Spring Budget 2021: Sunak freezes lifetime allowance

Spring Budget 2021

Jenna Brown
clock • 3 min read

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has frozen the lifetime allowance (LTA) for pension contributions at just over £1m for the remainder of this Parliament.

The Chancellor said the LTA would remain at its current level of £1,073,100 for 2020/21 rather than increasing in line with inflation. It had been expected to rise by £5,800 in 2021/22, in line with 0.5% Consumer Prices Index.  The IHT threshold will also be held at current levels until April 2026. In a widely predicted move - it was leaked last week - the freeze is estimated to net the Treasury an additional £250m in tax.  If the lifetime allowance rose alongside inflation it would increase by a further £88,900 by the end of the current parliament. It is thought medium to high ...

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