Consumers still view pension providers and the Government as ultimately responsible for giving them a comfortable retirement – despite Budget reforms which aimed to give more individual control and power.
That was the conclusion of researchers who polled over 1,000 adults across the country.
The survey by AXA Life Invest found that over half (55%) believed their pension provider will be ultimately responsible for their financial comfort in retirement, while 49% held the Government accountable for their golden years.
The study had mixed news for advisers.
Only 3% said they would seek advice at retirement, which according to Axa "vividly demonstrates that the Government's guidance guarantee has to happen before retirement if it is to meet people's expectations".
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However, there was some indication of a positive attitude towards financial advice and future planning. When asked how early they should approach an adviser to begin pension planning, 57% said 15 years before retirement. This was especially pronounced among people with young children, researchers said.
Simon Smallcombe, UK managing director, AXA Life Invest, said:
"Financial advice will also be critical to the success of these reforms. The Government has guaranteed free guidance to help people make the retirement choices which best suit their needs, but our survey shows a very real demand for financial advice – which is very different to guidance – at least fifteen years prior to retirement. We agree with this feeling, as in our experience, financial advisers have the best opportunity to help people boost their retirement pots at least a decade before their actual retirement age.
"There is a gap between people's expectations and what the Government will actually deliver here, and advisers are well-placed to help close it."
The poll found younger respondents indicated they were much less likely than others to take individual responsibility for their retirement savings. Those aged 20-29 were most likely to rely on their pension provider (62%).
Furthermore 60% of this age group said that the Government bears responsibility.
Mr Smallcombe said: "The individual freedom created by the pension reforms has been welcomed by many savers, but our survey suggests that both providers and advisers will still have a big role to play in making this work."