Better Pensions

The UK has the worst state pension in the developed world (defined as full OECD membership).  In 2018, it was only worth 28.4% of average income at retirement (based on the net replacement rate). The EU average percentage is more than double that of the UK pension.

Type of Resource
News Media
Primary Author or Creator
Believe in Scotland

Revealed: UK’s paltry pension can’t provide even the most basic standard of living

OECD figures in 2018 showed the UK paid out just 29% of average earnings on pensions. This is the lowest of any developed country. Top of the table were the Netherlands, which pays 100.6% of average earnings, Portugal at 94% and Italy at 93.2%. Blair McDougall - formerly of Better Together - has suggested the UK cannot afford to pay a pension capable of supporting the most basis standard of living for a single person. In fact, he thinks that even the suggestion that the UK can afford it is laughable.

Type of Resource
Blog
Date Published
Primary Author or Creator
Believe in Scotland

THE IMPACT OF SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE ON TAX, PENSIONS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES

The most likely overall outcome for taxation is that rUK would treat Scottish individuals and companies in the same way as it treats any other country's individuals and companies (and vice versa).  Scotland will need to establish its own financial regulator and resolution authority and make arrangements for continuing the licences and supervision of Scottish firms.  Arrangements for pension investments and payments will be required.

Type of Resource
Assessment report
Primary Author or Creator
Clifford Chance

What happens to pensions after a Yes vote? Open Minds on Independence #9

Far from putting pensions at risk, independence gives us the chance to significantly increase the state pension. Even If we only match the European average that would double the current state pension. The UK could easily afford to do so but chooses not to, to help their friends in the City financial sector.

Type of Resource
News Media
Date Published
Primary Author or Creator
Believe in Scotland
Additional Author(s) / Creators
The National

The UK's worst state pension in developed world. Open Minds on Independence #8

The UK state pension is the worst in the developed world in terms of its value verses average wages. It ranks bottom in a list of countries compiled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), paying out just 29% of the average wage.

Type of Resource
News Media
Date Published
Primary Author or Creator
Believe in Scotland
Additional Author(s) / Creators
The National

Divest¦Reinvest: Scottish Council Pensions for a future worth living in

A report by Common Weal, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Unison Scotland into divestment of Scottish pension funds from fossil fuel companies and re-investment into socially and environmentally useful investments.

Type of Resource
Policy Paper
Primary Author or Creator
Ric Lander
Additional Author(s) / Creators
Flick Monk, Friends of the Earth Scotland, Unison Scotland, Common Weal