This is not advice but, given the parlous state of our government finances, despite the best endeavours of Mr Prudence Brown, it appears to me that every possible tax-efficient savings method should be used to maximum extent. Pensions, including AVCs, are the most tax-efficient method.
I have no doubt that the thirty to forty year olds of today are going to be poorer in retirement than my generation unless they take the right investment decisions to look after their future.