Latest Columns
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Tilley: Are we asking too much of pension savers?
Working in UK pensions, I’ve always accepted that the system evolves. Fiscal pressures change, demographics shift, and governments recalibrate policy objectives. But even allowing for that, the pace and volume of legislative change in the pensions space over the last few years feels unprecedented, and in my view increasingly problematic.
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Lisa Webster: Beware IHT and pensions double taxation
One of the most disliked aspects of bringing pensions into the estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes from 6 April 2027 is the double taxation that will occur when the member dies on or after their 75th birthday.
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Lisa Webster: Good news from DWP for SIPPs but not SSAS
The DWP has just released its long-awaited consultation on the SIPP transfer regulations – and it’s largely encouraging news. As an employee of a reputable SIPP provider the changes are positive. SSAS providers may be less enthusiastic about some of the proposals.
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Lisa Webster: Should tax-free cash always be taken?
Since the Lifetime Allowance was abolished and replaced with the Lump Sum Allowance (LSA) and lump sum and death benefit allowance (LSDBA), we have seen an increase in SIPP members who want to take drawdown only – foregoing the right to take the associated pension commencement lump sum (PCLS).
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Tilley: Transfer reform welcome but SSAS governance is key
At first glance, DWP’s June 2026 consultation on proposed changes to the 2021 transfer regulations does something the industry has long asked for; it acknowledges that the current regime, while well intended, has created too much friction for some perfectly legitimate pension transfers.
Popular News
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FCA to crack down on poor due diligence in SIPPs
The FCA plans to crack down on inconsistent record-keeping in SIPPs by introducing new clear standards of due diligence.
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Workplace pensions suffer 'comprehension gap'
There’s a comprehension gap in workplace pension communication, with more than a third (37%) of UK employees claiming their workplace pension scheme was either not clearly explained to them or they had no memory of any explanation.
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Pension conundrum for new PM
The next Prime Minister has been urged to address the long-term sustainability of the state pension triple lock.
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Pensions Dashboards face further delay
The Pensions Dashboards Programme (PDP), the body launching pensions dashboards in the UK, has pushed back a key implementation deadline by five months from November to March 2027 after feedback from users.
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Tilley: Transfer reform welcome but SSAS governance is key
At first glance, DWP’s June 2026 consultation on proposed changes to the 2021 transfer regulations does something the industry has long asked for; it acknowledges that the current regime, while well intended, has created too much friction for some perfectly legitimate pension transfers.
Pensions consulting and administration business XPS Pensions Group has promoted 147 people including 11 new partners across its actuarial, pensions, investment, covenant, administration and SIPP businesses.
SIPP and SSAS provider body the Association of Member-Directed Pension Schemes (AMPS) has warned that an increasing number of Small Self-Administered Schemes (SSAS) approvals are being rejected by HMRC.
Two-fifths of self-employed people – 41% – are risking an uncertain retirement because they aren’t paying into a personal pension, according to new data from investment platform CMC Invest.
The £432m private equity acquisition of SIPPs and Financial Planning firm Mattioli Woods has moved ahead this week with over 95% of shareholders voting in favour.
The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has declared 12 regulated firms in default in February and March including major SIPP provider Hartley Pensions.
The FCA has responded robustly to complaints about the time it took to provide redress to victims of the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) scandal.





