Alison O’Connell, Director of the Pension Policy Institute

The Pensions Policy Institute provides authoritative, non-political, independent comment and analysis on retirement income policy in the UK. 

Alison has led the work on reform options for state (public) pension provision. She is particularly proud to have been recently named as one of the UK’s 50 wisest people by Saga, a magazine for older people.

Chris Perry, Director of Age Concern Hampshire, said: “The State Pension has been the top concern of older people in Hampshire for the past two years with Occupational Pensions climbing the chart after the capping of the annual uplift for inflation at 2.5% contained in the 2004 Pension Act.

The Government signalled its intention, in the Queen’s speech, to introduce legislation on pensions following the publication of the Turner Report in November and subsequently launched the “National Pension Debate”. Dave Higlett, the Team Leader of the “debate” is amongst the speakers and this conference offers the opportunity to make your voice heard.”   

Presided over by Her Grace the Duchess of Wellington other speakers include Jo Harris, the General Secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, and Mike Curry, an Independent Financial Advisor, with summing up by Lawrie McMenemy - who will be taking over as President at the AGM. Her Grace will become Age Concern Hampshire’s first Patron.

There will also be a report on the work of Age Concern Hampshire and its Twentieth Birthday will be celebrated by video links with, past speakers, Claire Rayner and Sir Patrick Moore and Chris Tarrant. Miss Helen Watson and Ensemble – from London’s West End – will treat delegates to some live “Old Time Music Hall”. Phone 0800 328 71 54 to reserve your place.