Pension Age Increase Institute for Fiscal Studies Report 2025-10-27
2025-10-27
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
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Context
The Institute for Fiscal Studies published a report titled 'How do people already out of employment fare when the state pension age rises', raising concerns about those affected by changes to the state pension age. The report highlights issues such as delays in receiving pensions, which have impacted over 5,200 women in Newbury.
I welcome the Secretary of State to his new position. In my seat of Newbury, over 5,200 women have been unfairly affected by changes to the state pension age. Those women were wronged through no fault of their own, and they deserve justice. With a High Court hearing due in December, this could be a crucial moment for the Government—a moment to finally do the right thing. Will the Secretary of State now listen to the ombudsman’s recommendations and commit to providing compensation to women of the Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign?
I have to remind the hon. Member that when his party was in government, it supported the acceleration in the rise of the basic state pension age, and that has given rise to some of the questions he raises. You would not expect me to comment on ongoing litigation, Mr Speaker, and I will not, but I can assure the hon. Member and the House that we will take all relevant factors into account when considering the process for the future.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to provide compensation based on ombudsman's recommendations
Referencing Past Actions Of The Opposition Party
Refusing To Comment On Ongoing Litigation
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A homeless charity case involved a man who was homeless due to delays in receiving his state pension. This highlights broader concerns about delays and their impact on individuals' lives.
Previous to my election to this place, I worked for a homeless charity in Harlow called Streets2Homes. One of its cases involved a man who was homeless due to delays in getting his state pension. How is the Department ensuring that delays like that are not commonplace?
We hope that those entitled to the basic state pension receive a seamless and fast service. This is a pension that people contribute to throughout their life, and when they reach state pension age, we of course hope that they get it as soon as possible.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy