Edged out: Pension policy now firmly in Treasury's grip

Steve Webb assesses the power shift

clock • 3 min read

Has anyone (apart from avid Westminster watchers) spotted the transfer of pension policy power from the DWP to the Treasury? Steve Webb explains why it represents an important shift

In the recent past, lead responsibility for pensions policy has been split between two government departments - HM Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The Treasury led on things like tax relief and personal pension saving, while DWP was focused on the state pension and on occupational pensions. Each department had a corresponding regulator - the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) dealing with things like financial advice and the sale of individual savings products, and The Pensions Regulator (TPR) overseeing trust-based occupational pensions and the implementation ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Pensions

The FOMO-fuelled run on the pensions bank – where the Treasury is the only winner

The FOMO-fuelled run on the pensions bank – where the Treasury is the only winner

'You can't build a savings culture on a foundation of uncertainty'

Matt Storey
clock 17 November 2025 • 5 min read
Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Chancellor's potential salary sacrifice plan: A 'high risk gamble built on low quality data'

Govt reportedly considering introducing a £2,000 salary sacrifice annual cap

Joseph Warne
clock 14 November 2025 • 4 min read
Reeves looking to cap salary sacrifice contributions to £2,000 - reports

Reeves looking to cap salary sacrifice contributions to £2,000 - reports

Chancellor has 'decided against' cutting pension lump-sum withdrawals

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 10 November 2025 • 4 min read