Labour to 'enhance' state pension with millions of older people set to benefit

THE LABOUR PARTY MP FOR EALING NORTH, WHO IS THE EXCHEQUER SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY, HAS DELIVERED A COMMONS STATEMENT ON THE PLANS. 08:57, 31 May 2025 The government plans to make it

easier to get the state pension, according to James Murray. The Labour Party MP for Ealing North, who is The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, has delivered a Commons statement on the

plans. "Today, the government delivers that commitment with a package of 26 measures," Mr Murray said. It has promised "simplification" of HMRC systems, Capital Goods

changes, and reviewing the National Insurance Contributions (NICs) Annual Maximum Refunds Process. Mr Murray said: "A review of the process for refunding National Insurance

contributions under the Annual Maximum rules, to make it easier and faster for customers to access the refunds they are entitled to." READ MORE UK SET TO SIZZLE IN 'GLORIOUS'

27C MINI-HEATWAVE WITH 33 COUNTIES IN ENGLAND HIT There will also be changes to voluntary NICs, "enhancing Check Your State Pension forecast service" in the process. Mr Murray

said: "The government also intends to further enhance the Check Your State Pension forecast service, which supports people who want to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions to

fill gaps in their National Insurance record. Article continues below "These measures build on the government’s announcement at Spring Statement 2025 that from Summer 2025, employed

individuals who become liable to the High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) will be able to opt to pay HICBC directly through PAYE, without the need to register for Self Assessment.

"Simplifying HMRC guidance and communications is crucial to helping taxpayers get their tax right first time and reducing the worry and stress of managing their tax affairs. Therefore,

the government is announcing five measures to improve HMRC guidance and communications, including:" It will also clarify Self Assessment registration obligations. Mr Murray said:

"As recommended by tax professionals, HMRC will simplify guidance on Self Assessment registration obligations to ensure clarity on when individuals must register for Self Assessment.

Article continues below "HMRC is working with external stakeholders to simplify HMRC guidance and communications." He said: "The government is also announcing a package of

measures which simplify customs processes, reduce burdens and improve customer experience, whilst ensuring we place targeted and appropriate control on movements"