CITIZENS Advice Taunton is delivering Pension Wise appointments across Somerset giving people access to free and impartial pension guidance in their local area.

Following pension reforms on April 6, people approaching retirement have greater freedom over how they can use their pension pots.

People will be able to take a lump sum, take out an annuity or a mixture of both.

Pension Wise is a new Government service designed to help people make sense of their pension options, and empower them to make the right choices for them.

Citizens Advice Taunton is delivering free face to face Pension Wise sessions which are available to book now.

The 45-minute appointments will be tailored to the individual, taking into account the value of their pension and their plans for retirement.

A Pension Wise appointment may help you if you are approaching retirement or are 50 or over and have a defined contribution pension.

Guidance appointments are also available on the telephone, delivered by the Pensions Advisory Service. People can also get information and general guidance online at www.pensionwise.gov.uk.

Liz Fothergill, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Taunton, said: “Citizens Advice Taunton is delivering Pension Wise appointments in Bridgwater, Minehead, Shepton Mallet, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare and Yeovil, giving easy access to Pension Wise.

“Pensions can be a confusing topic and Pension Wise appointments will help people to make sense of their pensions choices. Citizens Advice Taunton already helps people with retirement issues and we’ll continue to offer this service outside of Pension Wise.”

To book a telephone or face to face appointment, call 0300-3301001.