New rates make it easier for the retired to free cash from their properties. FInancial Mail’s Stephen Womack gives you an essential, and up-to-date, run down of all the issues.
Currently browsing: Pensions
Coalition presses town halls to back plan to help older owners downsize from ‘prisons’
Wednesday, January 25th, 2012The Government is pressing ahead with controversial plans to encourage older homeowners who may be struggling to maintain their home to move into smaller properties.
Eurozone crisis sparks dive in level of future pensions
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012Annuity rates have plummeted by almost four per cent in the past three months, tearing a huge hole in future pensioners’ incomes.
More trouble brewing as staff strike again at Unilever
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012Time was when everything stopped for tea. But at 7am tomorrow, as millions of homes make their first brew of the working week, it could be the tea factory that stops.
Ask Jo: Starting a pension in the your 40s – is it worth it?
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012JP writes: I have worked for myself for the past six years but now realise as I’m approaching 40 that I have neglected my pension arrangements. I’m starting to worry about this but don’t know where to start. I’ve read that the fees and charges on traditional pension plans can be high. Am I better off investing in an equity Isa?
Employment law: Forced retirement
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012The Supreme Court has just started a hearing which is expected to provide guidance about how and when it might still be permissible for employers to force staff to retire – even though it is supposed to be illegal to do so. Peta Fluendy explains.
Homes scheme helps OAPs to downsize
Tuesday, January 17th, 2012Elderly homeowners are to be encouraged to move into smaller properties under government-backed plans, mirroring a pilot project run by Redbridge Council in east London.
Curt appeal on pensions CPI switch
Friday, January 13th, 2012Unions yesterday lodged an appeal against a High Court decision allowing the Government to switch the uprating index for pensions and social security benefits from RPI to CPI inflation.
