pensions

Draft regulations for the protection of tax free cash and earlier retirement ages when a scheme winds up have been slightly extended and reissued by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Two draft codes of practice on the reporting of late payments of contributions to pension schemes have been laid before Parliament.

Final versions of the maximum drawdown levels available after A-Day suggest drawdown could provide better value than an annuity for those in the earlier stages of retirement.

The Treasury has indicated a National Pension Savings Scheme (NPSS) or alternative "could be useful" in helping the savings gap during discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Clerical Medical has confirmed it will be offering a self-invested personal pension (sipp) after A-Day in partnership with Suffolk Life.

Contracting out rebates for the five years beginning in 2007 will see a severe decrease for those aged 43 and over who contract out of the state second pension (S2P) into a personal pension.

GORDON BROWN WILL use the Budget to unveil a major push on British investment in India, amid growing fears in the City Britain is failing to capitalise on opportunities in Asia, reports The Daily Telegraph .

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is under pressure from the insurance industry to make anti-avoidance rules on the recycling of tax-free cash less complicated and more workable.

Industry members suggest inheritance tax (IHT) rules on pensions are unlikely to be revealed until the Budget, leaving advisers with just two weeks to get all the details in place.

Companies need to clear outstanding bills before the end of March or they could see their Pension Protection Fund (PPF) levy quadruple, claim two leading consulting firms.