Adults in the UK are increasingly prioritising raising their pension contributions in 2026, analysis from Pensions UK has shown.

Its research of working adults showed that 12 per cent continue to plan to review their pension plans and retirement goals this year, while 10 per cent expected to increase contributions as part of their resolutions.

However, the major change was seen when people considered what they would do if they undertook a pension review.

Nearly a third (30 per cent) said they would increase their contributions as part of a review, up by 9 percentage points from 2025, representing the largest year-on-year shift in pension behaviour.

Among savers with defined contribution (DC) pensions, this figure rose to 34 per cent, and increased further among people aged under 34 (40 per cent).

Households with incomes of more than £48,000 were more likely to act than those earning under £14,000, at 40 per cent vs 19 per cent.

Other actions people were considering as part of a review included checking how much they had in their pension (23 per cent), reviewing projected retirement income (16 per cent), updating beneficiaries (10 per cent), and combining pensions into one plan (8 per cent).

However, only 9 per cent said they would consult a financial adviser and 6 per cent would change investment options, while 2 per cent said they would reduce contributions.

More than a fifth (21 per cent) were happy with their current plan, while 18 per cent said they did not know what steps to take.

"The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset financial goals,” commented Pensions UK deputy director of strategic policy and research, Matthew Blakstad.

“While everyday needs often take priority, it is encouraging to see people increasingly willing to take action on pensions. However, experience shows that our best-laid plans for our pensions don’t always translate into action.

“Almost a third of savers told us they would increase their contributions if they reviewed their pensions - a significant rise on last year. This demonstrates that the appetite is there and reinforces why government should revisit automatic enrolment contribution levels.

“Many savers are already prepared to pay more, which would help them achieve the lifestyle they want in retirement.

“Balancing immediate responsibilities with long-term planning is never easy, but pensions remain a cornerstone of financial security.”

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