Tom McPhail

The coalition government has issued an ultimatum to the Association of British Insurers over its opposition to the open market option, RP understands.

The consultation to end compulsory annuitisation should lead to increased flexibility for retirees. Helen Morrissey asks if this is the case.

BP could have to slash dividend payments both this year and in 2011, warns Hargreaves Lansdown.

Gordon Brown's suggestion during last night's live TV debate the Labour Party would extend its policy to restrict pensions tax relief to include people earning more than £100,000 was a "slip of the tongue", a Labour spokesman says.

The Confederation for British Industry's claim that NEST will be deserted by workers fleeing the 2% charge is "absolute rubbish", Tom McPhail says.

Reform of the Open Market Option would boost government coffers by £1.7bn over 20 years and should form part of all political manifestos, a lobby group says.

The basic pension contribution allowance could be the next target in the Government's plans to cut pension relief, according to Tom McPhail.

Retirement has become a major political battleground in the run up to the general election, according to Tom McPhail.

Pensioners who take the open market option (OMO) are around 50 times as likely to benefit from an enhanced annuity as those sticking with their pension provider, ABI figures have revealed.

The launch of PICA's first report into raising awareness of at-retirement options has given the industry food for thought. Helen Morrissey asks how the recommendations will be taken forward