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Pensions
09 February 2021
Lead MP
Guy Opperman
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementClimateBenefits & WelfareParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Guy Opperman raised concerns about pensions in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Welcomed the new shadow Ministers to their posts and introduced the draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2021, which is required by section 109 of the Pension Schemes Act 1993. The order provides inflation protection for the guaranteed minimum pension part of an occupational pension built up between 1988 and 1997, with a proposed increase of 0.5% in line with the consumer prices index assessment from October 2019 to September 2020.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading East
Supported the measure but emphasised the need for a wider context. Noted that many UK pensioners rely solely on state pensions, and highlighted challenges in retirement such as regulation of profit-making consolidation vehicles for defined benefit pension schemes, creating conditions to support defined benefit schemes, safeguarding the public dashboard from exploitation, ending pension scams, assessing climate risk in pension investments, encouraging take-up of pension credit entitlements and awareness of free TV licences. Also raised concerns about Arcadia's pension scheme viability.
Roger Gale
Con
Horne Bay
Chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on frozen pensions, highlighted the issue of UK citizens living abroad with their pensions frozen and called for reciprocal agreements with countries like Canada. Criticised successive governments for failing to address this issue and urged the current government to enter into negotiations with Canada to resolve the situation.
David Linden
SNP
Aberdeen South
Expressed gratitude to the Minister for his speech and highlighted the poor state of pensions in the UK, particularly mentioning frozen pensions affecting veterans abroad. David also raised concerns about the impact on WASPI women due to changes in pension age and criticised the discontinuation of take-up campaigns for Pension Credit during the pandemic.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Concerns have been raised about the Government's handling of GMP indexation, including maladministration as identified by the ombudsman. The Department has not fulfilled its obligations to ensure that affected individuals receive appropriate communication from the DWP about their state pensions.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
This is a technical piece of legislation that ensures those who accrued pensions from contracted-out defined benefit schemes between 1988 and 1997 will receive increases in line with inflation. I agree that the Government should proactively reach out to those who may have missed out on moneys due to error or omission.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed the Government’s announcement in March 2016 regarding full indexation of public service pensions. Acknowledged the extension to those reaching state pension age by April 2021 and looks forward to further extensions based on consultations. Criticised the frozen pension policy affecting UK pensioners living abroad, particularly in Canada, highlighting instances like Anne Puckridge and Peggy Buchanan who are denied full uprating of their pensions despite contributing to the system. Emphasised the importance of addressing this moral injustice by legislating for fair treatment regardless of where one lives.
Responded to contributions from colleagues, noting the debate's focus on the Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2021 but covering broader pension issues. Acknowledged efforts by the Labour Government between 1997 and 2010 in addressing similar policies. Highlighted ongoing work regarding DB support, climate change integration into pensions, and tackling pension scams through legislation. Reiterated the longstanding policy on overseas pensions uprating without intention to change it despite calls from Members like Sir Roger Gale and Jim Shannon.
Made a point of order regarding his omission in mentioning an entry in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests during an urgent question about shellfish on the previous day. Mentioned this to ensure transparency and compliance with procedural requirements.
Government Response
Crime & Law EnforcementClimateBenefits & WelfareParliamentary Procedure
Government Response
Responded to various points raised by shadow ministers, committee chairs, and other Members regarding pensions legislation, DB support, climate change integration into pensions, pension scams, overseas pension uprating policies, and pension credit take-up. Highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts and legislative intentions.
Shadow Response
Matt Rodda
Shadow Response
Supported the measure but emphasised the need for a wider context, highlighting various challenges and advocating for better regulation of pension schemes, safeguarding public dashboards from exploitation, ending scams, assessing climate risk in investments, encouraging take-up of benefits like pension credit and free TV licences.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.