Caroline Nokes

With this it will be convenient to consider the following: Clauses 64 to 68 stand part. New clause 18—Review of the effect of sections 63 to 68— “(1) HM Treasury must carry out a review of the effect of sections 63 to 68 of this Act (Pension interests). (2) The review under subsection (1) must include an assessment of— (a) the impact of those sections on individuals’ pension savings and beneficiaries, including on estate values and inheritance tax liabilities, (b) the administrative effects on personal representatives, pension scheme administrators, and HM Revenue and Customs, and (c) any behavioural effects on how pensions are used during life and on death. (3) HM Treasury must lay before the House of Commons a report setting out the findings of the review under subsection (1) no later than six months after the date on which sections 63 to 68 come into force.” This new clause would require HM Treasury to review and report on the effects of Clauses 63 to 68 of the Bill, which introduce inheritance tax charges on unused pension funds and death benefits, including their impacts on individuals, administrators, and behaviour, and to publish the findings to Parliament. New clause 19—Report on the impact of inheritance tax liability on personal representatives in relation to pension assets— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, lay before the House of Commons a report on the impact of the changes to inheritance tax treatment of pension assets on personal representatives of deceased persons made under this Act. (2) The report must consider— (a) the legal obligations of personal representatives to collect the assets of an estate, settle all liabilities (including inheritance tax), and distribute the estate to beneficiaries, (b) the extent to which personal representatives may be personally liable for inheritance tax due on assets, including pension funds, which do not form part of the estate and do not come into their possession, (c) any risk of increased litigation arising from the imposition of personal liability on personal representatives in respect of inheritance tax due on pension assets, (d) the impact of any such liability on the willingness of personal representatives, particularly those who are not beneficiaries of the estate, to distribute estate assets promptly, (e) any practical difficulties faced by personal representatives where pension assets, lifetime gifts, or other chargeable assets are discovered after initial inheritance tax calculations have been completed, including the requirement to recalculate inheritance tax liabilities and re-apportion the nil rate band, (f) any administrative and timing challenges associated with identifying multiple pension arrangements, particularly where a deceased person held several pension funds arising from different employments, and (g) whether the existing six-month timeframe for inheritance tax reporting and payment adequately reflects those practical difficulties. (3) The report must assess whether the current framework operates fairly and proportionately for personal representatives and whether legislative or administrative changes are necessary to reduce uncertainty, delay, or unintended personal liability.” This new clause requires the Government to report on the impact of inheritance tax rules on personal representatives, including personal liability for tax on pension assets outside the estate and the practical difficulties of identifying and valuing multiple pension arrangements within existing time limits. New clause 20—Administration of inherited pension pots— “(1) HM Revenue and Customs must review the tax administration arrangements relating to inherited pension pots. (2) The purpose of the review under subsection (1) is to ensure that— (a) inheritance tax and related tax checks do not cause unreasonable delays in the payment of pension death benefits to beneficiaries, and (b) bereaved families are able to receive pension benefits within a reasonable period following a member’s death. (3) In carrying out the review, HM Revenue and Customs must have regard to— (a) the cumulative administrative burden placed on personal representatives, pension scheme administrators, and beneficiaries, (b) the interaction between inheritance tax reporting, clearance processes, and pension scheme payment rules, and (c) any evidence of prolonged delays in the payment of inherited pension benefits. (4) HM Revenue and Customs must publish the outcome of the review, including any proposed changes to its processes or guidance, within 12 months of the passing of this Act.” This new clause would require the Government to address delays in the payment of inherited pension pots by reviewing HMRC’s tax administration processes, with the aim of preventing prolonged waiting periods for bereaved families. New clause 22—Statement on inheritance tax on pension interests— “(1) The Chancellor of the Exchequer must, within six months of this Act being passed, make a statement to the House of Commons on the effects of the charging of inheritance tax on pension interests made under sections 63 to 68 of this Act. (2) The statement made under subsection (1) must include analysis of the impact on— (a) pension saving levels, (b) household saving decisions, and (d) personal representatives.” This new clause would require the Chancellor to make a statement on the effects charging inheritance tax on pension interests on pension saving levels, household saving decisions and personal representatives. New clause 23—Consultation on changes to inheritance tax on pensions interests— “(1) The Chancellor of the Exchequer must, before 6 April 2027, undertake a consultation on the potential impacts of the changes made by sections 63 to 67. (2) The consultation made under subsection (1) must consider the extent to which the changes to inheritance tax on pension interests deliver better outcomes for UK savers and pensioners. (3) The Chancellor of the Exchequer must lay before the House of Commons a report summarising the responses to the consultation.” This new clause would require the Chancellor to consult on the potential impacts of the changes made by sections 63 to 67. The consultation must consider the extent to which the changes to inheritance tax on pension interests deliver better outcomes for UK savers and pensioners. A report summarising the responses to the consultation must be laid before the House of Commons. New clause 24—HMRC guidance on inheritance tax on pension interests— “(1) HM Revenue and Customs must, within six months of this Act being passed, publish comprehensive guidance on the implementation of sections 63 to 68. (2) HMRC must establish a dedicated helpline for enquiries relating to inheritance tax on pension interests. (3) The guidance published under subsection (1) must be reviewed annually and published in accessible formats.” This new clause would require HMRC to publish comprehensive guidance on the implementation of sections 63 to 68 and establish a dedicated helpline for enquiries relating to inheritance tax on pension interests. The guidance must be reviewed annually and published in accessible formats.