Why it is time to take a long look at the pension tax regime

What behaviours are we trying to encourage with any tax changes?

clock • 6 min read

Pensions tax reform must reflect behaviours which the nation needs to encourage, writes Adrian Boulding

The recent scrapping of the lifetime allowance (LTA) and the increasing of the threshold for annual allowance (AA) from £40,000 to £60,000 announced in the Spring Budget, lead me to ask the question: What behaviours are we trying to encourage with any tax changes? Three clear behaviours spring to mind: 1. Keep paying into your pension In the case of the NHS' most senior clinicians, it is very clear that we need more of them to carry on working for longer within the NHS to help chip away at those waiting lists. An article entitled ‘The long goodbye? Exploring rates of staff leaving...

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

HMRC repays £48.5m in overpaid pensions tax in third quarter of 2025

HMRC repays £48.5m in overpaid pensions tax in third quarter of 2025

Analysis finds savers have recouped more than £1.5bn since 2015 introduction of pension freedoms

Martin Richmond
clock 03 November 2025 • 4 min read
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