pensions

Industry bodies have welcomed the Treasury's decision to allow a wider net of firms to offer pension tax-wrapper products to consumers from 2007, but it is predicted consumers are still more likely to hold pensions through brand-name life companies.

Self Invested Personal Pensions (Sipps) and other member directed pensions will be able to invest in residential property after A-Day through Real Estate Investment Trusts (Reits).

The Treasury has announced it will go ahead with option three of the regulation of personal pensions in particular Self-Invested Personal Pensions (Sipps), in its response to a consultation published last year.

Zurich Assurance and Prudential Retirement Income have announced they will team up in an annuity partnership agreement.

The Chancellor's reversal on the proposed Inheritance Tax (IHT) rules for those aged under 75 has been welcomed from most of the industry.

The Chancellor has stated there will be a review of the current exemption which exists in respect to employers promoting financial products to their employees.

BRITAIN'S PENSION troubles have claimed another two corporate victims. Financial advisory group Berkeley Berry Birch and leather tanners Pittards were both declared insolvent yesterday as a result of crippling pension deficits, reports The Daily Telegraph...

A series of pension trustee workshops are to be jointly held by the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) and the Pensions Management Institute (PMI).

Stephen Timms, Minister for Pensions Reform, has announced the Government will shortly be issuing draft legislation on the calculation of pension transfer values.

As it is no longer compulsory for pensioners to buy an annuity, and with an increase in longevity, pensioners should take more risks with their investments, claims Jupiter.