HMRC chided for releasing 'incomplete' pensions freedom data

'Flexible' pension payouts of £2.7bn likely well short of actual figure

Carmen Reichman
clock

HMRC has come in for criticism for publishing incomplete figures detailing the number of 'flexible' pension payouts made since the retirement reforms were introduced in April.

Payments worth £2.7bn have been made in the first six months since the widespread reforms were granted, figures from HMRC suggest. However, as providers are not obliged to report on withdrawals until April next year, the data is incomplete, HMRC said. Indeed, statistics published by the Association of British Insurers in July reflecting the actions of its members, suggested payments worth £1.8bn were made in the first two months - April and May - alone. In the first three months, the ABI later announced, providers paid out almost £2.5bn in cash and income drawdown payments. HMRC...

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 Tax planning

Offshore bonds explained - how they work and what clients they are suitable for

Offshore bonds explained - how they work and what clients they are suitable for

Resurgence in interest over the past few months

Laura Purkess
clock 24 February 2026 • 5 min read
Webinar: IHT on pensions – Advisers' questions answered

Webinar: IHT on pensions – Advisers' questions answered

Join us on 10 March 2026

Professional Adviser
clock 20 February 2026 • 1 min read
IHT receipts continue climb to £7.1bn

IHT receipts continue climb to £7.1bn

Experts note ‘fairly modest’ growth

Jen Frost
clock 20 February 2026 • 3 min read