WPC

Here it is, our monthly digest of the most important pension articles Professional Pensions has written and published over the last month, along with some contextual notes.

The scam ‘epidemic’ across the pensions industry needs better government intervention in the form of a specifically appointed minister, AJ Bell has reiterated.

The increase in financial scams during the last 12 months has promoted calls from all corners of the pensions industry for better support for savers.

Corners were cut in the 2015 introduction of pension freedoms which have left pension savers vulnerable and suffering, according to Work and Pensions Committee (WPC) chairman Stephen Timms.

Police and regulators need greater resources to tackle the rising threat of pension scams, the Work and Pensions Committee (WPC) has been told, so the industry should also play its part in reporting all suspected scam activity.

The number of savers using information or guidance services such as Pension Wise is barely higher than three years ago despite efforts to promote the benefits, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) says.

A proposal to ensure savers receive a Pension Wise appointment prior to accessing their retirement pot has received cross-party support in parliament, while Labour seeks net-zero pensions by 2050.

This week’s top stories included the Marks and Spencer Pension Scheme completing two buy-ins, while the Work and Pensions Committee submitted an amendment to the Pension Schemes Bill.

The pensions industry “can’t compete” with the “ingenuity” of scammers until industry jargon is removed and communications are simplified, according to industry experts.

The government should consider handing to a minister the specific responsibility for tackling the growing number of scams across the finance sector, AJ Bell says.