One year on from the 2015 new pensions rules – key stats

May 19, 2016
Author: Hawsons CC
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New pensions rules – key stats

According to HMRC figures released last month, over 230,000 people have used the new pension rules, introduced one year ago, to access over £4.3bn in pensions saving.

Since the pension flexibility rules took effect from 6 April 2015:

  • 232,000 individuals have accessed their money flexibly;
  • Over £4.3bn flexibly accessed through 516,000 payments;
  • In the most recent quarter, 74,000 individuals withdrew £820m, and;
  • In the previous quarter, 67,000 individuals withdrew £800m.

The figures above are taken from information voluntarily reported to HMRC by pension scheme administrators from 6 April 2015 to 31 March 2016. It is not mandatory for scheme administrators to flag these up as pension flexibility payments until April 2016. HMRC statistics cover ‘flexible payments’, which means partial or full withdrawal of the pension pot, taking money from a flexible drawdown account, or buying a flexible annuity.

The new pension rules in summary

In April 2015, the private pension world underwent unprecedented changes as the government introduced significant new pension rules to give people the ability to access their private pensions savings how and when they want. The new rules came into effect just over a year ago and were/are, on the whole, beneficial for most savers.

The principle changes were:

  • No need to take an annuity on retirement or at age 75;
  • The potential for people aged 55 or above to withdraw all or part of their pension fund;
  • Monies taken will be part tax-free cash with the balance treated as income;
  • Ability to pass on pension funds to any beneficiary on death, and;
  • Take partial benefits from pension funds.

The 2015 changes were the biggest shake up to UK pensions ever and, although mainly beneficial, they brought with them a number of complexities and new considerations for savers to make.

Understanding the pensions system can sometimes be a detailed and complex process, particularly when you are thinking about how you can make the most of the new pensions rules.

How we can help

The changes have given savers greater simplicity, choice and flexibility, making pensions a more attractive option for saving than ever before. The changes have also opened up exciting tax planning opportunities, both in regards income tax and inheritance tax. We recommend that you take your time to understand your options following the changes, and seek sound and proactive independent financial advice as what you decide now will affect the rest of your life.

If you would like advice on the new pensions rules, including your tax implications, please contact us.

If you are looking for advice in a particular area, please get in touch with your usual Hawsons contact.

Alternatively, we offer all new clients a free initial meeting to have a discussion about their own personal circumstances – find out more or book your free initial meeting here. We have offices in Sheffield, Doncaster and Northampton.

Free initial meeting

Natasha Fathers, Director of HWM

Natasha Fathers

Director of Hawsons Wealth Management Limited, Sheffield

ncf@hawsons.co.uk