British Steel: Was Port Talbot the tipping point for pension freedoms?

DB schemes' reputation 'taken a hammering'

clock • 3 min read

As the initial euphoria of 'never having to buy an annuity again' wears off, the prospect of pension freedom becomes less appealing, writes Henry Tapper

Whether ‘sausage and chips' or ‘chicken in the basket', the ‘factory gating' that has gone on in South Wales has thrown up new icons for pension freedoms, replacing the Lamborghini with a rather greasier reality. Work and pensions committee chairman Frank Field concluded his questioning of British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) trustee chairman Allan Johnson with the remark "you're in different worlds." Certainly, it seemed that way as I watched first BSPS management and then the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) explaining what had gone wrong to an incredulous group of MPs. Nearly 7,...

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

'Persistent' pensions gender gap to become more 'acute', MPs told

'Persistent' pensions gender gap to become more 'acute', MPs told

Industry says issues are becoming more ‘acute’ for younger generations

Martin Richmond
clock 23 January 2025 • 5 min read
Financial heavyweights join forces against chancellor's IHT/pension plans

Financial heavyweights join forces against chancellor's IHT/pension plans

AJ Bell, Quilter, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor CEOs send joint letter

Jenna Brown
clock 22 January 2025 • 2 min read
Campaigners claim victory as HMRC overhauls pension withdrawal tax system

Campaigners claim victory as HMRC overhauls pension withdrawal tax system

Pensioners over-taxed by £1.3bn since 2015

Jenna Brown
clock 22 January 2025 • 4 min read