The Consumer Panel is most concerned that the subject of pensions - and the purchase of annuities in particular - is complex and many people with pension savings are not aware of the process they will need to go through in order to convert their savings into pension income (an annuity). Many people do not even know that they will need to buy an annuity and there is little awareness of the open market option. The Panel's main views on annuities are included in a response to a Department of Work and Pensions review of annuities in April 2002.