Shadow pensions secretary David Willetts yesterday said "bold reform" is needed to tackle the current pensions crisis.

He said the Conservatives would only back change if it was supported by the occupational fund movement and employers.

Forum Response: National Association of Pensions Funds

A spokesman for the NAPF told ePolitix.com: "It is vital that the pensions regime is radically simplified, and that reform is based on political consensus."Getting rid of contracting out would go a long way towards simplifying the system, and therefore boosting consumer understanding. This, combined with consensus and stability, would encourage people to save more, and help avoid the potential pensions crisis that lies ahead."

Forum Response: Help the Aged

Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs at Help the Aged, told ePolitix.com: "I genuinely believe that there us a new consensus emerging on the pensions front and I found Mr Willetts speech very encouraging."