Comments and events | Institute for Fiscal Studies

How to fix UK pensions?

podcast

Can the UK pensions system deliver a decent standard of living in retirement? We explore the challenges and changes needed.

4 July 2025

Decisive action needed to create a pension system fit for the next generation, concludes IFS-led Pensions Review

press release

The proposals put forward maintain an important balance between the state, employers and workers.

2 July 2025

Image of elderly mother and daughter looking through a picture album

Launch of the final recommendations of the Pensions Review

presentation

At this event researchers presented the final recommendations of the Pensions Review.

2 July 2025

How aware are people of next year’s state pension age increase?

comment

Large numbers of people nearing retirement do not know their state pension age (SPA), creating risks especially as the SPA rises again next year.

7 April 2025

Elderly man using a calculator while sitting at table with elderly woman and pet dog sitting on couch in the background

How can people be better helped to draw on their pension wealth in retirement?

event 1 April 2025 at 10:00

This online event presented new analysis of the way in which defined contribution pension wealth is currently being accessed.

Reforms needed to help individuals make good use of their pension wealth throughout their retirement

press release

Private sector employees are increasingly accumulating retirement savings in ‘defined contribution’ (DC) pensions.

1 April 2025

Government action needed to stop and reverse the proliferation of millions of small pension pots

press release

Without policy action, many will end up with their savings scattered across several small private pension pots by the time they reach retirement.

12 February 2025

A photo of an older person holding money

Challenges for the means-tested benefit system for older people

event 11 December 2024 at 10:00

At this online event, IFS researchers presented new research highlighting key issues with the benefit system around retirement age.

Targeted support could help mitigate consequences of state pension age increases for many on low incomes

press release

A report suggests targeted support in means-tested benefits could ease impacts of a higher state pension age on vulnerable groups.

11 December 2024

Person sitting at their work desk looking at their phone while using a calculator with a piggy bank and coins on their desk.

Next steps for private pension saving for employees and the self-employed

event 16 September 2024 at 10:30

At this in-person event in Westminster, IFS researchers presented new findings from the Pensions Review.

Raising revenue from reforms to pensions taxation

comment

How should pensions tax relief be reformed, and could it be done in ways that raise revenue?

11 September 2024

Policy action needed to help millions of self-employed workers better prepare for their retirement

press release

How well prepared for retirement are self-employed workers and what options do policymakers have to encourage more pension saving?

9 September 2024

Key decisions await the pensions minister after the election

press release

How will the next government change pensions policies? This report examines key decisions that need to be taken.

7 June 2024

Should the pensions lifetime allowance be reintroduced and, if so, how?

comment

Budget 2023 abolished the lifetime limit on tax-privileged pension savings. Labour has committed to reintroducing it. Would that be a good idea?

4 June 2024

The future of the state pension

podcast

We discuss the current challenges facing the state pension - and options for reform.

21 December 2023

Pensions are far from broken but could still use a fix

comment

Paul Johnson writes for The Times on the 'simple steps' get us to a 'stable, simple, affordable' pensions system.

18 December 2023

A better way forward for the state pension – a ‘four-point pension guarantee’

press release

The current state pension has many strengths, not least its simplicity. But research by the Pensions Review indicates several problems.

13 December 2023

'Pensioners deserve better than the triple lock'

comment

Carl Emmerson writes about the triple lock in The Telegraph.

13 December 2023

Retirement is not always a choice that workers can afford to make

comment

"More of us may feel little choice but to work a year or two longer than planned." Paul Johnson writes for The Times.

6 November 2023

The triple lock creates uncertainty for pension incomes and savers, as well as the public finances

press release

The pensions triple lock has increased state pension spending and creates uncertainty for current and future generations of pensioners.

8 September 2023

Amidst confusion, there’s widespread pessimism about future standards of living in retirement

comment

We have found only very limited understanding of pensions in the UK

10 August 2023

Why saving for a pension has become more risky

comment

"Many working-age people may not realise just how much risk they are facing when it comes to ensuring financial security in retirement."

5 June 2023

Improving financial security in retirement

comment

It is estimated that fewer than one in five self-employed people are currently saving into a pension. An article by Alistair Darling and David Gauke

16 May 2023

Couple looking at financial arrangements

The three problems at the heart of Britain’s impending retirement disaster

comment

An honest look at pension planning is needed amid longer life expectancies and NHS pressures

16 May 2023

Why politicians need to think long-term about pensions

podcast

We talk through the challenges facing the UK pensions system and future generations of pensioners.

26 April 2023

We must act now to prevent a real pensions crisis developing in future

comment

"If we are to avoid sleepwalking into a future much worse than the present, we need to start acting now." Paul Johnson writes for the Times.

24 April 2023

Major new pensions review warns of substantial risks to finances of future generations of pensioners

press release

A substantial new Pensions Review will determine what needs to be done to secure decent retirement outcomes for future generations of pensioners.

20 April 2023

Launch of the Pensions Review

presentation

On 20th April the Pensions Review, led by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in partnership with abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, was launched.

20 April 2023