Alpha delay: frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is going on?

HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office have decided to delay the planned closure of the UKAEA pension schemes to future accrual and the move to alpha.

The UKAEA Combined Pension Scheme (CPS) was due to close to future accrual on 30 September 2026, with active members starting in alpha the next day.

We are waiting on a revised date and expect to know this following Capita and Cabinet Office replanning by the end of June 2026. We will update members when this is known.

Why is this happening?

There are two elements to the move. One is the need for the CPS Scheme Management and CPS employers to be ready to join alpha. This includes updating Rules, ensuring that payrolls are ready for alpha and briefing unions and employees. This has been progressing.

The second element is the need for Cabinet Office and their administrator, Capita, to be ready to onboard CPS employers and members. Capita has been struggling with a backlog of cases and is looking to prioritise existing members and employers.

Cabinet Office and Capita are working to resolve these issues, but it means that work to onboard CPS employers and members has fallen behind. We therefore requested that Cabinet Office and HM Treasury agree to a delay to allow these issues to be resolved, so that CPS employers and members could be sure of a good service when joining.

What does this mean for me as a CPS member?

Other than the change in date, there is no change to members moving over. You will have a CPS pension from the date you joined your employer to the date we move to alpha, then an alpha pension after this.

The connections between CPS and alpha are still there, including the final salary link.

Is the whole thing likely to be cancelled?

No. Under the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 the CPS is required to close to future accrual. Any delays have to be approved by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and HM Treasury have shown no interest in cancelling the move to alpha.

You previously mentioned in a presentation that new added years, AVCs and transfers in applications would not be accepted after 1 July 2026. Is this still the case?

We are reviewing when the final dates for these should be, once we know the new alpha date.

What other communications will you be doing in the run up to the move to alpha?

In addition to more presentations and information sessions, we will be launching a tool, the GAD Pensions Illustrator, which will allow members to enter their data and see an estimate for your combined CPS and alpha pensions.

I would like more information. Who should I contact?

pensions@ukaea.uk