Pension funds hope OFT study sheds more light on DC pensions market | PLSA
Pension funds hope OFT study sheds more light on DC pensions market

Pension funds hope OFT study sheds more light on DC pensions market

17 January 2013

The National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF) commented on the announcement today by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) that it will undertake a market study on defined contribution workplace pension schemes.

Joanne Segars, NAPF Chief Executive, said:

“People are often very suspicious of pensions, but that perception needs to change if our society is to save enough for its old age. Millions of people will get a new workplace pension under the much-needed auto-enrolment reforms, and they need to have more confidence in the product. There is no point bringing them into a pension that they do not trust.

“The OFT study is a useful initiative and part of a growing focus questioning whether pensions can offer more value to savers. Charges and annuities are a particular concern, and we hope the OFT sheds some light on these issues, which can make a huge difference to a pensioner’s income. The market is changing and charges have fallen over the years, but there is still further to go to ensure people get the best possible value from a pension.

“The NAPF has been leading the way, helping employers better understand costs and charges in these pensions. But other questions remain to be answered, including those about the structure of the UK pensions industry.

“Small employers are vital to the success of auto-enrolment, but they also struggle to understand and access good pensions. It is helpful that the OFT is going to look at this group. Workers need to know that they are getting the best deal, whether they are working for a small or large company.”

 

Notes to editors:
1. The NAPF is the leading voice of workplace pensions in the UK. We speak for 1,300 pension schemes with some 16 million members and assets of around £900 billion. NAPF members also include over 400 businesses providing essential services to the pensions sector.
Contacts:
Paul Platt, Head of Media and PR, NAPF, 020 7601 1717 or 07917 506 683, [email protected]
Christian Zarro, Press Officer, NAPF, 020 7601 1718 or 07825 171 446, [email protected]

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