It was over two years ago that the pension freedoms reforms took effect. Some retirement savers say they are still confused by the rules and want no more changes.

The changes of April 2015 represented a complete shake-up of the UK’s pensions system, giving people much more control over their defined contribution pension savings than before. There are now more options, enabling some people aged over 55 to have greater freedom over how they can access their pension pots.

Still confused by the reforms

Independent research* from Prudential highlights that two thirds of over-55s – the age from which retirement savers can utilise the new rules – say they are still confused by the reforms.

Government figures** highlight the cost of this confusion for retirement savers, as tax bills related to the pension freedoms are now greater than anticipated.

It was initially estimated that the changes would mean a total of £900 million being paid in both tax years 2015/16 and 2016/17. In fact, a total of £2.6 billion in tax is now expected to be paid.

Having an impact in other ways

Nearly one in ten over-55s say they have made changes to their retirement plans as a result of the reforms.

However, concerns that pension rules may change again in the future persist, with a high percentage of over-55s worried that the State Pension might be reduced or abolished.

Nearly two thirds also believe that tax relief on pension contributions will be reduced at some time in the future.

Increased flexibility brought about by the reforms

Nearly 550,000 people have accessed more than £9.2 billion in funds since the launch of pension freedoms***, demonstrating that there is popular demand for the increased flexibility brought about by the reforms.

Importance of advice and guidance

This widespread confusion underlines the importance of advice and guidance in ensuring that the pension freedoms are a long-term success, and many savers recognise how advice can help them to make the most of their retirement pot.

How you take your pension could have many consequences, including putting you in a higher tax bracket – even if that is not normally the case.

First step towards having sufficient income for a happy retirement

The pension freedoms provide a framework of rules, but it is down to individuals to seek help where needed to enable them to plan how to meet their financial goals. Saving as much as possible as early as possible during your working life is the first step towards having sufficient income for a happy retirement.

Source data:

* Consumer Intelligence conducted research on behalf of Prudential between 17 and 24 February 2017 among a nationally representative sample of 867 people aged 55-plus

** https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spring-budget-2017-documents

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/597335/PU2055_Spring_Budget_2017_web_2.pdf

*** https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/flexible-payments-from-pensions

A PENSION IS A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT. THE FUND VALUE MAY FLUCTUATE AND CAN GO DOWN, WHICH WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE LEVEL OF PENSION BENEFITS AVAILABLE.

YOUR PENSION INCOME COULD ALSO BE AFFECTED BY INTEREST RATES AT THE TIME YOU TAKE YOUR BENEFITS. THE TAX IMPLICATIONS OF PENSION WITHDRAWALS WILL BE BASED ON YOUR INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES, TAX LEGISLATION AND REGULATION, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE FUTURE.