Ministers 'to discuss' radical annuities-for-cash plan

clock

Controversial proposals to allow existing pensioners to sell their annuities for cash - and insurers to compete for the contracts - are to be discussed by ministers this week ahead of the 18 March Budget, according to reports.

The idea to extend the pension freedoms announced at last year's Budget to those already locked in to annuity deals will figure in talks between senior coalition officials on 13 March, according to the Financial Times, which cited Whitehall sources. Pensions minister Steve Webb, who first introduced the idea at last year's NAPF annual conference, has since championed the plan, which would most likely see insurance companies purchase the contracts from policy holders, with payouts made until the original owner dies. However, some have questioned its value to existing annuity holders. ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Income

Legal & General goes digital for annuity applications

Legal & General goes digital for annuity applications

Applications could take 14 fewer days to process

Jenna Brown
clock 01 April 2025 • 1 min read
M&G launches fixed term annuity as it re-enters market

M&G launches fixed term annuity as it re-enters market

Fixed term of between five and 15 years on £10,000 minimum lump sum

Jenna Brown
clock 12 March 2025 • 2 min read
L&G reports record annuity sales of £2.1bn for 2024

L&G reports record annuity sales of £2.1bn for 2024

New business sales of annuities up 48%

Linus Uhlig & Jenna Brown
clock 12 March 2025 • 3 min read