To all ESPS, RBP and UPP members

With the cost of living continuing to rise, money is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. And it’s not always easy to know what to do.  But help is at hand.

The government’s MoneyHelper service is designed to help cut through the complexity surrounding money and pensions, explain your options and give you the information you need to make the right decisions for you.

MoneyHelper offers free, impartial guidance for everyone, on topics such as 

• Benefits, including benefits in later life
• Everyday money and budget planning
• Family and care
• Homes, whether you own or rent
• Money troubles and debt
• Savings
• Work and redundancy

It has also brought together the Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise to make it quicker and easier for you to find support around pensions and retirement. This includes guidance on:

• Building your retirement pot
• Tax and pensions
• Ways you can take your pension when the time is right

You can visit MoneyHelper online at moneyhelper.org.uk, where you’ll have access to a wide range of information and can start a web chat or online enquiry if required.

You can also call MoneyHelper direct using the following free-phone numbers:

Pensions Helpline: 0800 011 3797

Money Helpline: 0800 138 7777 

If you’re 50 or over, and have a defined contribution pension (this would include the Uniper Pension Plan or Additional Voluntary Contributions if you pay any), you could also qualify for a free appointment with MoneyHelper’s Pension Wise service. This appointment is designed to help you understand your options for taking your defined contribution pension, including tax implications and anything else you might need to consider.

You can book a Pension Wise appointment online or by calling 0800 138 3944 .

If you are under 50 Money Helper can still answer your questions. Call them free on 0800 011 3797 or use their webchat. One of their pension specialists will be happy to help.

Unfortunately Pension Wise does not provide specific guidance for defined benefit pensions like the ESPS or RBP schemes but you may find the following information via this link helpful:  https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement/pensions-basics/defined-benefit-or-final-salary-pensions-schemes-explained

Adrian Furnell

Secretary to Trustees.