Asked by: James Naish (Labour - Rushcliffe)
Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what discussions he has had with the Pensions Commission on engaging pensioner advocacy groups.
Answered by Torsten Bell - Parliamentary Secretary (HM Treasury)
Last year the Government revived the Pensions Commission to explore the adequacy, fairness and sustainability of the pensions system and consider how to improve retirement outcomes for future generations of retirees. The Pensions Commission is engaging with and considering the views of a wide range of stakeholders as they complete their work, and this includes groups representing the views and needs of older people
The Pensions Commission published their interim report on 19 May 2026 setting out the key challenges facing the current pensions system and where it will focus its work next. Alongside their interim report, the Pensions Commission launched a Call for Views, open until 14 July, inviting responses from any interested stakeholders on the Commission’s view of the challenges facing pensions in the long-term future. This can be found on GOV.UK Pensions 2050: evidence and future priorities – interim report - GOV.UK
The Commission will publish its final report and recommendations early next year.
Asked by: James Naish (Labour - Rushcliffe)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his department is taking to support those with coeliac disease with rising costs of gluten-free products.
Answered by Sharon Hodgson
The Government recognises the financial burden that a strict gluten‑free diet can place on people with coeliac disease.
NHS England’s guidance on prescribing gluten-free foods sets out a national framework for primary care, and integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning arrangements in their areas and for supporting general practices to prescribe in line with that framework, taking account of local population needs.
The national position in England remains that gluten-free bread and mixes can be prescribed on the National Health Service for eligible people diagnosed with coeliac disease. However, ICBs can restrict or end the prescribing of gluten-free food.
Gluten-free foods have become more accessible in some supermarkets and online. However, food prices are determined by commercial suppliers and depend on a range of factors including import prices, domestic agricultural prices, domestic labour and manufacturing costs, and exchange rates. It is not for the Government to set retail food prices or to comment on day-to-day commercial decisions taken by businesses.
More broadly, the Government is taking action to support households with the cost of living, and we will continue to work with the NHS and stakeholders to ensure people with coeliac disease receive appropriate support and advice to manage their condition effectively.