Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment)

20 July 2022 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

Benefits & Welfare

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Holden raised concerns about pensions (extension of automatic enrolment) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Bill aims to lower the age for auto-enrolment in pensions schemes from 22 to 18 and reduce the earnings limit.
  • The legislation would allow the Secretary of State to introduce changes through regulations at a future date as per the Conservative manifesto.
  • The Bill targets younger workers, part-time employees, those from ethnic minority communities, and socially disadvantaged groups to ensure they can benefit from lifetime savings plans.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

The Bill aims to lower the age for auto-enrolment in pensions schemes from 22 to 18, and reduce the earnings limit. It would allow the Secretary of State to introduce these changes through regulations at a future date as per the Conservative manifesto. The legislation targets younger workers, part-time employees, those from ethnic minority communities, and socially disadvantaged groups, ensuring they can benefit from lifetime savings plans. By extending auto-enrolment, the Bill seeks to enhance retirement security for millions of working people across various regions in the UK.

Other contributors (3)
  • Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay

    The proposed legislation would lower the pension scheme auto-enrolment age from 22 to 18, benefiting young workers who start their careers at this age. It also proposes reducing the earnings limit for auto-enrolment, thereby ensuring more part-time and low-wage earners gain access to pensions. This Bill is seen as a continuation of the transformative change initiated by the previous auto-enrolment policies, aiming to support communities across North West Durham, Cumbria, Lancashire, and Nottinghamshire. The policy promises significant long-term financial benefits for workers, including an estimated £100,000 lifetime increase for those on the national living wage.

  • Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore

    Complained about insufficient notice given for a point of order, clarified his comments regarding LGBT issues, expressed regret over any antagonism caused by his remarks, and defended himself against allegations of improper conduct.

  • Eleanor Laing

    Acknowledged the need to separate points of order from political opinions, noted that due notice for a point of order was not properly given, expressed dissatisfaction with the high tempers during a previous debate, and called for calmness in parliamentary debates.

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