Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment has been made of the potential impact on peoples' retirement savings of replacing the Lifetime ISA with the proposed First-Time Buyer ISA.

The Government recognises that the Lifetime ISA (LISA) is not working for everyone and that its dual purpose of supporting both home ownership and retirement saving can create complexity for savers. The Government is therefore consulting on a new FTB ISA product, setting out options for a simpler product focused on supporting first-time buyers.

The Government is carefully considering responses to the FTB ISA consultation, including the fiscal impact of different design. Any decisions on the detailed design of the product, including matters affecting Exchequer costs, will be taken in the round and announced in the usual way.

The published FTB ISA consultation confirmed that until the new product is offered it will be possible to open a LISA. After the new product is introduced, it will not be possible to open a LISA, but existing LISA holders, including those currently using the LISA for retirement, will continue to be able to use their accounts in line with the existing rules. More information can be found here First Time Buyer ISA consultation - GOV.UK.