LFFC,
It could be bought in at any time. Realistically, it'll be confirmed in Autumn and introduced next April (don't hold me to that!).
Otherwise, those who have made large singular contributions in this tax year will be penalised. It's to prevent retirees 'churning' pension income - a much more seductive and simpler thing to do post budget.
OAP,
The issue is, what real, adjusted value is 'free' membership of a so called non contributory final salary pension scheme if anyone else in the funded public sector or anyone who has a deferred funded final salary scheme, can take benefits at 55 with so much more flexibility.. and not 60/65 or so?
It puts it into context.