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What’s Happening With Final Salary Pension Schemes?

A major contributing factor to this higher demand for DB transfers is the introduction of pension freedoms in recent years. Demand is also being fuelled by the continued uncertainty created by the DB pension scheme deficit. The latest figures suggest that the shortfall has remained stable over the past year despite the political turmoil: the deficit shrank to £183 billion at the end of May 2017, down from £194 billion twelve months earlier. That said, this is still a significant negative amount of money, which is undoubtedly contributing to many looking to ditch their DB pension in favour of something which appears to be more stable.

 

Employers, too, appear to be moving themselves away from DB pension schemes. It was reported at the end of May that BT is looking to close its DB scheme for current employees, a move unlikely to be popular with its workers; a similar move by Royal Mail Group following the company’s privatisation which aimed to shut the scheme to its current workforce led to strike action in April this year.

 

The AA has also recently confirmed that it will go ahead with proposed changes to its DB pension scheme, moving all members of the scheme to its existing career average revalued earnings (CARE) pension arrangement. The CARE scheme will also see amendments such as moving its indexation from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to the Retail Price Index (RPI), likely to be more favourable for those receiving pension benefits.

 

Transferring out of this type of scheme we deem as a high risk activity, something we urge people to take slowly.  Looking at this from a death benefit viewpoint is just one aspect, and it is essential that you find a suitably qualified advisor who will work at your pace, and explain how this pension fits into your financial plan.  In my view it is absolutely essential that this advice is not taken in isolation, and is part of the overarching financial plan, which may include your children, and other future generations.

 

It looks likely that the changes and discussions surrounding DB pension schemes will continue for some time. If you have any questions around this topic, please feel free to get in touch with us directly, we are qualified to give advice, and will help you make an informed decision, at your own pace.

 

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