Tag Archives: UK pensions for expats

UK Budget October 2024 – a summary for UK expats in the GCC

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This is the first UK Budget by a Labour government since 2010, and the first one from a woman Chancellor of the Exchequer in Rachel Reeves. Considering the role has existed for 800 years, this is a significant moment for representation in politics.

Will this Budget be a defining moment for the new Labour UK Government? This is was never going to be an easy Budget with giveaways and we all knew that.  It was claimed to be a budget for the average working person and it has largely met that brief, although some will not be pleased with certain announcements.

Following every Budget or Statement, I write an article to give you a concise overview of some of the main points, with particular reference to any changes that have major relevance to those living outside of the UK, and especially in the GCC.

The UK press will cover many points in detail but much of it will not be directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the points that will be most relevant to us.

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UK Autumn Statement November 2022 – a summary for expats

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UK Budgets seem to come thick and fast these days with the last one in September, albeit that was referred to as a ‘fiscal event’.  A small budget by any other name can lead to as many problems as a big one and that caused huge ructions in financial markets, leading to many of the announcements being rescinded, and another change of Prime Minister and cabinet, albeit still from the same political party.

As is usually the way, new Chancellors like to put their seal on the role so Jeremy Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement this afternoon. You may like to note that he is the seventh Chancellor in just seven years.

This article is a brief overview of some of the main points with particular reference to any changes that are pertinent to those living outside of the UK and especially in the GCC. The UK press will cover many points in detail but many of the points will not be directly relevant to expats so this article focuses on the points that will be most relevant to us.

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News: Minimum age to access UK private pensions to change

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This information has been confirmed on the UK Parliament website following an exchange in the House of Commons today, 3rd September 2020.

The exact wording is as follows:

“In 2014 the government announced it would increase the minimum pension age to 57 from 2028, reflecting trends in longevity and encouraging individuals to remain in work, while also helping to ensure pension savings provide for later life.

That announcement set out the timetable for this change well in advance to enable people to make financial plans and will be legislated for in due course.”

The change will not take place for some time so no need to panic now but it will mean that some people who had intended to access their personal pensions at age 55 years, per the current rules, will have to adjust their plans for two years.

This is simply about personal plans and is not linked to the UK’s State Pension

To arrange a discussion about your retirements plans, your UK pensions, or any aspect of your personal financial planning, please email me at keren@holbornassets.com

I write articles such as this one as part of the holistic personal financial planning service and that I provide to expats, and the general consumer, financial and legal information that I provide in The National newspaper, on Capital Radio UAE, and on the Facebook group British Expats Dubai.

Please take a look at the other useful articles on this website.

News: Risk of UK State Pension freeze remains for British pensioners in Europe

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Starting next week some 360,000 British pensioners living in Europe will receive letters from The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)  confirming that their UK State Pension pension will rise each year for at least the next three years in the event of a no-deal Brexit. There are no guarantees that these increases will continue after this time. Continue reading →

Have you forgotten or lost a UK pension?

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This may sound like a silly question but research from a major British insurance company has shown that up there are up to 2.5 million forgotten UK pension plans.  Furthermore, the UK government estimates that the size of these forgotten and unclaimed funds could exceed £400 million.

Among those with a forgotten pension, the majority believe they have misplaced one pot (77%), although 17% think they have forgotten about two and 6% have forgotten three or more.  At the same time, almost three in five (59%) UK adults are worried about not having enough money to last them in retirement. If this is you, there are steps you can take.

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Need to know: Your financial priorities

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Many of us muddle through our financial lives, not focusing on what matters the most, so this article is designed to help you sort out your financial priorities.

You have probably thought that there are some issues you need to address but it is common to be stuck in limbo, not quite sure what to tackle first, or a to have a vague to-do list but are unsure where to start.

I am often asked what are the most important topics to focus on so this is a guide to what you may need to look at if you haven’t reviewed your personal finances before, or haven’t done so for some time. What should you do now and what is most important?

All too frequently I see people who have been sold long-term savings plans without having been given the right advice to address more immediate issues. The most important consideration is to focus on what could go wrong tomorrow and then to take steps to protect you and your family. This doesn’t have to be expensive but this is what proper, ethical, financial planning is all about.

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