Pensions

DWP Pension Reform Timetable: What the New Value for Money Framework Means for Savers

DWP confirms its timetable for the pension value for money framework: red, amber, and green ratings from 2028 for large schemes, all workplace pensions by 2029, under the Pension Schemes Act 2026.

14 Jul 2026 · 4 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

OBR Warns UK Debt Could Hit 300% of GDP: What It Means for You

The OBR's 50-year outlook warns UK debt could triple without action. These are scenarios, not predictions, but they point clearly toward sustained tax pressure and questions over the pension triple lock. Here's what's actually in the report.

12 Jul 2026 · 6 min read

Japan Digital Nomad Visa for UK Citizens 2026: The Honest 6-Month Reality

Japan's digital nomad visa requires ¥10,000,000 a year in income for a single 6-month stay that cannot be renewed. It offers no residence card and no path toward settlement, and applicants should treat it as exactly that.

11 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

WASPI Compensation: The Government's Decision Explained

There is no WASPI compensation scheme. The government rejected compensation for 1950s-born women twice, in December 2024 and again in January 2026. Here is the current legal position, sourced from gov.uk.

5 Jul 2026 · 7 min read

What Happens to Your ISA and SIPP if You Move to Spain

How a UK ISA and SIPP are treated for tax once you become Spanish tax resident, why Spain does not recognise the ISA wrapper, and why cross-border advice matters.

5 Jul 2026 · 6 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

LISA, SIPP or Mortgage Overpayment: Where Extra Money Works Hardest

Comparing a Lifetime ISA, a SIPP and mortgage overpayments as homes for spare cash in the UK: government top-ups, access rules, tax treatment and the real trade-offs.

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

Carer's Allowance and the State Pension 2026: How They Interact

You usually cannot be paid Carer's Allowance and the full State Pension together. Here is how the overlapping benefit rule works and why an underlying entitlement can still help.

1 Jul 2026 · 3 min read

Pension Credit 2026/27: Thresholds, Who Qualifies and How to Claim

Pension Credit tops up the income of people over State Pension age. Here are the 2026/27 thresholds, how savings are treated, the extra amounts, and the gateway benefits it unlocks.

1 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

Carer's Credit 2026: How It Protects Your State Pension

Carer's Credit is a National Insurance credit, not a payment. Here is how it protects your State Pension, who can get it, and how it works alongside Carer's Allowance.

30 Jun 2026 · 3 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