Budget pension changes dubbed 'strange' by committee chairman

clock

Dame Anne Begg has criticised the government for launching a major overhaul of the pension system without considering the long-term effect.

Speaking at Incisive Media conference Pensions and Benefits UK, Begg (pictured) - chairman of the Work and Pensions Select Committee - said it was "strange" that the Chancellor announced the changes before running a consultation. She questioned whether the decision to give defined contribution (DC) savers more freedom about how they take their pension pot would benefit the majority of workers. Begg added that the changes had more to do with short-term tax advantages than long-term policy and said it would be difficult to implement them by the April 2015 deadline. She told delegates...

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

Pensions gender gap: A low-profile injustice that deserves more attention

Pensions gender gap: A low-profile injustice that deserves more attention

'Pensions are one of the few financial products where time is the single biggest driver of outcome'

Jessica Cook
clock 24 August 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers place focus on retirement support as providers lack 'meaningful' engagement

Advisers place focus on retirement support as providers lack 'meaningful' engagement

People’s Pension poll shows 54% of IFAs say providers struggle to create ‘meaningful’ engagement

Martin Richmond
clock 19 August 2026 • 3 min read
Pensioner poverty has risen for more than a decade, warns LCP

Pensioner poverty has risen for more than a decade, warns LCP

Single and divorced pensioners most affected and should be focus for future policy

Alex Levy
clock 18 August 2026 • 4 min read