Recommendations & Conclusions
6 items
4
Conclusion
8th Report - Lifetime Individual Saving…
Accepted
Many people have lost a portion of their savings due to a lack of understanding of the withdrawal charge or because of unforeseen changes in their circumstances, such as buying a first home at a price greater than the cap. However, the case for reducing the charge must be balanced …
Government response. The government committed to considering the recommendation in future policy development and specifically to working with industry and other government departments to improve messaging about the implications of savings and investments for Universal Credit entitlement.
HM Treasury
5
Recommendation
8th Report - Lifetime Individual Saving…
Accepted
The house price cap for the Lifetime ISA ensures that Government spending supports those who need financial assistance the most. Any increase in the price cap is an increase in Government spending. Before considering any increase in the house price cap, the Government must analyse whether the Lifetime ISA is …
Government response. The government defends the current Lifetime ISA property price cap as well-targeted for first-time buyers and states that its comprehensive data collection and research continuously inform policy decisions, thereby inherently analysing effectiveness.
HM Treasury
6
Conclusion
8th Report - Lifetime Individual Saving…
Accepted
It is difficult for the Committee, the Treasury and the FCA to determine how the Lifetime ISA is being used for retirement saving across the eligible population without additional data. The Lifetime ISA may not have been in existence for sufficient time to support firm conclusions on its suitability as …
Government response. The government states it already collects comprehensive data on LISAs, including published statistics and qualitative research, and has shared further data with the committee, which informs policy decisions and continuous review of the Lifetime ISA.
HM Treasury
10
Recommendation
8th Report - Lifetime Individual Saving…
Accepted
Given the scale of demand on the public finances, the Government must carefully consider whether significant spending on the Lifetime ISA is the best way of achieving its policy objectives. (Conclusion, Paragraph 92)
Government response. The government defends the Lifetime ISA's role in encouraging saving and supporting first-time buyers, citing its impact, and states that existing data collection and research continuously inform policy decisions and that the policy is under review.
HM Treasury
11
Conclusion
8th Report - Lifetime Individual Saving…
Accepted
Data concerning Lifetime ISA use by its target market is mixed and inconclusive. We are concerned that Lifetime ISA bonuses may involve significant spending of taxpayers’ money in a way that may not be precisely targeted. Without better quality data on Lifetime ISA holders, it is difficult to estimate the …
Government response. The government states it already collects comprehensive data on LISAs, including published statistics and qualitative research, and has shared further data with the committee, which informs policy decisions and continuous review of the Lifetime ISA.
HM Treasury
12
Recommendation
8th Report - Lifetime Individual Saving…
Accepted
The Treasury must use income distribution impact assessments to assess whether the Lifetime ISA effectively targets people who need financial support. If the Lifetime ISA does not achieve that objective, the Treasury should consider whether the LISA has a future in its present form. (Conclusion, Paragraph 97) Additional criticisms
Government response. The government asserts that the Lifetime ISA is well-targeted by design, referencing the property price cap and withdrawal charge, and states that its comprehensive data collection and qualitative research already inform policy decisions regarding its effectiveness.
HM Treasury