Table of Contents

This pack sets out the first report by the Pensions Commission, an independent body established by the Government (following the publication of the Pensions Green Paper ("Simplicity, security and choice: working and saving for retirement", Cm 5677, ISBN 0101567723) in December 2002) in order to review the adequacy of current arrangements for private pensions and retirement savings in the UK and to make recommendations on appropriate policy changes. This report sets out the Commissions detailed analysis of the current situation and trends in place, challenges identified and options for policy responses; and seeks to stimulate a structured, comprehensive fact-based debate about the problems facing Britains pension system which can contribute to the development of a sustainable pensions policy. The pack contains the main report, appendices and executive summary documents. (The main report (ISBN 0117027804) and the free executive summary (ISBN 0117027820) are available separately). The Commissions second report is planned for Autumn 2005, and this will include specific policy recommendations, following a public consultation period to the end of January 2005. However, the report does make recommendations relating to improvements in official data sources, which are discussed in an appendix and listed at the end of the main report.

Presents the findings of an analysis of the UK pensions and retirement savings system. Describes the present situation, the trends in place, and the challenges to be met in the future.

This study examines the validity of concerns about demographic trends. The authors argue that Ireland is now entering an unprecedented period of demographic advantage and contend that concerns about the implications of an ageing population in Ireland over the next 20 years are exaggerated and a copycat reaction to demographic developments in other countries. They believe Ireland remains demographically unique, with any greying of the population being counter-balanced by reduced child-dependency and increasing female labour force participation.

Millions of Americans are retiring, only to discover that fine print and what they didn't know have deprived them of much-needed income. Now, two pension experts and reform advocates lay out the facts and ask some disturbing questions in a book that provides the necessary information about pensions.

This paper reviews developments in pension systems in 11 transition economies during the 1990s, highlighting the forces behind their rapid weakening. It focuses on the challenges these systems face—including those arising from demographic factors—and discusses why most transition countries are considering shifting, or have already shifted, from traditional defined-benefit pay-as-you-go systems to defined-contribution fully funded systems. Finally, the paper looks at the main options that arise in introducing fully funded components, including the relative mix between funding and pay-as-you-go, and the speed of the transition toward the new system.

The 2021 edition of Pensions at a Glance highlights the pension reforms undertaken by OECD countries over the past two years. Moreover, the special chapter focuses on automatic adjustment mechanisms in pensions systems in OECD countries, discusses the usefulness and limitations of these policy instruments, and suggests ways to improve them in order to enhance the capacity of pension systems to fulfil their objectives.