The great pensions unlock: Unpicking the chancellor's changes

Things sure have changed up here on pensions mountain

clock • 5 min read

Lee Halpin reflects on the last Budget which some could view as the 'great pensions unlock' - but are they right?

Now we have had a little time to digest the budget changes and assess how it will affect clients, let's have look at the key points. There's been a lot of tinkering - is it the great pensions unlock? Annual allowances (AA) Firstly, with the annual allowance rising from £40,000 to £60,000, the amount most clients can contribute to their pension each year has increased by 50%. Whilst the rise only applies from the tax year 2023/2024 onwards, this will be a significant increase as time goes on. By the tax year 2027/2028, for example, an individual who has been a member of a pension sch...

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

Divorce, pensions and professional collaboration in the HNW world

Divorce, pensions and professional collaboration in the HNW world

'Beware the attraction of the simple solution'

Richard Kershaw
clock 16 February 2026 • 3 min read
A century of the state pension – and why the next redesign is overdue

A century of the state pension – and why the next redesign is overdue

'A pension promise only works if contributors believe it is fair and durable'

Adam Cole
clock 16 February 2026 • 4 min read
Pensions: The overlooked asset in divorce settlements?

Pensions: The overlooked asset in divorce settlements?

Practical steps to narrow the divorce pension gap

Alistair Myles
clock 11 February 2026 • 5 min read