The review will cover people’s financial needs and concerns about retirement, how effectively the current state and retirement income products cater for retirement needs, and what changes are needed to ensure adequate retirement incomes.
Rising life expectancy means income is needed for longer. According to the ABI, the UK’s population is getting older – nearly 11 million people in the UK are aged over 65, with this figure expected to rise by nearly 50% to over 16 million in the next 20 years.
This brings increased pressure on the healthcare system and greater need to secure adequate income in retirement.
The UK’s chronic under saving culture means that many people face financial hardship in retirement, the ABI said.
Announcing the review, ABI director general Otto Thoresen (pictured) said: “How we pay for life after work is one of the key challenges facing our society, and the reason we have launched this wide-ranging review.
“Radical reform is needed to ensure people retiring today and future generations avoid a retirement of struggling to make ends meet.”
The growing demand for long-term care and how it can be paid for is another issue. Of people aged 85 and over, 16% will need to go into a care home.
As well as seeking the views of consumers, the ABI will be inviting views and evidence from pension experts, think-tanks, consumer groups, health organisations, politicians and unions.
Views are invited by 20 December. Following submissions, (which can be made here) the ABI will hold a series of workshops early in 2014 with key stakeholders, including consumer groups, to discuss issues raised. A final report, including recommendations for reform, will be published in Spring 2014.
