Introduction (1215 words)

The Pensions Commission, whose long-awaited Second Report was published in November 2005, has given its verdict: The current voluntary, privately-funded pension system, combined with ...

1. What the Pensions Commission was asked to do (857 words)

The Pensions Commission was set up in December 2002, in response to a crisis of confidence over pension provision. It was given the job ...

2. Why a new pensions settlement is needed (1734 words)

The Commission sees today's pension arrangements - with all their flaws and gaps - as a high watermark. Things are going to get generally ...

3. Reforming state pensions (3270 words)

The Commission was asked to report on private pension saving, but many of its proposals are about state pensions. It calls for "a reform ...

4. Women, carers and older pensioners (612 words)

The Commission was specifically asked to consider how pension scheme reform could help address the problems of people with interrupted paid work records and ...

5. Retirement and State Pension Age (2545 words)

Retirement ages are rising, after a period of decline, and this seems to be perceived generally as a welcome development, provided that it allows ...

6. Occupational and private pensions (3734 words)

Concerns about the future of private savings and occupational pensions were the main reason for the setting up of the Commission. Its proposals for ...

Terms used in this booklet (688 words)

SPA: State Pension Age, the age at which an individual can claim their state pension. Currently 65 for a man and 60 for a ...