Retirement

Scottish Equitable believes the Government's aim to encourage flexibility in retirement after A-day will lead to an influx in the self-investment market.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released pension and benefit rates for 2005-06, revealing an increase in the full basic state pension from £79.60 to £82.05.

New figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions indicate the average weekly net income for all pensioners is £246 for the period 2003/4.

Only half the key 45-54 age group is contributing towards a pension, suggests new research from Mintel.

A pensions expert is warning industry members not to jump the gun by concentrating solely on A-Day in 2006, as there are other changes affect pensions advice before then.

An IFA has attacked the Government for a lack of effort in communicating simplification changes, leaving thousands of pension holders ignorant of how A-Day will affect them.

The Pensions Regulator has released an annuity booklet for pension scheme members approaching retirement.

Friends Provident has launched a new range of individual pensions compatible with the Government's new stakeholder regulations which reduces charges the more money is invested

Legal & General (L&G) has launched a pensions simplification pack for financial advisers.

The Government has published draft regulations for the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) for consultation.