Pensions tax-free cash untouched – but what about those who acted pre-Budget?

No lump sum change should be ‘welcomed’ but damage cannot be undone

Isabel Baxter
clock • 5 min read

Individuals who took the leap and withdrew pensions tax-free cash fearing Budget changes will need to look to other investment strategies, financial services experts have said.

Despite the high amount of speculation, chancellor Rachel Reeves decided not to introduce new limits on pensions tax-free lump sums in yesterday's (30 October) Autumn Budget. It was initially reported that Reeves was considering a £100,000 cap on tax-free cash from pensions. However, she did not make any changes. The Telegraph reported the cap was being considered as part of the government's economic plan in a bid to plug the £22bn public finance deficit. It said the lump-sum limit may be reduced by two thirds to £100,000 "after recommendations from think tanks". The Institute for ...

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

Preparing for 2029: Adapting to the Budget's salary sacrifice cap

Preparing for 2029: Adapting to the Budget's salary sacrifice cap

'While this policy alters the landscape, it arguably represents an adjustment rather than a fundamental reform'

Steve Charlton
clock 22 December 2025 • 3 min read
Utmost to sell life and pensions business to JAB Insurance

Utmost to sell life and pensions business to JAB Insurance

To focus on wealth solutions business

Jen Frost
clock 22 December 2025 • 2 min read
Editor's view: How disjointed is the government's salary sacrifice change?

Editor's view: How disjointed is the government's salary sacrifice change?

The editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 19 December

Jen Frost
clock 19 December 2025 • 3 min read