Ministers 'should look to stabilise pension schemes'

Ministers should take further action to stabilise the country's pension schemes, according to one expert.

Joanne Segars, Chief Executive of the National Association of Pension Funds, believes that the subject of gilts could be looked at by the government.

She commented: "We want the government to play its part in supporting pension funds and help stem the tide of scheme closures by issuing more long-dated and index-linked gilts."

Ms Segars also touched upon the issue of quantitative easing, which the Bank of England has this week decided to stop.

She believes that the pressures facing a number of pension schemes due to deficits could be eased because of the action that has been taken by the bank.

Towards the end of last month, Ms Segars also noted the importance of workplace pensions in improving the finances of people during their retirement.

She noted the part that ministers can play in supporting such pensions.

Posted by Liam Tomlinson.