Andy, just a point to ponder. If you take the State pension in April this year they will pay you what they have said. However they will classify the amount as income. The DSS don’t do their own dirty work so they will notify the HMRC who will take note and revise the tax code your employer will use for the next year. This means you will pay tax on the payment received for the following year ie at least 20%. Higher if you are a high earner. This will still continue when you retire entirely with how much you pay being dependent on how much your total income is, including savings income earned not covered by tax free allowances. This is a view from my simple mind and I would advise if your Company has the facility you take every advantage to have an in depth discussion or if you haven’t got that advantage and you are a high end earner seek professional advice and not rely on simpletons like me
Den