pension

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

Pension Triple Lock 2026: 4.8% Rise, £241.30 Per Week and the Tax Threshold Warning

The triple lock delivered a 4.8% State Pension rise in April 2026. Full new State Pension is now £241.30 per week - just £22.40 below the frozen Personal Allowance. What this means for pensioners.

24 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

FCA SIPP Consultation 2026: What New Due Diligence Rules Mean for Pension Savers

The FCA launched consultation CP26/20 on 22 June 2026, proposing clearer due diligence standards and stronger asset protection rules for SIPP operators, following 26 insolvencies between 2010 and 2025.

23 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

UK Parents Supporting Children to Age 26: How to Protect Your Own Finances While Helping

UK parents expect to financially support their children until age 26, with only 9 percent believing their children will be self-sufficient by 21, according to an M&G survey. A quarter of parents plan to help with a home deposit, forcing many to adjust their own retirement planning.

18 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

HMRC State Pension Tax Error: 1.7 Million Pensioners Overcharged and How to Reclaim

HMRC has apologised after a self-assessment error overcharged around 1.7 million pensioners by about 43.5m pounds. How it happened, who is affected, and how to reclaim.

18 Jun 2026 · 2 min read

HMRC Pension Tax Error: What to Do If You Have Been Overcharged

HMRC pension tax errors affect thousands of UK savers each year. This guide explains the most common mistakes, how to check if you have been overcharged and the steps to claim a refund.

17 Jun 2026 · 3 min read