Better Communication on Pension Charges Needed

23 August 2012 (PLANSPONSOREurope.com) - All stakeholders in the UK pensions industry including plan sponsors should come together to improve communications around pension charges, according to the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).

Commenting on a letter that the Association of British Insurers (ABI) sent to the Financial Services Authority and the Pensions Regulator today which called for an action plan to make pension charges and costs clearer and more transparent for employees, Darren Philp, Director of Policy, NAPF, said: “Fears about charges are putting people off pensions, and the industry must address that by being more upfront about its fees. Communication needs to become simpler and more transparent across the pensions landscape. Savers must not be overloaded with unfathomable small print.

“New rules could see up to 8m people automatically enrolled into a pension, many for the first time. If they’re to stick with that pension then they must be able to gauge whether they’re getting a good deal.

“We have been concerned about charges for a long time, which is why last year we kick-started work on an industry code to give better information to employers. When auto-enrolment starts, that code will help businesses pick the right pension for their staff.

“This call to improve transparency for employees is a welcome next step and could help build on the charges work already being done by the industry. It’s vital that all groups are involved – consumers and employees must not be left out, particularly as this work is aimed at them.

“The current regulatory system causes confusion, and having two regulators for workplace pensions does not help. Ultimately the goal is a clear and stable environment that delivers the best pensions possible.”

PLANSPONSOREurope Staff
editors@plansponsoreurope.com