New pensions secretary must inject 'stability' at DWP

DWP urged to boost collaboration

Martin Richmond
clock • 2 min read

Newly appointed secretary of state for work and pensions Chloe Smith must ensure the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is stable to ensure the public has confidence in it, according to industry experts.

Smith, whose appointment was announced yesterday (6 September), replaces new health secretary and deputy prime minister Thérèse Coffey, who had been in the role for just under three years. Quilter head of retirement policy Jon Greer said that due to the long-term nature of pensions, Smith must be given time to implement the DWP's legislative agenda. "She will need time in the role to ensure that any changes in policy are carefully planned and crucially do not create unintended consequences down the road. "The government as a whole, but particularly the DWP, needs stability as other...

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

Do clients already own the best retirement portfolio?

Do clients already own the best retirement portfolio?

'Feeling safer and being safer aren't the same thing'

Alex Funk
clock 29 October 2026 • 4 min read
Budget 26: Government to get rid of two-year tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Budget 26: Government to get rid of two-year tax rule on lump sum death benefits

Changes will also be made to how tax due on excess lump sum death benefits is collected

Jonathan Stapleton
clock 28 October 2026 • 1 min read
Budget 26: State pensioners to be shielded from income tax

Budget 26: State pensioners to be shielded from income tax

State pension expected to rise to £13,036

Sophia Panayi
clock 28 October 2026 • 2 min read