Pensions news in 2026
14 stories, newest first.
- September 2026
MPs launch inquiry into auto-enrolment contributions for low earners
The Work and Pensions Committee has opened an inquiry into whether minimum auto-enrolment contributions should rise and how any increase in cost should be divided between employers and employees.
- July 2026
TPR publishes new five-year Corporate Strategy, Corporate Plan and Regulatory Roadmap
The Pensions Regulator has published a five-year Corporate Strategy, a Corporate Plan for 2026-27 and a Regulatory Roadmap setting out when reform consultations, regulation and guidance will reach the workplace pensions industry.
- June 2026
FCA data shows 29% rise in pensions fully withdrawn since 2018-19
Financial Conduct Authority data shows just over 462,000 pensions were withdrawn in full in 2024-25, a 29% rise on the 357,122 fully withdrawn in 2018-19.
DWP opens consultation on amending pension transfer scam protections
The Department for Work and Pensions has opened a consultation on amending the 2021 pension transfer scam rules, proposing a new red flag for transfers into Small Self-Administered Schemes.
PPI publishes report on megafund pension reforms with international insights
The Pensions Policy Institute has published a report on the UK megafund pension reforms, drawing on international evidence and interviews with UK and Australian pension stakeholders.
- May 2026
State Pension age increase from 66 to 67 begins
The State Pension age began rising from 66 to 67 on 6 May 2026, with the increase phased in over two years and affecting people born between April 1960 and April 1977.
The Pensions Ombudsman publishes Corporate Plan for 2026/27 backed by new three-year DWP funding settlement
The Pensions Ombudsman has published its Corporate Plan for 2026/27, backed by a three-year funding settlement that allows a 20% expansion of its frontline casework teams.
Second Pensions Commission publishes interim report on pension sustainability
The Second Pensions Commission's interim report on pension sustainability has prompted a parliamentary inquiry into whether minimum auto-enrolment contributions should rise and how any increase is shared.
- April 2026
Pension interests brought into inheritance tax from 6 April 2027
Pension pots and other pension death benefits will form part of a person's estate for inheritance tax purposes for deaths on or after 6 April 2027, under the Finance Act 2026.
State Pension age begins rising from 66 to 67
The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67 on a phased basis between April 2026 and March 2028, with the exact date set by date of birth.
- March 2026
TPR publishes 2025 DC landscape report showing master trusts dominate the DC market
The Pensions Regulator's 2025 defined contribution landscape report shows scheme numbers fell 15% to 790 while assets rose 22% to £249 billion, with master trusts holding 92% of memberships.
Treasury makes the Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2026
The Treasury made the Pensions Increase (Review) Order 2026 on 9 March 2026, setting a 3.8 per cent rise in public service pensions in payment from 6 April 2026.
Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026 made
The Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2026, made on 2 March 2026, raises state pensions and benefits and sets new statutory pay rates, with most changes taking effect in April 2026.
- January 2026
Joint proposals published for pension value for money framework
The FCA, DWP and TPR have published joint proposals requiring pension schemes to publish performance, cost and service quality data under a colour rating, with comment open until 8 March.