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

The FOMO-fuelled run on the pensions bank – where the Treasury is the only winner

The FOMO-fuelled run on the pensions bank – where the Treasury is the only winner

'You can't build a savings culture on a foundation of uncertainty'

Matt Storey
clock 17 November 2025 • 5 min read
Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Govt reportedly considering introducing a £2,000 salary sacrifice annual cap

Joseph Warne
clock 14 November 2025 • 4 min read
Reeves looking to cap salary sacrifice contributions to £2,000 - reports

Reeves looking to cap salary sacrifice contributions to £2,000 - reports

Chancellor has 'decided against' cutting pension lump-sum withdrawals

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 November 2025 • 4 min read