Social security in the United Kingdom is at a crossroads. Should it become more selective, and if so, what form should the selectivity take ? Should the traditional methods of finance be changed ? What is to be done about the pockets of poverty which still exist ?

Occupational pension schemes, too, are coming increasingly under public scrutiny. Are they fulfilling their role adequately ? In what ways do they need to be improved ?

The Government is expected to announce next year its proposals for a new State pension scheme. These seem likely to include a change in the financing of National Insurance benefits generally. They may contain features which could set the State scheme and occupational schemes on a collision course.

The paper examines some of the issues involved and indicates lines along which future developments might take place. It concludes by describing a way in which State and occupational schemes could continue to work in partnership.