Retirement

A major challenge facing state retirement income provision is to eliminate the current system of means-testing, suggests comments in response to the Turner report.

Women face particular challenges obtaining decent retirement income because of existing rules based on outdated assumptions of family units, lower average wages, lower employment rates, and more part-time work.

Analysis of the arguments for and against compulsion will be a key area for the Pensions Commission to consider between now and the publication of its second report in autumn 2005.

Today's report into pensions has found there are four main areas of risk to savers linked to investment returns, longevity, defaults and political changes, and earnings progression.

The last few chapters of Turner's report look to people's understanding of pensions issues, alternative systems in other countries, and issues specific to women and pensions.

Demographics takes up the first chapter of Adair Turner's report, followed by retirement ages, the pensions system, pensions adequacy based on trends, and non-pension savings and housing.

The Building Societies Association (BSA) has challenged a promise made by the Conservative Party to use unclaimed assets in banks and building societies to fund pensions.

Research from consultant Aon suggests workers have little faith in government when it comes to retirement advice, instead preferring to turn to their employers.

The Conservative Party has slammed the Pension Credit system calling it "chaotic" and "nightmarishly complicated".

A new marketing campaign from Scottish Provident will target advisers with information on compliance and protection.