The future of the left since 1884

Good pensions for all: The left's agenda for private pensions

Setting out a way to ensure a good retirement income for life.

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Workplace pensions have come a long way in the last few years. But after two decades of debate and reform, private pensions still do not offer the prospect of an adequate retirement income for most people.

This report asks what a future government of the left should do to address this. It focuses on low to middle-high earners who only engage with pension choices when they have to. The left should prioritise people in this group by building strong defaults that will secure them good outcomes – and it should bring a greater focus on equality and collectivism to private pensions policy.

A new offer from the left should guarantee a retirement income for life available to all as the norm; support for everyone to save enough to meet their future financial needs and fair, affordable and effective social security and tax policies.

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Author

Andrew Harrop

Andrew Harrop is general secretary of the Fabian Society.

@andrew_harrop

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