Ros explains why the focus on charge caps for auto-enrolment pension schemes is not enough to ensure good value for customers. NEST’s own charging structure and the excessive fees on annuities are also important issues to address.
Ros explains why criticism of the USS pension scheme is unfair
On the first anniversary of auto-enrolment, Ros explains that the easy part of the reform is behind us, but there are huge challenges ahead
Ros points out that women could in theory now get 50% more pension than this time last year, but inflexible rules mean they can’t access more money yet
Ros responds to the OFT report on pension charges, highlighting that the recommendations may well disappoint those who wanted action, but that NEST’s charging structure does not fit well with a cap
Ros responds to the OFT report on pension charges, highlighting that the recommendations may well disappoint those who wanted action, but that NEST’s charging structure does not fit well with a cap
Ros highlighted the problems facing annuity customers who cannot find out whether their annuity is good value or not, because firms refuse to publish the necessary information. Meanwhile, they can take in £100m free money from people’s pension pots each year for doing nothing.
Ros explains that annuities should not be considered as ‘safe’ long-term investments, because the capital is at risk. Nobody issues risk warnings to investors and she calls on regulators and trustees to do more to ensure customers are protected better.
Ros welcomes the DWP figures showing low opt out rates for auto enrolment so far, but discusses why these rates are likely to rise as smaller firms join the project in future.
Ros reacts to the Bank of England’s forward guidance that interest rates are likely to stay at current exceptionally low levels for another three years and explains the potential downsides of this policy.