Commonwealth Countries: Reciprocal Pension Agreements Debate
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Baroness Gardner of Parkes
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Commonwealth Countries: Reciprocal Pension Agreements
Baroness Gardner of Parkes Excerpts(3 years, 9 months ago)
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Baroness Stedman-Scott (Con)
As I have already said, the Government intend to respond to the Canadian Government shortly. We are committed to ensuring that older people can live with the dignity and respect they deserve. The state pension is the foundation of support for them.
Baroness Gardner of Parkes (Con) [V]
My Lords, what consideration are Her Majesty’s Government giving to unfreezing the state pensions of the 230,000 Britons who have moved to Australia to take into account rises they would have received in their state pensions if they were still living in the UK? Some now receive only £48.75 per week, despite having made national insurance contributions in the UK throughout their working lives.
Baroness Stedman-Scott (Con)
As I understand it, the previous agreement with Australia, which did not include uprating, was terminated by Australia in 2001 due to the UK’s refusal to change its policy on pensions uprating abroad.