Fact
Speaking on the BBC Today programme, Health Secretary Steve Barclay stated that NHS consultants will get a “tax-free pension of £73,000 a year” when they retire.
As Full Fact pointed out, the Health Secretary’s statement is incorrect. Pensions are considered a form of income and are therefore subject to tax rules like other forms of income. This means tax is due on any sum above an individual’s personal allowance.
Verdict
The Health Secretary was wrong to state that consultants will get a “tax-free pension”. Mr Barclay was misleading BBC Radio 4 listeners.
We emailed Steve Barclay’s parliamentary office and the DHSC offering them the chance to respond. The email was received, but no reply.