Leading figures from the pensions industry have welcomed the decision to retain Torsten Bell as Minister for Pensions following Prime Minister Andy Burnham's ministerial reshuffle.
Mr Bell will continue serving jointly in HM Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions, providing continuity as the Government moves from developing pensions policy to implementing a wide-ranging programme of reforms.
Industry organisations said keeping the same minister in post should help maintain momentum across a number of major projects, including workplace pension reforms, investment policy, retirement outcomes and the implementation of measures introduced under the Pension Schemes Act 2026.
Patrick Heath-Lay, Chief Executive of People's Pension, described the decision as providing "welcome continuity" at an important stage for the pensions sector, noting that ministerial reshuffles can often delay progress while new ministers become familiar with their responsibilities.
Steve Webb, partner at pensions consultancy LCP and a former Pensions Minister, also welcomed the decision, describing Mr Bell's reappointment as bringing "welcome certainty and continuity" for the industry.
Mr Bell recently outlined the Government's intention to move into the "delivery phase" of its pensions reform programme, with ministers focusing on improving retirement outcomes, strengthening workplace pension schemes and encouraging long-term investment.
While no major changes to the State Pension or the Triple Lock have been announced following the reshuffle, the decision to retain Mr Bell has been widely viewed across the pensions sector as a sign that the Government intends to continue its existing programme of pension reform without interruption.