David Hare, President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, comments on the publication today of the Pensions Bill and the Government's response to the consultation 'Reshaping workplace pensions for future generations'

"Today’s publications recognise consumer demand for greater outcome certainty (confirmed by 2012 research by the IFoA*) and make a first step towards a new system of shared risk between employers and employees.

However, more work is required from the financial services industry, all areas of the Government and employers to ensure that the right regulation, legislation and incentives are in place before Defined Ambition and shared risk schemes can become a reality. The IFoA would also urge that consideration is applied to the self-employed, and that they can access an equivalent range of choices.”

“We would also encourage the next stage of development of future pensions to include consideration of long term care. We are living longer lives and over time our lifestyle requirements will change and for an increasing number of retirees long term care will at some point be required. The IFoA published research in 2014** that considered how pensions could be used to help meet the costs and requirements of care and we hope to see these ideas developed further by industry and Government.”

* The IFoA released a paper in 2012 looking at how guarantees could be introduced for Defined Ambition schemes which included research into demand for a pensions guarantee

** How pensions can meet consumer needs under the new social care regime 

Editorial notes

About the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries

1. Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of a business’s assets and liabilities, especially where long term management and planning are critical to the success of any business venture. They also advise individuals, and advise on social and public interest issues.
2. Members of the IFoA have a statutory role in the supervision of pension funds and life insurance companies. They also have a statutory role to provide actuarial opinions for managing agents at Lloyd’s.
3. Members are governed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. A rigorous examination system is supported by a programme of continuing professional development and a professional code of conduct supports high standards reflecting the significant role of actuaries in society.
4. The IFoA is available to provide independent expert comment to the media on a range of actuarial- related issues, including enterprise risk management, finance and investment, general insurance, health and care, life assurance, mortality, and pensions