Blog: Advisers must not be the pensions freedom 'fall guys'

Advisers are once again being lined up to take the blame

clock

Pensions freedom has opened endless possibilities for clients but appropriate protection is not in place. Chris Budd feels advisers are 'once again being lined up to take the blame'

The fallout from pension freedom (how I detest that phrase, as if owning a pension fund is something terrible from which we must be liberated) is likely to last for many years, possibly generations. It feels that advisers are once again being lined up to take the blame and cover the cost. Statistics from the first two months are not instructive. It will be the cumulative impact over many years of how people spend their pension cash that will matter. Will my grandchildren look back on George Osborne's vote winning reforms and see them as a good thing?   Letting go Take Bill ...

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 Income

Record-breaking year for annuities as larger pots drive £7.4bn sales

Record-breaking year for annuities as larger pots drive £7.4bn sales

ABI figures for 2025 at highest level since 2014 pensions freedom bombshell

Jenna Brown
clock 12 February 2026 • 3 min read
Annuity rates rose to 7.51% by end of 2025

Annuity rates rose to 7.51% by end of 2025

Rise worth an extra £7,000 to £9,000 in lifetime income for a 65-year-old

Holly Roach
clock 28 January 2026 • 2 min read
L&G joins with HSBC UK in annuity access push

L&G joins with HSBC UK in annuity access push

HSBC customers given direct access to L&G annuity service

Jenna Brown
clock 07 January 2026 • 2 min read