Wedlake Bell Insights

    • Pensions Compass
    • Oct 1, 2025

    Part 3 – Inheritance Tax and Pensions

    HMRC’s draft legislation issued on 21 July 2025 for Technical Consultation features the points of principle in the adjacent box. Many comments have been made in response to the Consultation. We now await the Finance Bill which may contain changes.

    More about Part 3 – Inheritance Tax and Pensions
    • Insights
    • Oct 1, 2025

    Part 4 – Pensions Ready Reckoner October 2025

    PARLIAMENT Effective Date Effect Bills (and Acts not yet in force) FINANCE BILL 2025/2026 HMRC published draft IHT legislation on 21 July 2025 The Bill will be introduced in Parliament following the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget on 26 November 2025 including

    More about Part 4 – Pensions Ready Reckoner October 2025
    • In Trust
    • Sep 10, 2025

    From nest egg to tax target: Pension funds will no longer be exempt from IHT

    The government’s original proposals aimed to address concerns that pensions were increasingly being used as strategic estate planning vehicles, rather than encouraging saving for retirement. However, the proposals raised confusion in the industry as it was not clear whether all

    More about From nest egg to tax target: Pension funds will no longer be exempt from IHT
    • Insights
    • Sep 9, 2025

    The implementation of compulsory identity verification: Autumn 2025

    Who needs to verify? The ID-V regime will apply to all new and existing company directors (modified for other registered business vehicles), PSCs and anyone filing on behalf of UK companies. The aim of targeting these key individuals is to improve

    More about The implementation of compulsory identity verification: Autumn 2025
    • Pensions Compass
    • Jul 3, 2025

    Part 1 – Pension Schemes Bill timeline

    Broadly, the Bill’s Royal Assent is not expected until mid-2026. Then Consultation starts on the proposed associated Regulations on which the government has to consult – which it must do in many cases. Finalised Regulations and Guidances are generally likely

    More about Part 1 – Pension Schemes Bill timeline
    • Pensions Compass
    • Jul 3, 2025

    Part 2 – Surplus reforms

    The UK Government has taken a significant step with the introduction of the new Pension Schemes Bill towards making it easier for defined benefit (“DB“) pension scheme surpluses to be paid to employers. According to the Government’s consultation response in

    More about Part 2 – Surplus reforms
    • Pensions Compass
    • Jul 3, 2025

    Part 3 – Pension Schemes Bill – Defined contribution schemes

    On 5 June 2025, the UK Government published the Pension Schemes Bill, outlining significant reforms aimed at transforming the defined contribution (“DC“) pension scheme landscape. The Bill was accompanied by the Government’s final report on its Pension Investment Review and a DWP publication entitled “Workplace

    More about Part 3 – Pension Schemes Bill – Defined contribution schemes
    • Pensions Compass
    • Jul 3, 2025

    Part 4 – Pensions scheme bill: Other changes and missing legislation

    Other Bill Changes Some other changes in the Bill not featured in the preceding parts of this Pensions Compass: Pensions Ombudsman and Recovery of Overpayments The Bill gives the PO power (like those of a competent court) to facilitate scheme

    More about Part 4 – Pensions scheme bill: Other changes and missing legislation
    • Insights
    • May 23, 2025

    Neonatal care

    On April 6, 2025, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 introduced significant changes for parents of new-borns requiring neonatal care. This new legislation aims to alleviate the stress faced by parents during challenging times, ensuring they can focus

    More about Neonatal care