Budget 2018: Chancellor ignores net-pay pensions tax relief anomaly

Branded 'missed opportunity'

Kim Kaveh
clock • 2 min read

Philip Hammond has failed to address the net-pay anomaly affecting lower-paid earners who are missing out on tax-relief on their pension contributions in today's Autumn Budget.

It comes despite industry heavyweights urging the chancellor to take action on the net pay tax-relief anomaly earlier this month, which included the likes of former pensions minister Baroness Ros Altmann, and Sir Steve Webb - who is now director of policy at Royal London. Commenting on today's Budget, Now Pensions director of policy Adrian Boulding said it is "extremely disappointing" that the chancellor has chosen to ignore the 1.2 million low-earners in net pay schemes who are missing out on tax relief through no fault of their own. "One of the headline benefits of saving into a wor...

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

Govt ignores pension tax lock call as petition responses top 18,500

Govt ignores pension tax lock call as petition responses top 18,500

AJ Bell started petition; Govt forced to respond after 10,000 signatures

Jenna Brown
clock 23 October 2025 • 2 min read
How SIPPs and SSASs could help power the UK's energy goals

How SIPPs and SSASs could help power the UK's energy goals

'The role of pensions in supporting renewable energy deserves further consideration'

Caitlin Southall
clock 23 October 2025 • 4 min read
IHT on pensions: A moment in time for the profession to shine

IHT on pensions: A moment in time for the profession to shine

'Bringing pensions into the IHT net marks a structural change in how wealth is transferred'

Andrew Zanelli
clock 21 October 2025 • 4 min read