The creation of an independent retirement savings commission, commitment to automatic enrolment, and a reduction of tick-box regulation will form part of the NAPF agenda for the forthcoming year.

The NAPF announced six priorities via a new manifesto – Pension Possibilities - during its 2014 conference.

It urged government to put the long term interests of savers at the heart of pensions policy through the creation of an independent retirement savings commission (IRSC) that will oversee future legislation.

NAPF chief executive Joanne Segars said an independent commission would protect savers' interests.

"Ensuring the long term interests of savers, not the short term interests of politicians, are at the heart of pensions policy must be the priority of the next Parliament," she said.

"This last year has been characterised by swathes of legislation that pension schemes now have to implement to a very tight deadline. It is vital for the long term interests of pension savers' ultimate retirement outcomes that future changes in pensions policy are carefully thought out and implemented."

Commenting on automatic-enrolment, Segars stressed the progress that has already been made in the last five years.

She said automatic enrolment has brought more than four million people into workplace pensions and state pension reforms have given clarity on what people can expect in their retirement from government.

"We now have an opportunity to build on these changes and develop a pension system on which millions of people can depend," she said.

"To do this, Government and industry must work in partnership. Our manifesto sets out the six recommendations for the next Government to help us achieve this."

Pensions Possibilities is available in full to download online. Its six main recommendations to the Government are:

1. Commit to the continued rollout of automatic enrolment
2. Plan for the long term through an Independent Retirement Savings Commission
3. Enable pension schemes to be effective investors in the economy
4. Manage European legislation
5. Drive higher standards of governance and reduce tick-box regulation
6. Supplement the Guidance Guarantee and monitor people's outcomes after using guidance

First published 23.10.2014

Lindsay.sharman@wilmington.co.uk