Pensions: Triple Lock

Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle Excerpts

Wednesday 16th March 2022 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

Of course, they will pay the new rate of national insurance for the National Health Service and social care. I think it is right that they do so if they continue to work, so I agree partly with the noble Baroness.

[Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (GP)]

My Lords, following up on pension credits, given that the percentage uptake is creeping up very slowly and surveys show that 60% of eligible people who are not receiving it are reluctant to ask for help, is it not time to look again at auto-enrolment? I know this was seen to have failed a decade ago, but digitalisation of records has moved on a lot since then and people should not have to ask—they should just get the money.

[Baroness Scott of Bybrook (Con)]

Yes, I accept what the noble Baroness says and I will take that back to the department. The rate is creeping up; it is at 73% now. We just need to work harder at that as this is money that belongs to those people.