Pension consolidation & tax optimisation

TEC6245

My other half and I are thinking about taking early retirement later in the year, and trying to get finances straight.  I will take voluntary redundancy and have a decent DB pension, and we have some other savings.  OH has £120K spread across several pension pots, and having pulled together the documents it is clear that several of these have been performing terribly.  If I should die first he would have a good spouse pension, and will also get a full gov pension when he reaches 67 in 8 years time.  However, between now and then he will have no other income, and we are looking to take advantage of unused tax allowances by taking 25% tax free initially and then further lump sums from his pension in future tax years as and when we need them rather that dip into other savings.  
I am looking for some advice as to the following:
1. He currently pays a modest amount into employers company SIPP - can he pay significant additional lump sums into a pension subject to annual allowance ahead of retiring to maximize the pot available?  Are there other limits that would apply - e.g. can he pay in beyond annual salary?  Having used our ISA allowances this would seem preferable to the very low interest rates we are getting elsewhere?
2. Can anyone recommend a good drawdown pension provider that he can consolidate the different pots into, and is this straightforward enough to action this ourselves rather than going via a financial advisor?
All advice gratefully received!

Albermarle

Question 1 - He can add more but not beyond annual salary . The exact amount will depend on his salary, and how currently contributions are taken from his salary, and how large these regular contributions are.
Question 2 - There are plenty of easy to access providers, providing drawdown facilities and you can easily organise transfers in yourself  . The more difficult part for someone inexperienced is knowing what investment funds to use within the pension, and at what rate you can safely withdraw income without it running out too early.
It depends really on your current investing knowledge and willingness to spend some time . It's not rocket science but some people prefer to use an IFA. It is a matter of debate/personal choice.

Thrugelmir

TEC6245 said:

2. Can anyone recommend a good drawdown pension provider that he can consolidate the different pots into, and is this straightforward enough to action this ourselves rather than going via a financial advisor?

Plenty of mainstream SIPP providers at competitive rates. The greater challenge is to invest and manage the funds both wisely and successfully. Performance is not guaranteed over any given time span. 

TEC6245

Thank you both for your advice - as a novice at this I appreciate all the help I can get!

AlanP_2

Whilst pondering the longer term / optimal solution there may be a signigficant benefit to making a lump sum contribution this tax year (this month effectively) against this years earned income.

Even if it was left as cash inside pension it could be worth it.