21 August 2025
If you are covering the latest news that the government have extended the mandatory scheme pays deadline to July 2027, please see the following comment from Graham Crossley, NHS pensions specialist at Quilter:
“This extension to the mandatory scheme pays deadline is a very welcome and pragmatic decision from government. With many public service schemes still working through the complex process of issuing revised pension input statements due to the McCloud remedy, this move ensures that affected members, particularly those who may have missed the original 6 July 2025 deadline, won’t be unfairly penalised.
"Changing the deadline avoids creating unnecessary two-tier outcomes. Crucially, it provides a fair opportunity for members to use scheme pays to cover annual allowance tax charges without having to find large sums from their own pocket.
"We would still urge members to seek advice or support from their accountant, financial adviser or NHS pension specialist firm, to ensure deadlines are not missed and elections are submitted correctly. While this delay gives breathing space, it’s important not to wait until the last minute.”
