HM Treasury

Darren Philp looks at what needs to happen to make the pensions dashboard a success

The Treasury has announced that from April savers will be given tax-free early access to their retirement pots in order to pay for advice.

17 providers already involved

Pensions minister Richard Harrington has said the government will work with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to improve transparency of pension costs.

This week's top stories included Steve Webb and Charles Counsell featuring in the New Year's Honours list, the Treasury omitting pensions from a 'ways to save' poster, and proposed changes to nuclear sector pensions.

The government has been criticised for excluding pensions from a poster which aims to inform the public on the various savings vehicles available.

The Treasury select committee is to investigate how low interest rates and quantitative easing have impacted the economy since 2008.

Six firms chosen to work on pro bono basis

The Treasury and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have launched a consultation on merging financial guidance services into a unified body to provide a more efficient and central support service.

The government is to create a single guidance body for pensions, money and debt matters, which will replace The Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS), including Pension Wise, and the Money Advice Service (MAS), it has said.