Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 2:58 pm on 17 November 2025.
Baroness Altmann
Conservative
2:58,
17 November 2025
I thank the Minister for his Answer, but my Question was whether the Government have actually properly considered the real-world impact of these unworkable proposals. With its aim to hit the minority of wealthy pension owners, this policy could actually damage millions of less well-off families who will see a 40% cut in death benefits, especially if they are in a defined contribution scheme, much less so in defined benefit. A single parent with a house and children will lose out significantly. Does the noble Lord recognise that this retrospective confiscation without transitional protection undermines confidence in long-term planning, reduces long-term investment and will lead to more people rushing to take money out of their pensions quickly, just in case they may face the inheritance tax? This is especially the case if they can take out thousands of pounds a year at just 20%, which will mean more pensioners in future in poverty, despite the Government’s aim to get more people saving for a good pension.
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