Armchair critic: You're a long time dead…

As we reflect on retirees' option after Budget 2014, should we remember the phrase: 'You’re a long time dead'?

clock • 4 min read

PA's Armchair critic Brendan Llewellyn looks at the consequences of George Osborne's power-to-the-people pension changes…

The 'Freedom at 55' Budget change is one of the more interesting things to happen to the sector. As always, with any debate half the people respond to such a change by saying what people ought to do and the other half respond by saying what people will do. Firstly, on the question as to what people should do faced with the freedom to take, at 55, whatever proportion of their retirement pot they wish. It's an interesting question and can only be considered in the round.  If at that age they have, for the first time, the potential to access a level of money that could change their li...

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

Govt moves to tackle gender pension gap with LPGS scheme changes

Govt moves to tackle gender pension gap with LPGS scheme changes

Reforms follow consultation on access and fairness in the Local Government Pension Scheme

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 03 February 2026 • 2 min read
Britain's pension ambition is rising - just as cash resilience slips

Britain's pension ambition is rising - just as cash resilience slips

'2026's 'pension resolution' wave is real. But so is the cash-cushion squeeze'

Phillip Wickenden
clock 02 February 2026 • 6 min read
Government again rejects Waspi compensation after review

Government again rejects Waspi compensation after review

DWP: Creation of compensation scheme would be ‘highly impractical’ and ‘time-consuming’

Martin Richmond
clock 29 January 2026 • 3 min read