Purnell wary of adding 'bells and whistles' to Npss

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James Purnell, Minister for Pensions Reform, has hinted the government's response to the personal accounts white paper will reject the idea of including any additional benefits or "bells and whistles" to the scheme, such as death benefits, or early drawdown.

Speaking at the Association of British Insurers (ABI) conference: ‘Thinking for Tomorrow’, Purnell confirmed the government’s response – setting out further details on the new system will be published in June. In his speech he says the consultation is focused on refining policies, but adds the government believes there are two central principles, which are “very important to have as guiding principles in taking personal accounts through Parliament”. They are to keep it simple and to make it independent not only from government and politicians, but also from other third parties who, ho...

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