Pension Credit claims rose by 44 per cent in the wake of winter fuel changes, new Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data has revealed.

The data showed that Pension Credit claims jumped 44 per cent in the year since the Winter Fuel Payment was restricted to those on income-related benefits. Between July 2024 and July 2025, 320,300 claims were filed, representing an increase of 98,200 over the previous year. Of these, 181,100 were awarded - a 46 per cent increase - though 163,500 were not, marking an 88 per cent rise. However, claims have fallen by 16 per cent since March, suggesting volumes are now stabilising following last year’s surge.

Aegon Asset Management has launched a climate transition bond fund.

The Aegon Investment Grade Climate Transition Fund will target companies with credible decarbonisation plans. The strategy, co-managed by Rory Sandilands, Alexander Pelteshki, and Kenneth Ward, primarily invests in global investment-grade corporate bonds, with the flexibility to include selective high-yield investments. It aims for a 50 per cent reduction in carbon footprint by 2030 and net-zero alignment by 2040, as well as to outperform the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Corporate Index over rolling 36-month periods, net of fees, while aligning with clients’ financial, climate, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Sandilands said: “The need for credible climate action has never been greater… we believe the fund is well-positioned to deliver resilient, risk-adjusted returns while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

People’s Pension has returned over £100m to members since its launch in 2020.

The master trust is currently giving back over £3m a month to members through its 'savings reward' scheme, with a 'best price guarantee' on annual management charges, ensuring that the more members invest, the more is returned. The master trust currently has over seven million members. People's Pension chief executive, Patrick Heath-Lay, said the milestone was “a great example of what a pension with purpose looks like” and described it as an "extremely significant moment." Board of trustees chair, Mark Condron, added: “To give back £100m to so many of our members in just five years is the embodiment of the People’s Pension’s differences.”

Wealth at Work has been awarded the Investors in People silver accreditation.

The accolade recognises the group’s commitment to staff development and employee experience. It results from colleague feedback gathered through surveys and interviews, assessing leadership, performance management, values, and recognition practices. Wealth at Work director, Jonathan Watts-Lay, said: “As leaders in workplace financial wellbeing across the UK and Ireland, we’re proud to receive this recognition. It’s a fantastic acknowledgement to the dedication and excellence our colleagues demonstrate every single day.”

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