However, earlier this month, the government announced that draft legislation to ban cold calling (including texts and emails) will be published in early 2018.
James Walsh, policy lead for engagement, EU and regulation at the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), says: “We have been calling on the government to show more urgency in tackling pension scams, so this indication of when we can expect draft legislation is a step in the right direction.
“But we are still a long way from the cold calling ban actually taking effect and the government will need to keep up the momentum.”
Later Life
Exceptionally little was said about social care or later life care, either in the Budget speech itself or the accompanying documents.
Responding to the Budget, Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, says: “We are disappointed the Budget has not specifically addressed the funding shortfall for adult social care in England.
“We are relieved the government has recommitted to its Green Paper on social care; clarity on the future of our care system is vital. However we are concerned the paper will be limited to only focus on older people. We must ensure adults of all ages are given the care they deserve in order to live independent and fulfilling lives.”
Mr Cameron adds: “The government had its fingers burnt by manifesto proposals on social care funding, but really can’t keep avoiding such an emotive and far reaching issue.
“Those hoping the chancellor would kick start a public consultation on this will be disappointed by the announcement of a delay till next summer.
“Financial advisers tell us they see this as a key growth area for clients seeking advice over the coming years, but to plan ahead with certainty, we need a sustainable deal between individuals and the state, setting out clearly what the government will pay and what individuals will be personally responsible for.”
According to Mr Brown: “This was an ideal opportunity to encourage people to save for their care costs in their retirement and therefore must remain a priority.”
However, there may have been one sop hidden within the Budget papers. On page 32 of the Autumn Budget documentation, HM Treasury did state the qualifying care relief and self-funded shared lives payments.
Qualifying care relief (QCR) is a tax simplification covering expenses incurred when providing care, which means carers only need to keep simple records.
