Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 April 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 May 2003. It was answered by Ruth Kelly (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 May 2003 on behalf of the Treasury.

Treasury

Question: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his Answer of 10th March 2003, 401 c17W, on annuities, if he will establish an independent charitable trust charged with offering consumers non-compulsory free advice on the purchase of annuities. - Includes ref to Pensions Green Paper "Simplicity, Secure and Choice: Working and Saving for Retirement" (Cm 5677).

Answer: Mr. Gardiner: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to his Answer of 10th March, Official Report, column 17W, on annuities, if he will establish an independent charitable trust charged with offering consumers non-compulsory free advice on the purchase of annuities. [111266] Ruth Kelly: Help is already available to those buying an annuity in a variety of forms, and from a variety of sources. For example, many annuity providers and intermediaries offer information and advice to those buying annuities. As the Pensions Green Paper "Simplicity, Security and Choice: Working and Saving for Retirement" (Cm 5677) explained, action has already been taken to encourage consumers to shop around for the best annuity. As part of that process the Financial Services Authority has produced a fact sheet designed to supplement other guidance, and to help consumers assess what type of annuity would best suit their circumstances, or whether they need to seek further advice.

Secondary information