Pensions - Articles - Aviva looks at how the Budget will affect the UK’s over-55s


 Following weeks of speculation as to what may be in the Budget, Clive Bolton, at-retirement director at Aviva, examines how some changes could hit the 18 million over-55s in the UK
 "George Osborne's pledge to support low interest rates over the long-term may be good news for borrowers; however, this policy is a concern for the one in four (25%) over-55s who rely solely on their savings for income. It is vital that he remembers this group when he considers his budgetary policies.

 "Any introduction of a so-called ‘mansion tax' appears to have been ruled out, which is good news for the over-55s who generally have the majority of their wealth tied up in their homes. If this tax is reconsidered in the future, a link to income would ensure that those who have benefitted from house price increases - but are struggling to survive on a fixed income - are not unduly penalised.

 "If the Government does decide to listen to calls for value added tax (VAT) to be reduced from 20% to 17.5%, the UK's over-55s are likely to breathe a sigh of relief. They spend 15% of their income of food and 9% on energy bills so any measures which will reduce their monthly expenditure would be welcomed.

 "In addition, more than one in four (28%) over-55s have an income of less than £1,000 per month, so the Governments promise to increase in the personal allowance to £8,105 from April 2012 will be welcomed."
  

Back to Index


Similar News to this Story

Auto enrolment nets 800K more savers but challenges remain
89% of eligible employees were participating in a workplace pension in 2024. 21.7 million are saving into a workplace pension - more than double the 1
2025 to 2026 PPF levy invoicing on hold
We’re informing our levy payers that we’re putting the 2025/26 PPF levy invoicing on hold and expect to provide a further update this Autumn. The emai
Rethinking pension adequacy through a global lens
Festina Finance is urging UK policymakers to rethink what ‘pension adequacy’ really means, and to look to other countries for tried and tested solutio

Site Search

Exact   Any  

Latest Actuarial Jobs

Actuarial Login

Email
Password
 Jobseeker    Client
Reminder Logon

APA Sponsors

Actuarial Jobs & News Feeds

Jobs RSS News RSS

WikiActuary

Be the first to contribute to our definitive actuarial reference forum. Built by actuaries for actuaries.