Nicholas Dawson

Martin Lewis advises couples to review their pension expression of wishes forms, warning that outdated beneficiaries can override current relationships. He stresses the importance of wills and highlights lasting power of attorney as crucial for handling finances if someone becomes incapacitated. Lewis also outlines key financial advantages for married couples, including inheritance tax allowances and the Marriage Allowance.

New enforcement powers allow the Department for Work and Pensions to recover benefit overpayments directly from bank accounts or seek driving disqualifications for debts over £1,000. Letters have been sent to individuals who left the benefits system without repaying, with the measures set to take effect in October 2026. Debt advocates warn that strong vulnerability checks, human oversight and clear support pathways are necessary to ensure people facing health or personal crises are not misidentified as refusing payment. Rebecca Lamb of Money Wellness stresses the importance of early identification of vulnerable individuals and better signposting to free debt advice to prevent escalation.