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Civil Service Pension Scheme: Administration
04 February 2026
Lead MP
Lorraine Beavers
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Lab
Responding Minister
Anna Turley
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Word Count: 14202
Other Contributors: 24
At a Glance
Lorraine Beavers raised concerns about civil service pension scheme: administration in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The performance of Capita since it took over is woefully inadequate and needs urgent improvement. It is crucial for our constituents to get clarity on how to access the interim emergency fund as a matter of emergency.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Since Capita took over running the scheme on 1 December 2025, the Public and Commercial Services Union has been flooded with complaints from civil servants experiencing long delays, mixed messages, and poor service. This has resulted in a large backlog of cases passed on from MyCSP and left thousands waiting for their pensions. Members report real worry, stress, and financial hardship due to pension delays or lack thereof. Cat Little, permanent secretary at the Cabinet Office, admitted that the current service falls short of what members should expect.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Martin detailed cases of pension delays causing financial hardship for retired public servants, emphasizing that a flawed procurement process led to selecting an unprepared contractor.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Shipley
The MP discusses issues such as poor customer service, long waits for pension options, and failure in managing transitions between suppliers. She mentions specific constituents facing financial hardships due to delays in receiving pensions from Capita.
Anna Turley
Lab
Redcar
Provided print-outs with email addresses for MPs to directly bring cases to officials, emphasising the importance of addressing individual concerns alongside broader issues.
Knowsley
Midgley highlighted the broader issue of public faith loss due to repeated failures in handling such crises. She questioned the advice given and commitments made when awarding Capita the contract.
Tewkesbury
Mr. Thomas detailed numerous instances of constituents experiencing significant delays and issues with Capita's services, including missed pension payments and lack of communication.
Dan Carden
Lab
Liverpool Walton
The MP congratulated his hon. Friend on securing the debate and questioned what sanctions would be put in place to ensure Capita acts, given that constituents are still being ignored.
Daniel Francis
Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
The MP raised concerns about constituents facing delays in pension payments, highlighting several cases where public servants have struggled after providing decades of service to the community.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
The MP mentioned a constituent who left the civil service 30 years ago but has still not received the pension she is owed despite providing proof of service. He agreed that this shows deep-rooted maladministration within the state.
West Dorset
Complaints about inadequate service include a police officer unable to pay bills and another who has been forced into loans due to delayed pension payments, highlighting the impact on public servants' lives.
Emma Foody
Lab/Co-op
Cramlington and Killingworth
Shared experiences of constituents spending hours on hold or receiving incorrect information from Capita, leading to financial strain. Called for examination of systemic issues and accountability for Capita's failures.
Euan Stainbank
Lab
Falkirk
Mary and Andrew are among many constituents facing delays in receiving their pensions, causing financial hardship. Capita must provide additional resources to clear the backlog urgently.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
The MP acknowledges the importance of recognising ordinary people who have worked hard for years, including during the pandemic. He highlights examples of constituents suffering financial hardship due to unresolved pension issues. Highlighted three constituents' cases where pension issues led to no responses or delays in payment. Emphasised the need to address those not receiving pensions and to re-evaluate Capita's performance.
Jayne Kirkham
Lab/Co-op
Truro and Falmouth
Simon found that his pension figures were incorrect, while Mark’s nominated beneficiary information was outdated. David faced long wait times on hold for assistance. Steps must be taken to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Suffolk Coastal
Discussed cases of constituents facing pension delays, including Kathleen Cassie, Maxine Fuller, Chris Fryer, Lisa Andrews, and unnamed individuals fearing reprisals. Reiterated the need for scrutiny on Capita's handling.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
A constituent, Collette Reeves, retired to care for her husband with dementia but faces financial hardship due to pension delays. This underscores the need for clarity on accessing the interim emergency fund and compensation for those affected.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Fermanagh and South Tyrone
The MP emphasizes the need for action against Capita to prioritize individuals who have been without money for extended periods. He reads an email from a constituent detailing prolonged delays in receiving pension payments and calls for decisive intervention. Asked the Minister for an access number and email address to help with cases.
John McDonnell
Lab
Hayes and Harlington
The MP highlights personal contacts facing pension delays and unpaid pensions, criticising Capita's award despite previous failures. He urges for clarity on resources and staffing levels, prioritisation of hardship cases, and a review of the possibility to bring the scheme back into public administration. Asked the hon. Member to admit responsibility, citing Capita's past failures in various government contracts.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
The MP has received numerous emails from constituents facing pension delays, leading to significant financial distress. She highlights specific cases of Christine, Pauline, Jackie, Christopher, and Carol, each awaiting pension payments for months.
Kim Johnson
Lab
Liverpool Riverside
PCS members in Liverpool were on strike last year over MyCSP failures, and Capita's performance since then falls short of expectations. Compensation should be provided as soon as possible to those waiting and struggling.
Leigh Ingham
Con
Bolton West
Ingham shared stories of constituents suffering due to delays in pension payments, including families left without funds for funeral costs and daily expenses. He called on the Minister to explain why Capita was awarded the contract despite its non-performance record. Agreed with Mike Wood that warning signs were evident before the contract was awarded to Capita.
Mike Wood
Con
Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
The hon. Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire provided context to the debate and highlighted the financial distress caused by Capita's mismanagement, acknowledging past failings but also emphasising current issues.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
A constituent's case was resolved after being raised at Prime Minister’s questions, highlighting that issues should not require such high-level intervention to be addressed. There is a need for quick resolution by Capita and other involved parties.
Honiton and Sidmouth
A constituent experienced repeated difficulties contacting the helpline for over two hours on multiple occasions, illustrating unacceptable behaviour from Capita in handling pension queries.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
The MP agreed with his hon. Friend and expressed concern over probation officers, youth justice workers, prison staff, and court clerks in Bournemouth East who are struggling due to Capita's mistakes.
Government Response
Anna Turley
The Minister without Portfolio
Government Response
Acknowledged the concerns raised and thanked the Member who secured the debate for bringing voices of affected constituents to Parliament. Emphasised the importance of addressing the issues promptly and ensuring that public servants are adequately compensated for any disruptions. Acknowledged the challenges faced by civil servants during transition and apologised for distress caused. Outlined steps including a surge team, interest-free loans up to £10,000 in exceptional cases, prioritising urgent cases, rolling out greater functionality on the member portal, and aiming to restore service levels for death-in-service and ill-health retirement cases by end of February with most aspects of service back by June.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.