Income drawdown

Pension schemes give you the facility of receiving up to 25% of your fund as tax free cash, and then selecting an income within a minimum to maximum figure set out by the Inland Revenue, to suit your circumstances. You draw a taxable income direct from the fund without buying an annuity, leaving the bulk of your fund in a tax free environment. You must purchase your annuity by 75.

These are complicated and expert independent advice is essential, but worth considering if you have funds in excess of £100,000.