On this page you’ll find all the latest updates from the Scheme.
PAYE updates and your tax code
HMRC has asked Gallagher to apply a new PAYE reference to pension payments. This means some pensioners’ tax codes may be changed over the next few months.
We have written to you explaining what has happened and how it may affect you. To see the letter, log in to the member portal and go to your messages. Letters are also being sent out by post in mid-January.
What this means for you
You will continue to receive your pension payments. However, they won’t be visible in your HMRC online tax account until HMRC updates its system with the new PAYE reference number. You will still see them on the Gallagher portal.
If you receive income from other sources, HMRC may update your tax code. You may find that the end of payment notification prompts HMRC to share your tax allowance out across your other sources of income. This is likely to be temporary until HMRC fully updates its records with the new PAYE reference number.
You may see some changes to your tax code, and therefore how much tax you pay. This will be resolved as HMRC updates your record. Any changes to your tax code are likely to be temporary while HMRC works to update its records with the right tax codes. It will update these records in batches, so it can’t confirm when the updates will be fully completed. The end of the tax year in April will trigger an automatic check on the amount of tax you’ve paid when, if required, HMRC will make any final adjustments to your tax code.
HMRC will write to you if it changes your tax code. If HMRC needs to change your tax code more than once during this process, you may receive multiple notifications.
Help and support
Until HMRC’s records have been updated, there is nothing Gallagher or HMRC can do to change your tax code.
HMRC does not discuss individual tax codes directly with us, so if you have any concerns or do not agree with the tax code you are given, you will need to contact them directly.
- For more information about tax codes, you can visit gov.uk/tax-codes
- To view your payslips since Gallagher became the Scheme administrator, log in to the portal at pensionportal.co.uk/santander - If you haven’t registered for the portal already, select ‘First time user?’ on the login page.
- To contact HMRC, you can call its helpline on 0300 200 3300
If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Archived news articles
Join the Trustee Board
We're looking for two members to join our Trustee Board and help run the Santander (UK) Group Pension Scheme ('the Scheme').
Applications to join the Trustee Board closed on 20 January. We will update you when the vacancies have been filled.
The role
- Make a difference - MNDs are responsible for running the Scheme in line with the law and members' best interests.
- Use your skills - Make decisions about how the Scheme is run, represent members at meetings, and bring your professional and personal expertise.
- Bring a new perspective - Whatever your skills, if you are interested in being a part of running the Scheme we'd like to hear from you. We firmly believe a diversity of experiences and insights helps us make better decisions.
To find out more about the role, visit our dedicated MND page
How to apply
Visit our dedicated MND page to complete and submit your application form. The deadline for applications is 20 January 2025.
What happens next
- 20 January 2025 - Deadline for submitting your application.
- 27 January 2025 - If you're successful, you'll be invited to attend a 40 minute interview with the selection committee.
- 7 February 2025 - You'll be contacted to let you know if you've been chosen as a new MND.
- 17 February 2025 - You will start the role by shadowing the current Trustee Board and attending meetings in an observer capacity until 1 August 2025. You will then take office as a MND of the Scheme.
The Tracing Group
If you have received a letter from The Tracing Group, please be assured that it is legitimate.
In spring 2024 some members received a letter from The Tracing Group.
The Trustees of the Santander (UK) Group Pension Scheme appointed The Tracing Group to help with:
- locating members with whom the Scheme has lost contact, and
- authenticating members' identities using its 'Validentity' process.
If you received a letter from The Tracing Group you were asked to confirm your identity or your address by visiting:
www.thetracinggroup.co.uk and going to the
“Have you received a letter?” section under the “More” tab.
This exercise is now complete and you will be contacted if we need any further information.
For additional confirmation, please contact the Scheme Administrator.