 PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18

FCA and PRA January 2017 3
Abbreviations used in this paper
CBA cost benefit analysis
CP Consultation Paper
FCA Financial Conduct Authority
FEES Fees manual
FSCS Financial Services Compensation Scheme
FSMA Financial Services and Markets Act 2000
MELL management expenses levy limit
PRA Prudential Regulation Authority
SIPPs self-invested personal pensions
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18

FCA and PRA 5
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017 1. Overview Introduction
1.1 This Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) consultation
paper (CP) sets out the consultation on the management expenses levy limit (MELL) for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The MELL being consulted on for 2017/18 is £74.54 million.
1.2 The FSCS is the compensation fund of last resort for customers of failed authorised financial
services firms across the FCA’s and the PRA’s regulatory remit. An efficient and effective FSCS helps the FCA meet its consumer protection objective and is, therefore, beneficial to consumers. It also helps the PRA to meet its general objective of promoting the safety and soundness of PRA-authorised firms, and its specific insurance objective of ensuring that policyholders are appropriately protected. This single compensation scheme for failed financial services firms also aids public confidence in the financial services system as a whole.
1.3 The MELL is the maximum amount which the FSCS may levy in a year without further consultation.
This covers the projected costs of operating the scheme (£69.24 million), excluding claimants’ compensation costs, and an unlevied contingency reserve (£5.3 million).
1.4 The MELL provides the FSCS with adequate resources to process compensation claims resulting
from the failure of financial services firms. These functions are conferred on it by Part XV of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA). The MELL is consulted on annually, jointly by the FCA and the PRA.
1.5 Alongside the payment of compensation the FSCS performs other important functions. These
include making recoveries from failed financial institutions during insolvency, helping maintain consumer awareness in particular of deposit protection and the verification of account information provided by firms which enables faster payout to depositors.

6 January 2017 FCA and PRA
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18
1.6 Annex 2 to this CP contains the FCA’s and the PRA’s analysis of the costs and benefits of the
proposed rules (including the impact on mutual societies) as required under FSMA.1
Annex 3 to
this CP contains the FCA’s and the PRA’s assessment of the compatibility of the proposed rules with their respective statutory objectives, regulatory principles and competition objectives2 and their duty3 to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity in carrying out their policies, services and functions. Who does this consultation affect?
1.7 This consultation is relevant to all FCA and PRA authorised firms, but contains no material of
direct relevance to retail financial services consumers or consumer groups upon which they might need to act. Is this of interest to consumers?
1.8 An efficient and adequately funded compensation scheme is beneficial to all consumers. As
costs may be passed on in the form of higher prices, consumers may indirectly meet a part of the FSCS levies. Context
1.9 Under FSMA,4
the FCA and the PRA must set a limit for the total management expenses which the FSCS can levy on financial services firms. The proposed levy limit of £74.54 million would apply from 1 April 2017, the start of the FSCS’s financial year, to 31 March 2018.
1.10 The MELL provides the FSCS adequate resources to perform its functions efficiently and
economically. This enables the FSCS to provide a responsive and well-understood compensation service for financial services consumers.
1.11 The FSCS will provide more detail about its levies and the activities funded by the MELL in its
Plan and Budget which will be available on the FSCS website on 16 January 2017.
1.12 The compensation costs levy (the amount levied to pay claims) is separate to the management
expenses levy. The level of the compensation costs levy is determined by the FSCS and is not consulted on.
1.13 Separately and following a public commitment made by the FSA in 2013, the FCA is consulting on
how the FSCS is funded for the financial services activities for which the FCA has responsibility.5 1 Sections 138I, 138J and 138K of FSMA. 2 Sections 2H and 3B of FSMA. 3 Section 149(1) of the Equality Act 2010. 4 Section 223(1) FSMA. 5 The Consultation Paper was published on 14 December 2016, and can be found here:
www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp16-42-reviewing-funding-financial-services-compensation-scheme

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FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017 Summary of our proposals
1.14 The proposed MELL for 2017/18 is £74.54 million, consisting of:

• FSCS management expenses of £69.24 million, and
• a contingency reserve of £5.3 million
  1.15 The total MELL of £74.54 million is, therefore, the maximum amount that the FSCS may levy in
  the year without further formal consultation by the FCA and the PRA.
  1.16 The proposed rules for the FCA and the PRA to set the MELL for 2017/18 are in Appendices 1
  and 2, respectively.
  Equality and diversity considerations
  1.17 The proposal concerns a rule change that applies to the FSCS, not directly to authorised persons.
  As such, our analysis suggests that the subject matter of the rule change does not give rise to discrimination or raise any issues in light of the public sector equality duty contained in the Equality Act 2010. However, we would welcome any comments respondents may have on any equality issues they believe arise as a result of these proposals. Next steps
  1.18 Please send us your comments on the proposed MELL by 13 February 2017.
  How?
  1.19 Please use the online response form on our website or write to us at the address on page 2.
  What will we do?
  1.20 We will consider your feedback and, subject to approval by the Boards of the FCA and the PRA,
  we will finalise and publish our rules in a policy statement in March 2017. The finalised rules will take effect on 1 April 2017 and invoices will be sent out from July 2017.

8 January 2017 FCA and PRA
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 2. MELL 2017/18 Introduction
2.1 In this chapter we consult on the FSCS MELL for 2017/18. Management expenses are the non￾compensation costs that the FSCS incurs – or expects to incur – in connection with delivering
its functions.
What is the MELL?
2.2 The FCA and the PRA are obliged under section 223 of FSMA to set the limit of total
management expenses that the FSCS can levy in a financial year, the MELL. This covers the costs of operating the scheme and excludes claimants’ compensation costs, which are levied separately. Funding is provided through a levy on relevant FCA and PRA authorised firms. The FCA and the PRA jointly consult on the MELL before making respective rules setting the MELL. The FSCS publishes its Plan and Budget, as required by FSMA, in support of the consultation.
2.3 Firms are levied for the costs that relate to their class (specific costs) and a share of the overall
running costs of the scheme (base costs):

• Specific costs – costs that relate to a specific funding class and include the costs of assessing
  claims and making payments
• Base costs – costs that relate to the general running costs of the FSCS (and are not dependent
  on the level of claims received) and are split 50:50 between the FCA and PRA regulatory fee classes and then allocated amongst the firms in those classes proportionately and by reference to their regulatory fees

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FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017 Management expenses budget
2.4 The proposed management expenses budget for 2017/18 is £69.24 million. This is the amount
that will be levied for 2017/18 to cover the FSCS’s on-going operating expenses, IT, outsourcing and claims handling, and legal and other professional services.
2.5 This is an overall increase of £1.847 million (2.74%) from 2016/17, principally driven by increased
outsourced claims handling costs due to projected higher volumes of complex claims. Please see the ‘Management expenses budget – further detail’ section below for detailed analysis of the MELL.
2.6 Forecasting the volume of claims the FSCS will receive is complex. The actual volume may be
significantly different to expectations, both in total and between classes. To ensure firms pay a fair proportion of the levy, the FSCS analyses the actual level of expenditure on each class at the end of each financial year. It then adjusts classes’ levies for the following financial year to reflect the actual expenditure. Final levy requirements for each class are then confirmed in early April. Contingency reserve
2.7 The contingency reserve allows the FSCS to levy additional funds at short notice, without the
need for further consultation by the FCA and the PRA.
2.8 The proposed contingency reserve for 2017/18 is £5.3 million, unchanged since 2014/15
following a significant reduction from £20 million in 2013/14. It would only be levied if the FSCS faced a significant unforeseen event or events which necessitated additional funding. In line with usual practice, the FSCS would liaise with stakeholders including the FCA, the PRA and trade associations before levying the contingency reserve.

10 January 2017 FCA and PRA
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 Management expenses budget – further detail
2.9 Table 1 sets out a breakdown of the proposed management expenses budget by line item.
Table 1
2016/17
Budget
£’000
2016/17
Q2
Forecast
£’000
2017/18
Budget
£’000
Bud 16/17 v Bud
17/18
Variance
£’000
Staff costs 18,190 17,073 17,805 385
Contractor costs (non-Change) 870 2,698 750 120 Facilities 2,464 2,527 2,853 (389) IT 4,138 3,728 3,892 246 Communications 4,789 4,383 4,044 745 Legal & Professional 2,870 3,197 3,057 (187) External Providers 899 809 899 0 Depreciation 194 0 Other contingencies 345 274 569 (224) Subtotal Core Costs 34,759 34,883 34,062 697 Outsourced Claims Handling 11,559 15,630 16,113 (4,553) Independent Insurance Claims Handling Contribution (1,680) (1,680) (1,680) 0 Outsourced Printing & Scanning Services 870 946 876 (6) Operational Total 45,508 49,779 49,370 (3,863) Strategic Change Portfolio 10,086 10,086 9,000 1,086 Operational & Investment Expense Total 55,594 59,865 58,370 (2,777) Bank Charges 6,000 5,343 5,850 150 PPI Recovery Expense 2,500 1,900 2,100 400 Major Banking failure related expenses 1,500 498 1,000 500 Total Management Expenses (excluding Pension Deficit) 65,594 67,606 67,320 (1,727) Pension Deficit Funding 1,800 1,981 1,920 (120) Total Management Expenses 67,394 69,587 69,240 (1,847)

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FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017 Core operating costs
2.10 FSCS’s core operating costs for 2017/18 will be £34.062 million. This includes:

• £18.555 million for all internal FSCS staff and contractors
• £6.745 million for facilities and IT
• £4.044 million for communications and marketing
• £3.057 million for external legal and professional services for firm failures, ongoing recovery
  work, and core requirements (e.g. audit)
• £0.899 million for external printing and agreements with outsourced cheque printers, and
• £0.569 million for other contingencies
  2.11 Core operating costs have decreased by £0.697 million for 2017/18, in part due to a:
• £0.505 million reduction in staff and contractor costs, including a planned net headcount
  reduction from 226 to 212 full time equivalents by March 2018, and
• £0.745 million reduction in communications costs, due to lower expenditure on FSCS
  awareness
  2.12 The above reductions are offset by increases of:
• £0.389 million in facilities costs, driven by a rent review and in line with independent advice,
  and
• £0.187 million in legal and professional costs
  2.13 The budget also includes £16.113 million for outsourced claims handling costs, an increase of
  £4.553 million (39.4%). The volume and type of claims can vary significantly from year to year and the FSCS’s outsourcing budget is adjusted to reflect this. The increase in costs is caused by a forecast 60% increase in the volume of complex outsourced claims compared to the 2016/17 budget. The number of claims in relation to advice about transferring from occupational pension schemes into self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs) is forecast to increase by 67% and the number of investment-based claims to increase by 108%.
  2.14 Notably, the FSCS is anticipating claims in respect of an increasing number of failed firms,
  although the majority of recent claims have been attributed to a small number of firms. More straightforward claims, principally in provider classes, are expected to reduce by 40%.
  2.15 The financing and major recovery expenses at £8.95 million are £1.05 million (10.5%) lower.
  These include the cost of the FSCS’s borrowing facility and the external legal costs of the FSCS pursuing recoveries from the major banking failures of 2008/09 and for PPI.6 6 Recoveries are only pursued if the FSCS is satisfied that it would be cost effective to do so.

12 January 2017 FCA and PRA
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 Strategic Change Portfolio
2.16 The FSCS’s Strategic Change Portfolio budget has reduced by £1.086 million (10.7%)
to £9 million.
2.17 Within the £9 million budget, £4.4 million is allocated to regular maintenance and upgrades
of existing systems and infrastructure, particularly IT. It is important for the FSCS to maintain its systems so that an efficient and effective compensation service can be provided. Therefore these costs are likely to recur in future years.
2.18 The remaining £4.6 million will be used for specific projects. In 2017/18 these are likely to
include:

• Further enhancements to the FSCS’s recently-implemented digital service to allow a higher
  proportion of claims to be made on-line. This relates to the FSCS’s service modernisation strategy, previously known as Connect.
• Reviewing and updating the outsourcing strategy.
• Improvements to processing times for non-deposit claims.
• A cross-authority project on electronic rather than cheque payouts to claimants.
  2.19 A number of respondents to previous consultations on the MELL have requested further
  information on the Strategic Change Portfolio. The FSCS has committed to provide further information on the spending within the portfolio in its Plan and Budget, which will be published shortly after 16 January 2017.
  2.20 The FSCS has indicated that there may be reprioritisation within the Strategic Change Portfolio
  during the course of the year. Any revised spending will be attributed to the appropriate FCA or PRA class and accurately allocated at the end of the financial year. The FSCS has committed to explain any changes fully in its 2017/18 annual report and reflect changes in class levies for the next financial year.
  2.21 In future MELL CPs, we may also set out the MELL on an activity cost basis. This has been
  developed by the FSCS to illustrate with greater transparency the major drivers of the FSCS’s costs. The 2017/18 Plan and Budget document will be prepared on an activity cost basis.

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FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017 Budget Allocation
2.22 The FSCS’s budgeted expenses of £69.24 million will be made up of £27.87 million in base costs
and £41.37 million in specific costs, as shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2
2016/17 2017/18 Movement
FSCS
Total
Costs
£'000
PRA Fee
Block
Allocation
£'000
FCA
Fee Block
Allocation
£'000
FSCS
Total
Costs
£'000
PRA Fee
Block
Allocation
£'000
FCA Fee
Block
Allocation
£'000
FSCS
Total
Costs
PRA Fee
Block
Allocation
FCA
Fee Block
Allocation
Base Costs
Total (Split
50:50) 23,403 11,702 11,702 27,869 13,934 13,934 19% 19% 19% Specific Costs Deposits 14,195 14,195 - 11,127 11,127 -22% -22% General Insurance Provision 5,452 5,452 - 4,165 4,165 -24% -24% Life & Pension Provision 102 102 - 5 5 -95% -95% General Insurance Intermediation 9,476 - 9,476 6,479 6,479 -32% -32% Life & Pension Intermediation 5,472 - 5,472 7,513 7,513 37% 37% Investment Provision 141 - 141 11 11 -92% -92% Investment Intermediation 8,427 - 8,427 10,710 10,710 27% 27% Home Finance Intermediation 724 - 724 1,362 1,362 88% 88% Specific Costs Total 43,990 19,749 24,241 41,371 15,297 26,074 -6% -23% 8% Management Expenses Total 67,394 31,451 35,942 69,240 29,231 40,009 3% -7% 11%

14 January 2017 FCA and PRA
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18
2.23 This table shows the budget allocation between FCA and PRA classes for 2016/17 and 2017/18.
The overall split has changed from 53% FCA and 47% PRA in 2016/17 to 58% FCA and 42% PRA in 2017/18.
2.24 The reasons for this are:

• a £3.068 million reduction for deposit takers driven by an anticipated reduction in the
  number of claims, lower expenditure on consumer awareness and reduced spending on legal fees relating to the major banking failures
• a £2.997 million reduction for General Insurance Intermediation although considerable
  uncertainty remains relating to PPI claims volumes. The class benefits from a reduction in expected 'Change' costs and reductions in claims process processing costs, and
• a £4.962 million increase for intermediation classes across Life & Pensions, Investment and
  Home Finance, in particular due to anticipated increases in the volume of complex claims

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FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017
Annex 1
List of questions
Q1: Do you agree with the proposed MELL for 2017/18?
Q2: Do you have any comments on the proposed MELL for 2017/18?

16 January 2017 FCA and PRA
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PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18
Annex 2
Cost benefit analysis

1. Under s138I(2)(a) and s138J(2)(a) of FSMA, the FCA and the PRA are required to carry out and
   publish a cost benefit analysis (CBA) when proposing draft rules.
2. Setting the MELL at £74.54 million allows the FSCS to raise funds to cover its management
   expenses so it can continue to operate and meet its objective of providing a compensation scheme that is efficient, fair, approachable and responsive.
3. The FSCS delivers direct benefits to consumers through the payment of compensation to eligible
   claimants. While the wider benefits of the FSCS are hard to quantify, the benefit to consumers from FSCS compensation is expected to be £445 million in 2016/17. This reduces consumers’ financial loss and increases consumer confidence in authorised financial services firms. This is particularly important for depositors as timely compensation from the FSCS in the event of a deposit taker failure helps ensure consumer confidence in the financial system as a whole.
4. FSCS’s compensation costs are offset by the recoveries which FSCS makes from the estates
   of failed firms or from third parties responsible for the losses. During 2015/16, the FSCS’s recoveries for the industry exceeded £331 million, including £294 million from the estates of the major banking failures.
5. The contingency reserve of £5.3 million will give the FSCS some margin to meet costs that
   exceed its budgeted expenses and need to be funded at short notice. The FCA and the PRA recognise that the FSCS needs to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to firm failures. The FCA and the PRA would act to enable the FSCS to meet its obligations on a timely basis if a firm failure or series of firm failures meant that it was necessary to increase the MELL beyond the proposed total of £74.54 million.
6. The proposed MELL will also enable the FSCS to continue to implement its Strategic Change
   Portfolio. This will improve the efficiency with which the organisation can offer protection to customers of failed authorised financial services firms in the longer term. The FSCS has forecast £0.4 million of efficiency savings from improved processes, and reduced technology and outsourcing costs, as a result of recent investment within the Strategic Change Portfolio. Within three to four years the FSCS expects annual savings on like-for-like claim volumes to total approximately £5 million as a result of the recent investment.

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PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017
7. Management expenses are charged to firms and may be passed on to consumers in the form
of higher prices. When discharging general rule-making functions, the FCA must, so far as is compatible with acting in a way which advances its consumer protection objective, act in a way which promotes effective competition in the interests of consumers and the PRA is legally required, so far as is reasonably possible, to facilitate effective competition in the markets for services provided by authorised persons in carrying on authorised activities. The MELL is not expected to have any adverse effect on competition as it is applied to firms proportionately.
8. Overall the FCA and the PRA consider that the benefits of the MELL outweigh the direct costs
to industry, and potential indirect costs to consumers.
Impact on mutual societies
9. FSCS management expenses are levied on all authorised firms according to the volume of
authorised financial services business they conduct. This includes mutual societies. The impact on mutual societies is, therefore, not considered disproportionate to other types of firm.

18 January 2017 FCA and PRA
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18
Annex 3
Compatibility statement
FCA general duties and regulatory principles

1. This Annex records the FCA’s compliance with a number of legal requirements applicable to the
   proposals in this consultation, including an explanation of the FCA’s reasons for concluding that our proposals in this consultation are compatible with certain requirements under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA).
2. When consulting on new rules, the FCA is required by section 138I(2)(d) FSMA to include an
   explanation of why it believes making the proposed rules is (a) compatible with its general duty, under s1B(1) FSMA, so far as reasonably possible, to act in a way which is compatible with its strategic objective and advances one or more of its operational objectives, and (b) its general duty under s1B(5)(a) FSMA to have regard to the regulatory principles in s3B FSMA. The FCA is also required by s138K(2) FSMA to state its opinion on whether the proposed rules will have a significantly different impact on mutual societies as opposed to other authorised persons.
3. This Annex also sets out the FCA’s view of how the proposed rules are compatible with the
   duty on the FCA to discharge its general functions (which include rule-making) in a way which promotes effective competition in the interests of consumers (s1B(4)). This duty applies in so far as promoting competition is compatible with advancing the FCA’s consumer protection and/ or integrity objectives. The FCA’s objectives and regulatory principles: Compatibility statement
4. The proposal set out in this consultation is primarily intended to advance the FCA’s operational
   objective of consumer protection. The role of the FSCS is, in general, to provide compensation to consumers of financial products when authorised firms are unable, or likely to be unable, to meet their obligations. A compensation scheme provides a safety net, offering protection to consumers, which leads to greater confidence in their dealings with financial services firms, benefiting all firms and leading to a stronger financial system. If the FSCS was unable to process claims because of financial constraints due to an inappropriate MELL this would undermine the protection offered to consumers.
5. The FCA considers these proposals are compatible with the FCA’s strategic objective of ensuring
   that the relevant markets function well because management expenses are charged to firms and may be passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices. The MELL is not expected to have any adverse effect on competition as it is applied to firms proportionately. For the purposes of the FCA’s strategic objective, “relevant markets” are defined by s1F FSMA.
6. In preparing the proposals set out in this consultation, the FCA has had regard to the regulatory
   principles set out in s3B FSMA.

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FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017 The need to use our resources in the most efficient and economic way
7. The FSCS is operationally independent of, but accountable to, the FCA and the PRA, which
means that the FCA’s and the PRA’s resources are not directly involved in carrying out the proposed activities.
8. FCA rules require the FSCS to manage its resources appropriately, prudently and economically.7
Setting the MELL, after public consultation, encourages good internal management and effective operating procedures. The principle that a burden or restriction should be proportionate to the benefits
9. The FCA’s and the PRA’s assessment of the fairness and proportionality of the burden and
benefits relating to this proposal can be found in the cost benefit analysis at Annex 2 of this CP The general principle that consumers should take responsibility for their decisions
10. The FSCS does not absolve consumers from having responsibility for their actions or decisions,
but does provide last resort protection in certain cases if a firm is unable, or is likely to be unable, to meet claims against it. The desirability of recognising differences in the nature of, and objectives of, businesses carried on by different persons including mutual societies and other kinds of business organisation
11. The MELL does not have any adverse effect on firms operating different business models, as it
is applied to all relevant firms proportionately.
The principle that we should exercise our functions as transparently as possible
12. This CP clearly sets out the factors that underpin the MELL for 2017/18, and seeks responses to
the proposals. In addition, the FSCS will publish its Plan and Budget for 2017/18 on 16 January 2017, setting out in greater detail its spending proposals.
13. In formulating these proposals, the FCA has had regard to the importance of taking action
intended to minimise the extent to which it is possible for a business carried on (i) by an authorised person or a recognised investment exchange; or (ii) in contravention of the general prohibition, to be used for a purpose connected with financial crime (as required by s1B(5)(b) FSMA).
14. Setting an FSCS MELL figure has no material significance for the reduction of financial crime
objectives.
Expected effect on mutual societies
15. Levies for FSCS management expenses are levied on all authorised firms according to the
volume of authorised financial services business they conduct. This includes mutual societies. The impact on mutual societies is, therefore, not considered disproportionate to other types of firm. 7 FEES 6.3.12R, FEES 6.3.17R.

20 January 2017 FCA and PRA
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 Equality and diversity
16. The FCA is required under the Equality Act 2010 to ‘have due regard’ to the need to eliminate
discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity in carrying out our policies, services and functions. As part of this, we conduct an equality impact assessment to ensure that the equality and diversity implications of any new policy proposals are considered.
17. The outcome of the assessment in this case is stated in paragraph 1.17 of the Consultation
Paper.
PRA general duties and regulatory principles
18. The PRA must, when discharging its general functions, so far as is reasonably possible, act
in a way that advances its general objective - promoting the safety and soundness of PRA￾authorised firms.8
19. The PRA must carry out that objective primarily by:

• seeking to ensure that the business of PRA-authorised persons is carried on in a way which
  avoids any adverse effect on the stability of the UK financial system, and
• seeking to minimise the adverse effect that the failure of a PRA-authorised person could be
  expected to have on the stability of the UK financial system

20. The PRA believes that the proposed rule setting the MELL is compatible with this statutory
    obligation. The continued operation of the FSCS with a MELL set at an appropriate level helps minimise the adverse effect of the failure of a PRA-authorised person on consumers and so helps promote stability of the UK financial system through increased consumer confidence.
21. The PRA has an additional primary objective for insurance. In addition to promoting insurers’
    safety and soundness, the PRA has an objective to contribute to securing an appropriate degree of protection for those who are or may become policyholders.9 The PRA considers the proposed MELL is compatible with this duty because the efficient and effective functioning of the FSCS minimises the effect of insurer failures on eligible policyholders.
22. The PRA must also have regard to the regulatory principles in discharging its general functions
    and to the need to minimise any adverse effect on competition in the relevant markets that may result from the manner in which the PRA discharges those functions.10 The PRA believes the proposed MELL is compatible with these principles and does not have any adverse effect on competition in the relevant markets. 8 Section 2B of FSMA. 9 Section 2C of FSMA. 10 Sections 2H(1), 2H(2) and 3B of FSMA.

FCA and PRA 21
FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18 January 2017 Compatibility with the regulatory principles – PRA
23. This section comments on how this proposal to set the MELL meets the requirement that the
PRA must have regard to the regulatory principles outlined in section 3B of FSMA in discharging their respective general functions.
24. The regulatory principles most relevant to this proposal are:

• the need to use the resources of each regulator in the most efficient and economical way
  – the FSCS is operationally independent of, but accountable to, the PRA, which means that the PRA’s resources are not directly involved in carrying out the proposed activities, and – the PRA rules require the FSCS to use its resources in the most efficient and economical way when carrying out its functions. Setting the MELL, after public consultation, encourages good internal management and effective operating procedures
• a burden or restriction should be proportionate to the benefits
  – the PRA’s assessment of the fairness and proportionality of the burden and benefits relating to this proposal can be found in the cost benefit analysis at Annex 2 of this CP Equality and diversity

25. In making rules and establishing practices and procedures, the PRA may not act in an unlawfully
    discriminatory manner. The PRA is required, under the Equality Act 2010, to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination and promote equality of opportunity in carrying out its policies, services and functions. To meet this requirement, the PRA has performed an assessment of the policy proposals and does not consider that the proposals give rise to equality and diversity implications.

FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18

FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18
Appendix 1
Draft FCA Handbook text

FCA 2017/XX
FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPENSATION SCHEME (MANAGEMENT EXPENSES LEVY LIMIT 2017/2018) INSTRUMENT 2017 Powers exercised A. The Financial Conduct Authority makes this instrument in the exercise of the following powers and related provisions in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(1) section 137T (General supplementary powers); (2) section 213 (The compensation scheme); (3) section 214 (General); and (4) section 223 (Management expenses). B. The rule-making powers listed above are specified for the purposes of section 138G(2) (Rule-making instruments) of the Act. Commencement
C. This instrument comes into force on 1 April 2017.
Amendments to the Handbook
D. The Fees manual (FEES) is amended in accordance with the Annex to this instrument. Citation E. This instrument may be cited as the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/2018) Instrument 2017. By order of the Board [date]

FCA 2017/XX
Annex
Amendments to the Fees manual (FEES)
In this Annex, underlining indicates new text.
6 Annex 1R Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit This table belongs to FEES 6.4.2R Period Limit on total of all management expenses levies attributable to that period (£) … 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017 £72,694,000 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 £74,540,000

FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18

FCA CP17/1
PRA CP1/17 Financial Services Compensation Scheme – Management Expenses Levy Limit 2017/18
Appendix 2
Draft PRA Rulebook text

PRA 2017/##
PRA RULEBOOK: NON AUTHORISED PERSONS: FSCS MANAGEMENT EXPENSES LEVY LIMIT AND BASE COSTS INSTRUMENT 2017 Powers exercised A. The Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) makes this instrument in the exercise of the following powers and related provisions in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (“the Act”):
(1) section 137T (General supplementary powers); (2) section 213 (The compensation scheme); (3) section 214 (General); and (4) section 223 (Management expenses). B. The rule-making powers referred to above are specified for the purpose of section 138G(2) (Rule￾making instrument) of the Act. Pre-conditions to making
C. In accordance with section 138J of the Act (Consultation by the PRA), the PRA consulted the
Financial Conduct Authority. After consulting, the PRA published a draft of proposed rules and had regard to representations made. PRA Rulebook: Non Authorised Persons: FSCS Management Expenses Levy Limit and Base Costs Instrument 2017 D. The PRA makes the rules in the Annex to this instrument. Commencement E. This instrument comes into force on [DATE]. Citation F. This instrument may be cited as the PRA Rulebook: Non Authorised Persons: FSCS Management Expenses Levy Limit and Base Costs Instrument 2017. By order of the Board of the Prudential Regulation Authority [DATE]

PRA 2017/##
Annex
Amendments to the FSCS Management Expenses Levy Limit and Base Costs Part In this Annex new text is underlined and deleted text is struck through. 2 LIMIT ON MANAGEMENT EXPENSES LEVIES
2.1 The total of all management expenses levies attributable to the period 1 April 2016 to 31
March 2017 1 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 of the deposit guarantee scheme, the dormant account scheme or the policyholder protection scheme may not exceed £72,694,000 £74,540,000 less whatever management expenses levies the FSCS has imposed in accordance with FCA compensation scheme rules attributable to that period.

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