IFoA comments on Pensions Minister Steve Webb's proposals to allow existing pensioners to cash in on their annuities

Nick Salter, President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) comments:
 
“In 2014 we have experienced the beginning of a pensions revolution; where individuals retiring will be able to decide how to use their pension assets to best suit their own circumstances.  Minister for Pensions Steve Webb's new proposals to allow existing pensioners to cash in their annuities continues this process. 
 
“We maintain that offering greater freedom of choice can offer flexibility and opportunity for pensioners but allowing existing pensioners to surrender their annuities will not be straightforward - for consumers or annuity providers.  In the midst of a large number of pension reforms, this further change would reinforce the need for individuals to have good guidance and, where required, good independent advice.”