State Pension Errors Retired Women 2020-09-14
2020-09-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Cases have been reported where individuals, especially retired women, have received underpaid state pensions due to category BL basic state pension issues. This has affected a significant number of people.
What steps her Department is taking to investigate and rectify the errors made in the payment of the state pension to retired women.
We are aware of a number of cases where individuals have been underpaid category BL basic state pension. We corrected our records and reimbursed those affected as soon as the underpayments were identified, and we continue to check and remedy further cases that are identified.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Up to 130,000 women are potentially affected by underpaid pensions due to category BL basic state pension issues. The Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign has highlighted this issue.
With up to 130,000 women potentially affected and many told wrongly they are not entitled to additional money, what more will the Minister do in light of miscommunication to ensure affected women receive correct information?
As the hon. Lady knows, I cannot comment on live litigation in respect of WASPI women. However, at the judicial review hearing, notification and communication were found for the Government, coalition Government, and Labour Government. In respect of category BL pensions, we are improving training and ability of individuals handling cases.
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Assessment & feedback
live litigation
Cannot Comment On Live Litigation
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Up to 130,000 women may have been underpaid their state pensions due to category BL basic state pension issues. The issue dates back to changes introduced in 2008.
Joining hon. Friend in paying tribute to WASPI women, what total number has been affected by the Department's error and how does he ensure they receive full amount entitled?
This matter dates from 2008 when Labour introduced changes. The Department continues to check for further cases, reviews awards if found, and pays arrears in accordance with the law. We encourage anyone believing they are underpaid state pension to contact DWP.
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Assessment & feedback
Cannot Provide Total Number
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of underpaid pensions is compounded by the disproportionate social and economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak on women, particularly those born in the 1950s.
In addition to continuing denial of justice for WASPI women during the pandemic, will the Minister commit to a full impact assessment considering wide-reaching effects felt by 1950s-born women?
Cannot comment on live litigation but High Court found for the Government on all issues. Sections 24, 26, and 28 of Scotland Act give Scottish Government extensive powers to intervene if chosen.
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Assessment & feedback
Cannot Comment On Live Litigation
Redirecting To Local Government Powers
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Up to 130,000 women are awaiting justice due to underpaid pensions. An investigation is ongoing; also, there are concerns about scrapping the triple lock pension increase during UK pensioner poverty.
When will the investigation conclude for affected women to get justice? Will the Secretary of State commit today not to scrap the triple lock, which would add to a long list of U-turns?
Hon. Gentleman needs to talk to his wife, right hon. and learned Member for Camberwell and Peckham (Ms Harman), as she was Secretary of State under Labour who introduced changes. Coalition Government and Conservative have transformed basic state pension over £1,900 higher than a decade ago.
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Assessment & feedback
Redirecting To Previous Government
Response accuracy