pension

State pension 2027 rise: how the triple lock sets next April's increase and what the forecasts show

Next April's state pension rise is set by the triple lock: the highest of September 2026 CPI, May to July 2026 earnings growth, or 2.5%. The full new state pension is £241.30 a week now; a ~3% rise would take it near £248. How the figures land and when.

18 Aug 2026 · 5 min read

State pension age 67: exact dates by birthday and what changes

State pension age is rising from 66 to 67 in monthly steps from 6 May 2026. Born 6 April 1960 to 5 March 1961? You retire at 66 plus one to eleven months. Born on or after 6 March 1961? Your state pension age is 67.

18 Aug 2026 · 4 min read

UK pensioner poverty: the numbers and what the triple lock does

Around 1.9 million UK pensioners (16%) live in relative poverty. The triple lock took the full new state pension to £241.30 a week from April 2026. Here is what the measures mean, who is most at risk, and what changes in April 2027.

18 Aug 2026 · 6 min read

Armed Forces Pension Errors: Overpayment Demands, Underpayments and How to Fight Back

Hundreds of veterans are being asked to repay armed forces pension overpayments caused by administrative errors, an issue that came to light in 2024 through a Freedom of Information request. Recipients have real defences, and underpaid veterans have claims.

26 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Best Performing Pension Funds UK: How to Read Performance Without Being Fooled

Pension fund league tables reorder constantly because short term performance mostly reflects which markets ran. Charges, risk level, diversification and contribution rate are the factors that compound predictably over a 30 year pension.

25 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Civil Service Pension Delays: Auditors Deployed as Capita Still Fails to Fix Service

Independent auditors and a Capita-funded 'Remedial Adviser' are being deployed after months of Civil Service pension processing failures. 6,700 retirees still await quotations and 7,603 bereaved families are owed benefits. Your rights, the complaints process, and what's changing.

13 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

MPs Call for Universal Credit Boost as State Pension Age Rises to 67

A cross-party committee of MPs wants a temporary Universal Credit boost for 66-year-olds, to bridge the gap before Pension Credit kicks in as the State Pension age rises to 67 by 2028. Here's what the report found and recommends.

11 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

OBR Warns UK Debt Could Reach 300% of GDP by 2075-76 Without Policy Change

The OBR's latest fiscal sustainability report projects UK public debt rising from around 95% of GDP in 2030-31 to roughly 300% by 2075-76 on current policy.

7 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Choosing Your Workplace Pension Fund Instead of the Default

How workplace pension default funds actually work, why they might not suit everyone, and what to consider before switching to a self-select fund.

5 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

SIPP Fees: Are ETFs or Funds Cheaper as Your Pension Grows

Comparing percentage-based and flat-fee SIPP charging structures for ETFs versus funds, and why the cheapest option can change as your pension pot grows.

5 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

NHS Ill Health Retirement: Tier 1 vs Tier 2 Explained

The difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 NHS ill health retirement, the eligibility rules, and why the service history requirement catches some applicants out.

5 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

NHS Pension Contribution Tiers: How Your Rate Is Actually Set

How NHS Pension Scheme member contribution tiers work, why part-time staff can pay a higher percentage than expected, and how a pay rise or overtime changes your tier.

5 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Tax-Free Pension Lump Sum: How the 25% Rule Actually Works

How the UK tax-free pension lump sum works, the Lump Sum Allowance cap, how final salary schemes calculate it differently, and how taking it can affect your tax.

5 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

SIPP Explained: Self-Invested Personal Pension

A SIPP lets savers choose their own pension investments. Here is how tax relief, contribution limits, and access age actually work under current HMRC rules.

4 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

FCA Proposes New Due Diligence Standards for SIPPs

The FCA has proposed new due diligence and asset-protection standards for SIPP providers, covering a market worth around 567 billion pounds across 5.3 million consumers.

2 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Pension Consolidation Platforms UK: PensionBee, Penfold, Moneybox and SIPP Options Compared

A factual comparison of UK pension consolidation platforms, covering fees, structure, and whether each handles pension tracing and transfer for you.

2 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Before You Consolidate an Old Pension: Check for Legacy Charges First

The FCA found some legacy pension products deliver poorer value than newer ones. How to check your old pension before deciding whether to consolidate.

2 Jul 2026 · 9 min read

IHT Pension Inclusion UK 2027: How Pensions Will Be Brought Into Inheritance Tax

From April 2027, unused pension funds will be included in the inheritance tax estate for the first time. This guide explains what changes, who is affected, and what steps pension holders can take now.

29 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Legal and General Takes Over Royal Household Pensions as King's £13m Tax Bill Disclosed

Legal and General takes over Royal Household pension management. King Charles paid £13m in income tax voluntarily in 2024-25 on Duchy of Lancaster.

26 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Should Pension Tax Relief Be Tied to UK Investment? The £60bn Question

Proposal would restrict £60bn pension tax relief to UK-invested savers. Not current law. Critics warn of reduced saver choice. Pensions review ongoing.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Pension Scam Crackdown: How to Spot a Fraudster Targeting Your Retirement Savings

TPR cracks down on pension scams. Losses average £50,000. Unsolicited pension contact is a scam warning. Check all firms on the FCA register before acting.

26 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Before You Invest in a SIPP: Contribution Limits and Withdrawal Rules

A Self-Invested Personal Pension offers greater investment choice than a workplace pension but requires active management. Tax relief is claimed at your ma

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Buy an Annuity: Rates, Guarantees and What Is Irreversible

An annuity converts pension savings into a guaranteed lifetime income but the decision is irreversible once the policy starts. Rates vary significantly bet

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Take Tax-Free Cash from Your Pension: What You Give Up

Taking the 25% tax-free lump sum from your pension is irreversible. The remaining 75% becomes subject to income tax on withdrawal. Taking all tax-free cash

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Use Pension Drawdown: Sustainability Risk and Sequencing

Pension drawdown keeps funds invested while you draw income but carries sequencing risk — poor investment returns in early retirement can permanently impai

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Transfer Your Pension: The Regulated Advice Requirement

Transferring a defined benefit pension worth more than £30,000 requires regulated financial advice from an FCA-authorised adviser. DB pension transfers are

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Before You Withdraw from Your Pension Early: Tax Traps and Scam Risks

Withdrawing from a pension before age 55 (57 from 2028) triggers a 55% HMRC tax charge in most cases. Pension liberation scams have stolen billions from sa

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Pension Scam Protection 2026: New DWP Rules and How to Spot a Pension Fraud

DWP announced strengthened pension scam protections on 9 June 2026 under the Pension Schemes Act 2026. Trustees can now refuse suspicious transfers. Eight scam warning signs every pension saver should know.

24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

DB Pension Surplus Release 2026: DWP Consults on Unlocking £160bn for Employers and Members

4 in 5 defined benefit pension schemes are now in surplus. DWP launched a consultation on 10 June 2026 on rules to release some of the estimated £160bn surplus. What it means for members and employers.

24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Mineworkers Pension Scheme 2026: Labour Considers £1bn Extra Payment and Surplus Rule Change

Labour is weighing a further £1 billion for the Mineworkers' Pension Scheme on top of the £3.8bn already paid since 2024. What the 1994 deal was and what could change.

24 Jun 2026 · 4 min read