Public To Have Their Say on Pensions Reform

Ministers will today ask people from across the UK what kind of pension system they want in the future, in the largest consultation event of its kind that the country has ever seen.

At satellite-linked events in six cities throughout the UK, the Government will seek the views of a representative cross-section of the population ahead of the forthcoming White paper on pensions reform. Participants will be able to vote on a range of options for change, such as raising the retirement age to help finance any possible state pension changes or being automatically enrolled into a low-cost savings scheme to encourage people to save.

Speaking on National Pensions Day, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton, made it clear that public opinion – of today’s and tomorrow’s pensioners – was vital to help shape the future of pensions policy.

Mr Hutton said: “This is a crucial time in the pensions debate as we work towards developing a long term solution to meet the pensions challenge that we face. We want to engage with as many people as possible – with employers, industry and members of the public both young and old. That is why we are holding the National Pensions Day.”

Today’s events form part of an ongoing consultation on the proposals put forward by the Pensions Commission last November.

Minister for Pensions Reform, Stephen Timms reminded people that they can also join the debate online: “It is important people have their say on the future of pensions and play their part in securing a lasting pensions settlement. People can join the debate at the click of a mouse. Tell us what you think on the National Pensions Debate website at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/debate.”

By the end of the day, we will have people’s views from across the country, which will represent an important step towards resolving the pensions challenge.