Skip to Content

Concerns over pension reforms.

New pension laws come into force this April and concerns are growing that, as a result of the reforms, pensioners may run out of money.

The reforms allow those over the age of 55 to withdraw as much money as they like from a defined contribution pension scheme.

The fear is that, in so doing, they will spend the money that would have ordinarily been paid by an annuity on a monthly basis, whilst the government highlight that everyone is eligible for free advice to ensure people understand the need to plan for the future, the concern is that the attraction of taking the money in advance without long term planning could prove problematical in the future.

The biggest positive we can see from the reforms, is the freedom in not having to buy an annuity, which are not always very favourable, unless you are an insurance company that is!

For example, the best rates at the moment for an annuity for a single person age 55 with a fund of £100,000 after taking the cash lump sum (full fund £133,333) is £4746 per annum fixed, it's easy to see why taking that cash may prove attractive.

Age concern has issued a discussion paper asking pension providers to develop tools to help those at retirement age understand how to manage their funds long term; they have also highlighted the excessive administration charges levied on pension funds.

The changes maybe a good thing, and similar systems have been in place in different parts of the world for years, giving people the freedom to do what they like with their money is logical and fair, however the infrastructure does need to be in place to ensure any choices made are informed, the possibility of people running out of money is a real one, its both possible and probable but the benefits of the new system outweigh the pitfalls.

Our concerns are that pensioners with £100's of £1000's at their disposal either to spend or to invest will no doubt have plenty of advisers waiting to help, we would urge anyone in this position to receive one or two opinions as to where to invest before making any decision.


Image Description
related news
recent articles
Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

link

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

Bankruptcy Guide

Bankruptcy Guide - Understand how you become bankrupt and what happens to you..

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

Civil partnership for Heterosexual Couples

A change in the marriage laws..

link

Registering your Childs Birth.

Registration of a Childs birth is a legal requirement - understand what you need to do...

Guide to Family Mediation

The objective of Family Mediation is to provide a less confrontational approach to separation than the traditional Legal Model, helping parents communicate to f..

Lasting Power of Attorney

Guide to Lasting Powers of Attorney.- If you are looking to appoint a solicitor to arrange a Power of Attorney this guide can help you understand how they work...

How to end a Civil Partnership.

Whilst a Civil partnership is different to a marriage in many way..

link

Children and the Law Leaving a child at home.

There is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if..

Major Change in Divorce Law - no fault divorces

Government to finally introduce 'no-fault' Divorce laws..

The legal rights of unmarried couples.

The legal rights of unmarried couples, regarding property. - In the event of the breakup of a relationship where the couple are not married what happens to the..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top