Pension reforms not done in a 'big rush', says Danny Alexander

clock

Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, has hit back at claims the government is pushing through its wide-ranging pension reforms "in a big rush" ahead of next year's general election.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Liberal Democrat Alexander said that, now freedoms have been offered to the public, it would want policymakers to "get on and do them". In March, Chancellor George Osborne announced key changes to the taxation of pensions, giving retirees greater access to their savings from April next year and effectively ending the need to buy an annuity. During the Radio 4 programme, it was suggested to Alexander that it had not gone unnoticed the reforms will be introduced shortly before the general election in 2015. "I don't think it's fair to say we are doing this in ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

DWP publishes state pension age communications action plan

DWP publishes state pension age communications action plan

Government confirms plan to develop strategy with ‘timely’ and ‘modern’ communications

Martin Richmond
clock 25 June 2026 • 4 min read
Ros Altmann: A pensions manifesto for the new prime minister

Ros Altmann: A pensions manifesto for the new prime minister

Ros Altmann says pension funds could be a 'silver bullet' to revive UK growth

Baroness Ros Altmann
clock 25 June 2026 • 6 min read
Scottish Widows launches pension tracing tool

Scottish Widows launches pension tracing tool

Some 3.3 million pension pots are 'lost' in the UK

Holly Roach
clock 24 June 2026 • 1 min read