MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator

The MP said she is "seeking clarity on the situation" after Morecambe FC was reported to The Pensions Regulator.

Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, has written to the UK regulator of work-based pension schemes after Morecambe FC Ltd was reported by a pension provider for non-payment of pension contributions.

A spokesperson for Ms Collinge said on Thursday: “Lizzi is aware of ongoing issues and is continuing to gather information.

"Lizzi has written to both The Pensions Regulator and the pension provider seeking clarity on the situation. 

“We would welcome any staff or players who think they may have been affected by this to get in touch with Lizzi, who will be able to support them at this worrying time.”

A spokesperson for the pension provider said: "While I can’t share confidential details relating to the employers or our members, and can’t confirm the number of impacted members, I can share that we have a process for reporting employers who do not make pension contributions on time. We follow the same procedure regarding member payments for every employer.

"This involves four notifications over a 90-day period before reporting them to the Pensions Regulator (TPR). This occurs after each month contributions may be missed. Making pension contributions is a legal requirement and we are committed to making sure employers are compliant and members receive the contributions in their accounts that they have worked to earn.

"Once an employer has been reported to TPR, it is TPR which has the regulated authority to take enforcement action if an employer is not complying with pension legislation, which includes paying contributions. We are unable to take enforcement action or compel payment of pension contributions."

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) works with trustees, employers, pension specialists and business advisers, giving guidance on what is expected of them.

TPR is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Government's Department for Work and Pensions. 

A spokesperson for The Pensions Regulator said: “We do not comment on individual employers or schemes unless it is appropriate to do so. 

“Employers are legally required to pay pension contributions in full and on time. Where they fail to meet their duties, we can use our powers to protect members, including requiring unpaid contributions to be paid, issuing fines and, in the most serious cases, prosecution.”

Beyond Radio has contacted Morecambe FC for comment.

The controversy is the latest to befall the club in recent times and comes just weeks after the Shrimps became the first to face action from the new Independent Football Regulator.

The club received a Warning Notice saying they'd failed to comply with a request for information issued under Section 65 of the Football Governance Act 2025.

But Morecambe FC and its owners Panjab Warriors said in response that they "strongly dispute that a warning notice is justified in the circumstances" and that they would "submit detailed representations" to the regulator.

Read more: Morecambe FC "disappointed" after football regulator issues warning notice - Beyond Radio

Morecambe FC becomes first club to face action from Independent Football Regulator - Beyond Radio

The Shrimps will kick off the new season in the National League North this Saturday at home to Spennymoor Town.