Chancellor risks 'Gordon Brown moment' over ISA-pensions - Steve Webb

Ex-pensions minister sounds stern warning

Jenna Towler
clock • 3 min read

Moving pension contribution tax relief to an ISA-style system could cause serious long-term damage and be George Osborne's ‘Gordon Brown' moment.

Steve Webb, the coalition pensions minister who is now director of policy at Royal London, was due to make the comments at the Association of Consulting Actuaries annual conference. The government is considering moving away from the traditional exempt, exempt, tax (EET) method of pension tax relief towards either an system based around the ISA or to a flat-rate of relief of between 25% and 33%. Webb likened a shift to ISA-style pensions to Gordon Brown's notorious tax raid on occupational pension schemes. "The former Chancellor probably thought that raising billions of pounds from ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

Britain's pension ambition is rising - just as cash resilience slips

Britain's pension ambition is rising - just as cash resilience slips

'2026's 'pension resolution' wave is real. But so is the cash-cushion squeeze'

Phillip Wickenden
clock 02 February 2026 • 6 min read
Government again rejects Waspi compensation after review

Government again rejects Waspi compensation after review

DWP: Creation of compensation scheme would be ‘highly impractical’ and ‘time-consuming’

Martin Richmond
clock 29 January 2026 • 3 min read
Pension transfers and the FCA: A well-meaning intervention that risks falling short

Pension transfers and the FCA: A well-meaning intervention that risks falling short

'The secret is giving people the right information at the right time'

Rachel Vahey
clock 28 January 2026 • 4 min read