Pension pulse – a reminder for ‘25

Aside from the change announced about bringing unused pension pots into IHT from April 2027, other announcements relating to pensions were thin on the ground during the Budget speech. 

The Chancellor confirmed that the State Pension will increase in line with average earnings, rising by 4.1% in April 2025. The new flat rate State Pension is expected to rise to £230.25 a week, the old basic State Pension is anticipated to rise to £176.45 each week. 

A reminder about current pension allowances and thresholds: 

• The Annual Allowance (AA) threshold is £60,000 

• The Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA) and the minimum Tapered Annual Allowance (TAA) are £10,000 

• The adjusted income threshold for the TAA is £260,000 

• The Lifetime Allowance and charge have been abolished 

• The maximum Pension Commencement Lump Sum (PCLS) is £268,275. 

A significant shift 

The end of the IHT exemption for pension pots will prompt some rethinking of retirees’ decumulation strategies as people focus on using their pension for retirement income rather than estate planning purposes. The Chancellor expects 8% of estates will be impacted annually. It really is a significant shift worth planning for. 

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