DC consolidation has been on the Government’s agenda for some time. Now the DWP has published a call for evidence, suggesting that the push to consolidate will be ramped up.

Consolidation involves winding up small DC arrangements and moving active members and accrued DC pots to larger schemes. Typically the chosen destination will be a master trust – a multi-employer occupational pension scheme which operates on a commercial basis. Master trusts are subject to an authorisation and supervision regime run by the Pensions Regulator.Continue Reading DC consolidation: large is beautiful?

Five years ago the pensions world was rocked by George Osborne’s Budget announcement:  DC members would no longer be forced to buy annuities.

Under his “freedom and choice” initiative, tax rules were changed so that DC pots could be used to provide lump sums or drawdown.  At the same time, Pension Wise was introduced – free guidance for DC members about their benefit options.  Later changes to tax law mean that, subject to certain conditions, members can use their DC savings to pay for financial advice.Continue Reading Freedom and choice – not just for DC?