The new guidance service to be set up by the Government for retirees could be a "golden opportunity" for Financial Planners to "demonstrate their value".

That is the view of pensions expert Dr Ros Altmann, who believes the sessions to help people with their retirement choices will open their eyes to the need for true expertise. 

The recently appointed older workers business champion argued that the difference between guidance and advice will become clearer as a result of taking retirees through the process.

She believes it will steer retirees in the direction of professional advisors and therefore should prove beneficial to the sector.

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She said: "Having clarity on the difference between guidance and advice could hand advisers a golden opportunity to demonstrate their value.
"The new guidance sessions could be a fantastic opportunity for the financial advice sector.
"At last, individuals may start to understand the difference between a free guidance session, which tells you the important questions but doesn't give you any answers, and professional, expert advice which you need to pay for, but which then ensures you make good choices.
"With a decision as important as retirement, people may increasingly want the reassurance that they have used their pension savings wisely.
"In the past, too many people believed financial advice is 'free'. Why should experts be expected to work for nothing?"
The Government confirmed its plans for the guidance service last week, outlining more details following a consultation. It named The Money Advice Service and The Pension Advisory Service as two of the 'delivery partners' for providing the guidance.
A levy on finance firms will pay for it.