Pension freedoms should remain “broadly unchanged” in the face of a Work and Pensions Committee inquiry, according to an Aegon survey.

Aegon's research surveyed 874 UK adults in response to a committee inquiry into whether there are risks associated with pension freedoms, and suggestions that the government may impose new restrictions.

However, the survey found that 72 per cent of people felt freedoms help people transition into retirement, while just one in four people were in favour of raising the minimum access age from 55, despite most people waiting, until at least the age of 60.

Aegon pensions director Steven Cameron, said: “As the third anniversary of the pension freedoms approaches there has been talk in some circles of restricting access. This has largely been prompted by concerns that people may run out of money in retirement by overspending or invest unwisely and lose their savings.

“However, the consensus among those we spoke to is that the freedoms should remain broadly unchanged. They’re seen as hugely helpful as a means of gradually moving out of the workforce by enabling people to start drawing an income that they can supplement with part time work.”

Notably, the survey was split when asked if the government should restrict pension freedoms if people can’t show they have enough other secure income, while two thirds said they would seek advice, and 61 per cent said people who haven’t should be required to seek guidance from Pension Wise.

“We agree that the pension freedoms introduce some risk, and we’re encouraged that two thirds of people would consider seeking advice. But any attempt to restrict the freedoms for those without an alternative source of secure income in retirement would be politically risky with our research showing such a move would divide the nation”, Cameron added.

The research also found that 80 per cent of people wanted choice over where to invest their pension when moving into flexi-access drawdown, but 63 per cent said they were open to a default investment option.

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