inheritance tax (IHT)
Councils are assessing the implications of new inheritance tax rules that will bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into scope from April 2027.
In September 2026, the City of London's Pensions Committee discussed the implications of upcoming inheritance tax (IHT) changes. These reforms will bring most unused pension funds and death benefits into scope from April 2027, as outlined in a report presented by the Pensions Manager for the Chamberlain's Department.
The government's rationale for these changes, which affect inheritance tax (IHT) levied on a person's estate after they die, is to prevent pension arrangements from being used primarily as intergenerational wealth transfer vehicles. These reforms are estimated to affect approximately 10,500 additional estates each year.
Key facts
- Most unused pension funds and death benefits will be brought into the scope of inheritance tax from April 2027. Source
- The City of London's Pensions Committee discussed the implications of these changes in September 2026. Source
- The reforms are estimated to affect approximately 10,500 additional estates each year. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.