I predict a U-turn: Dennis Hall on Osborne's pensions 'false largesse'

I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn when I say this government is wilfully playing fast and loose with people’s futures.

clock •

I don't think I'm speaking out of turn when I say this government is wilfully playing fast and loose with people's futures.

It is a false largesse to give people greater access to the money in their pensions. It's both foolish and a cynical tax grab. Once saner heads prevail I'm forecasting a U-turn. It's clear government only half understands pensions otherwise why reduce income drawdown to 100% of GAD one year, raising it back up to 120% the next, before swiftly increasing it to 150% before the ink's dried on the last change? Allowing income withdrawal at a rate significantly greater than the growth in the underlying funds is the wrong way to solve the retirement income problem. But for now it is perhaps...

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

Why the pensions dashboard could raise more questions than it answers

Why the pensions dashboard could raise more questions than it answers

The 31 October connection deadline was a 'starting gun rather than the finish line'

Robert Holford
clock 09 November 2026 • 4 min read
Pension Lab processes more than one million digital LoAs

Pension Lab processes more than one million digital LoAs

Challenge around ‘standards for consistency’

Sophia Panayi
clock 06 November 2026 • 1 min read
DWP, TPR and FCA launch consultation on guided retirement to help 'resurrect' pensions

DWP, TPR and FCA launch consultation on guided retirement to help 'resurrect' pensions

Consultation covers how default pensions should work in practice

Holly Roach
clock 03 November 2026 • 6 min read