APR/BPR Update, Pensions Changes and TRS

Summary

(1) The first part is a timely update on the APR/BPR changes shortly before it all takes effect: what the transferability of the allowance means, and when it is not best to rely upon it, some thoughts for lifetime planning, revised will drafting and use of post-death variations.

(2) The second part covers the Pension changes: major focus of this seminar will be considering the latest legislation etc from HMRC and what this means for our advising clients – on wills, tax and estate planning, trusts and probate; and will include:

a. Two big changes in the 2025 Budget give some hope for PRs – the 50% retention and Clearance provisions - make the PRs role more viable, but still some major concerns;

b. 50% retention: when do PRs need to give notice and what PRs need to do when the 15-month period ends, and how estate administration needs a complete re-think!

c. The new Clearance provisions: what they do and don’t mean!

d. Preparing for April 2027: the great need to use the next year, to help clients get their estate planning in order, including potential changes for wills, trusts and estates.

e. Changes for Life Assurance, Spousal by-pass trusts and the use of pensions connected with current estates.

John will bring his great experience of leading (with Emma Chamberlain) the CIOT sub-group working on these changes, on which he also represented CIOT in giving evidence to the House of Lords Finance Bill Sub-Committee in October 2025.

(3) The third part is a TRS update: new exclusions from the need to register express trusts on TRS are due to take effect in early 2026. We will take stock of the details, whether implemented or not by this date.

The talk will start at 2.00 pm following a chance to network from 1.30 pm and will end at 5.00pm

Please note this will be at Leonardo Hotel Brighton Station BN1 4DJ.

There are various car parks around, the nearest is Brighton Railway Station Car Park, Stroudley Road, BN1 4DJ (but this can fill up quickly).

You may also wish to try Churchill Square BN1 2RU , Russell Road BN1 2DX, Regency Square BN1 2FG or Brighton Theatre BN1 1US.

JOHN BUNKER LL.B CTA TEP is a freelance lecturer and Consultant Solicitor & Chartered Tax Adviser with Irwin Mitchell LLP. John is co-Editor (& author of 1/3) of the Law Society’s IHT Planning Handbook and now co-editor of Bloomsbury's Practical Inheritance Tax Planning (with Mark Mclaughlin and IM colleague Sarah Paton). With extensive experience specialising in wills, trusts, estate and tax planning, John serves on HMRC’s Capital Taxes Liaison Group, and TRS and IHT on Pensions sub-groups; and on the CIOT’s Private Client (UK) committee, which he Chaired for 3 ½ years until Sept 2021, and TACT’s Private Trusts Committee.

John created a training / know-how role for Thomas Eggar, in 2012 after 23 years as a partner, now developed within Irwin Mitchell’s national Private Client team. Alongside this John developed external training work in a freelance capacity. He brings enthusiasm for his subject, seeking to illuminate technical details with practical insight, to training for CIOT and STEP nationally, branches of STEP, CIOT, SFE/ALL, local law societies and the Law Society, as well as Professional Conferences, MBL and individual firms.

Dates for your diaries

We are currently planning our next seminar in April 2026 and our Summer Special in June 2026, so watch out for these events.

Our Sponsors

We are delighted to be sponsored by:

In their own words: At TrinityBridge we have been helping individuals, families, professionals and businesses to make confident financial choices for more than 30 years. Our approach to wealth management is strategic – recognising the essential relationships that exist between our clients, their investment managers and their professional advisers. Our research led, multi-asset class investment management services are geared to generate the best possible returns for each client. Our financial planning services are considered and long-term in outlook – designed with financial freedom and security in mind.

With teams and offices across the UK - from Chichester to Edinburgh and Bristol to London, TrinityBridge is set up to offer financial clarity wherever and whenever our clients need us.

Find out more at trinitybridge.com

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