pensions

Government estimates of the cost of public sector pensions are far too optimistic because they do not take proper account of trends in mortality claims a new study from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

HM Revenue and Customers (HMRC) has delayed the requirement for online scheme reporting for six months after A-Day as the full service will not be completely operational until 2007.

Over the last 10 years contract based group personal pensions have increased in popularity among employers and the A-day changes seem likely to accelerate this trend, claims new research from Clerical Medical.

Pensions should be abolished and replaced with a universal savings wrapper called a Self-Administered Investment Trust (Saint), claims a policy paper published by the Centre for Policy Studies.

Research from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals there is a gap in the provision of advice on pensions to people on lower incomes, an area where most of the advice is given by IFAs.

Employees could lose up to £3bn in tax-free cash if they fail to protect their entitlement to more than 25% of their pension fund, estimates Standard Life.

HOUSE PRICES in England and Wales are no longer rising faster than inflation, according to the Financial Times house price index.

A summary of the Pensions Act 2004 has been made available for financial advisers in the latest Pension Profile from Legal and General.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has fined Maidstone-based independent financial adviser firm, Kings, £60,000 for approving misleading financial promotions and for related systems and controls breaches.

Financial education and information is crucial for helping people plan sensibly for their retirement, Stephen Timms has told an EU presidency meeting in Brussels.