Labour could hand pension savers £11,000 for their pots in October

Labour could hand pension savers £11,000 for their pots in October in a MAJOR boost for workers approaching retirement. In the Autumn Budget, which Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver on October 30, Ms Reeves could offer an update on the Pensions Schemes Bill.

Labour said will deliver growth and better outcomes for more than 15 million people in private pension schemes. It also aims to “increase the amount available for pension savers” and could help the average earner boost their pot by more than £11,000.

The government estimates its changes could lead to a nine per cent boost to the average pension pot over a worker’s career. Barry O’Dwyer, chief executive of mutual Royal London Group, said: “Pensions already play an important role in supporting UK economic growth, and the review announced by the Chancellor is a welcome opportunity to consider reforms that could strengthen this further.

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“We are particularly pleased the review will focus on delivering better retirement outcomes for people, as this must always be the main priority of the pensions system. We are also encouraged that the next phase of the review will examine retirement adequacy, as creating a long-term plan for increasing contributions will have a major impact on improving retirement outcomes and helping to finance growth.”

It comes as Baroness Ros Altmann, a former pensions minister, said: “Labour loves the idea of doling out money to the ‘deserving poor’. And the Government will decide who deserves it.” She discussed speculation the state pension could be means-tested too.

She said: “Means-testing would be a disaster. Why would you pay into a private pension if it means you can’t get a state pension? If you’re a hugely high-earner it’s fine – you know you’re not going to qualify for the state pension when you retire.

“It’s the people at the margin – the majority – who will face a choice: to sacrifice income to put into their pension pot, or not to bother.”