Chancellor reveals £1bn cashed in since pensions freedom

Carmen Reichman
clock

The Chancellor has told the House of Commons 60,000 savers have taken out a total of £1bn since April, when pensions freedom came into effect.

George Osborne announced the figures today showing that investors withdrew a total of £1bn from their pots at an average of about £17,000 each. The government reformed the retirement income space over the last year to allow all savers over the age of 55 to access their pension savings in any way they wish. Osborne (pictured) said the unprecedented pension freedoms "have been widely welcomed", calling the reform "a real success". Further reading: Osborne's pensions revolution: Everything you need to know But he added: "We have to make sure that people get the best advice, tha...

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 Pensions

Divorce, pensions and professional collaboration in the HNW world

Divorce, pensions and professional collaboration in the HNW world

'Beware the attraction of the simple solution'

Richard Kershaw
clock 16 February 2026 • 3 min read
A century of the state pension – and why the next redesign is overdue

A century of the state pension – and why the next redesign is overdue

'A pension promise only works if contributors believe it is fair and durable'

Adam Cole
clock 16 February 2026 • 4 min read
Pensions: The overlooked asset in divorce settlements?

Pensions: The overlooked asset in divorce settlements?

Practical steps to narrow the divorce pension gap

Alistair Myles
clock 11 February 2026 • 5 min read