Category
Author: James Heppe-Smith
-
Five things that changed in your LGPS pension on 1 April 2026
Five member-facing LGPS changes (England and Wales) came into force on 1 April 2026. Family-leave pension build-up, equalised survivor pensions, and backdated death grants explained, with worked examples.
-
NHS pension contributions 2026/27: the new six-tier table explained
From 1 April 2026 the NHS Pension Scheme uses a six-tier contribution structure with rates from 5.2% to 12.5%. The threshold-vs-rate distinction most coverage misses, with worked examples.
-
Closing public sector DB pensions to new entrants from 2030: what’s actually proposed
Policy Exchange has proposed closing the main unfunded public sector DB schemes to new entrants from 2030, with new public service workers joining DC instead. What’s actually in the paper, the £1.1bn / £6.1bn /…
-
When will I get my overdue Civil Service pension?
Waiting on an overdue Civil Service pension? What the August 2026 figures actually show, the interest you are owed automatically, the tax trap on backdated payments, and how to escalate.
-
Pension Schemes Act 2026: what it actually does
The Pension Schemes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April. Six LGPS megafunds in statute, a £25bn DC scale floor, small-pot consolidation, DB surplus reform, what it all means in plain English.
-
McCloud remedy tracker: where each scheme stands
Where each public service pension scheme stands on McCloud remedy implementation as of May 2026. LGPS, NHS, Teachers, Civil Service, AFPS, Police and Firefighters status, plus the Scotland legislative gap.
-
LGPS for councillors and mayors: who qualifies from 11 May 2026
From 11 May 2026, councillors at English principal authorities and metro mayors can join the LGPS. Who qualifies, what you actually get, and how to opt in, in plain English.
-
McCloud and tax: refunds, charges, and what HMRC actually does
McCloud rollback can change your historic Annual Allowance and lump-sum tax position. Here is HMRC’s framework, the deadlines, and how the numbers settle.
-
Remediable Service Statement: how to read your McCloud RSS
Your McCloud Remediable Service Statement explained in plain English: what each section means, the choice it sets up, and the live state of every scheme in 2026.
-
Firefighters’ Pension: FPS 1992, 2006 & 2015 explained
What the Firefighters Pension Scheme actually delivers in 2026/27, the four schemes still running, the new five-tier contribution structure, the Sargeant and Matthews remedies, and what happens at retirement.