FRS 17: Retirement benefits
Find links to the accounting standard, technical summaries, useful guides and other resources on FRS 17 collated by ICAEW Library & Information Service.
The accounting standard FRS 17 set out the requirements and accounting treatment for retirement benefits. It was issued by the Accounting Standards Board in November 2000 and subsequently amended in November 2002, December 2006 and December 2008.
This standard and all other old UK GAAP FRSs have been withdrawn for reporting periods starting on or after 1 January 2015. Topics within employee benefits are covered by Section 28 of FRS 102 under new UK GAAP.
How can I get a copy of this standard?
Consolidated standard
There is no free consolidated version of FRS 17 available online.
However, we can provide copies of the consolidated standard, which includes amendments, through the Library's premium databases by email. Contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7920 86201 or by email at library@icaew.com for more information.
Unconsolidated standard and amendments as first issued
Financial Reporting Standard 17: Retirement Benefits
This is the full text of the original standard as issued by the Accounting Standards Board in November 2000. It does not include the amendments made in November 2002, December 2006 and December 2008.
Improvements to Financial Reporting Standards
Amendment issued by the ASB in December 2008.
Amendment to FRS 17 ‘Retirement Benefits’
Amendment issued by the ASB in December 2006.
Amendment to FRS 17 and the FRSSE (effective June 2002) – November 2002
Amendment issued by the ASB in November 2002.
Summaries
Retirement Benefits
Summary published by the Financial Reporting Council.
ICAEW guidance and support
Corporate Reporting Faculty
The faculty offers assistance and support in IFRS, UK GAAP and other aspects of business reporting. It offers technical briefings and factsheets, IFRS and UK GAAP standards-trackers, plus practical advice from industry experts and working accountants.
Practical Points for Auditors in connection with the implementation of FRS 17 ‘Retirement Benefits’ Defined Benefit Schemes (AUDIT 1/02)
Guidance issued as a technical release in February 2002 by the Audit and Assurance Faculty. Please note that it is supplementary to and not a substitute for Practice Note 22 (PN22), which should be regarded as the primary source of guidance for auditors.
FRS 17 Transitional Disclosures and Distributions By Companies (TECH 3/02)
Statement by the Company Law Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales on the implications of the transitional disclosures of FRS 17 ‘Retirement benefits’ on the profits available for distribution by companies.
Guides and publications
LCP Accounting for Pensions
Annual survey and analysis report produced by Lane Clark & Peacock of pensions disclosures made by FTSE 100 companies.
Report by the Financial Reporting Review Panel on the result of its review into defined benefit disclosures by companies under both IFRS and UK GAAP
The review evaluated the completeness and clarity of disclosures on pensions obligations under IAS 19 and FRS 17 by comparing the disclosures of 20 listed groups using IAS 19 to 10 large private companies using FRS 17. Published by the FRRP in August 2006.
The great pensions debate over FRS 17
Special report from Accountancy Age published in March 2002, with an archive of news stories on FRS 17.
FRC news
Financial Reporting Review Panel publishes Review of Pensions Disclosures under IFRS and UK GAAP
Press release from the FRRP published on 2 August 2006 summarising the results of its review.
Online articles
The Library provides access to leading business, finance and management journals. These journals are available to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users subject to suppliers' terms of use.
Articles are available to logged-in ICAEW members, ACA students and other entitled users.
Articles and books in the Library collection
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