Are funds described as 'pension funds' just unit trusts?

[Wirral]

Hi

I am making changes to my pension. Will my actions result in tax consequences that I have missed?

My plan:
1. I'm in the process of setting up a SIPP
2. I will consolidate proceeds from the sale of a number of Ark Life pensions into the new SIPP
3. I have identified 5 ETF's to invest in. (2 on EURONEXT Paris, one on EURONEXT Amsterdam and one on the LSE).
The size of the fund justifies the additional costs fo going the SIPP route.

Question:
Are funds described as 'pension funds' within Ark Life & Hibernian etc. taxed differently to the ETF's that I intend to buy? Or are they just Unit Trusts with a longer investment horizon?
Do 'pension funds' (such as Ark Lifes 'Pension Managed 2') benefit from more generous tax treatment on income than dividends I will receive on ETF held in a SIPP?

Thanks for your help and sorry for the convoluted question.

Thanks

Wirral

 

[jpd]

Yes, pension funds are similar to unit trusts from the point of view of investments. However, there are significant differences in how the operate from a personal viewpoint - for example - you get tax relief on payments in a pension, you can not access the funds till retirement, you may get a tax-free lump sum, etc

 

[Wirral]

Thanks jpd.