Can you give a quick overview of what your Masterclass session will cover?

We will cover topical issues around pensions and those taking retirement income. That includes the Government proposals to include pensions within IHT from 2027. Examining insight from FCA data around retirement decisions people made in the last year. Consider potential tax changes within the forthcoming Budget and look at the many upcoming changes to pension legislation and regulation.

What are the current issues in your area journalists should help their readers understand?

There is so much happening in the world of pensions. Ongoing tax changes including pensions falling within Inheritance Tax from 2027. And regular rumours of further changes, including within the October Budget.

Meanwhile a review of the state pension age is underway, and the Government has established a Pensions Commission to consider wider change to help people, which published its initial report earlier this year with recommendations to follow in Q1 2027.

We will get FCA data around the time of the event which will give insight into how people are accessing their pensions and some of the decisions they are making. There are also many other legislative and regulatory changes taking place or being considered – such as the increase to state pension age between 2026 and 2028 and the change to minimum pension from 2028. The Pensions Dashboard is also due to go live during 2027. 

With a Budget coming up, are there any particular topics you are planning to discuss in the Masterclass?

We will consider potential changes to pension rules and also consider behavioural change we have seen as a result of speculation around previous Budgets.

Any general tips for money writers covering your sector?

There is no such thing as a silly question, and people will be more than happy to chat through. No matter how long you work in the industry there are areas where you need to check or discuss certain aspects.  The legislation and regulations are constantly changing and it’s an area that never stands still.

What would you like to change about how journalists cover your area?

It would be good to see the benefit which pensions and retirement saving can bring to people highlighted more frequently.

Tell us about the big stories in your sector in the past few months. Could these be rolling stories? 

Constant change is a theme of pensions and retirement. From state pensions including the triple lock, auto-enrolment and workplace pensions, individual pensions including SIPPs for wealthier individuals or self-employed. And how to turn these pots into income when people reach retirement. Add in the tax aspects including tax relief on pension contributions, constant speculation on the amount of tax-free lump sums people can receive. And changes to death benefits with the inclusion of pensions within inheritance tax from April 2027.

Finally, why is it important for journalists to have access to initiatives such as Headlinemoney Masterclasses?

Continuing development and education is important in any profession and journalism is no different. There are many complex and wide-ranging areas of the market to understand. And constant ongoing change in terms of tax rules, legislation and regulation. Keeping up to date with changes and, most importantly, what those mean to customers/the public is hugely important. 

The Headlinemoney Masterclass will be held on Wednesday 16 September 2026. Experts from three other financial services companies will give succinct overviews of their sectors for financial journalists. Find out more and book a place.