Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Evans of Rainow Excerpts

Monday 10th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Duncan Smith]

I agree that we want to ensure that the door is open to those who want to come and work here and benefit the UK. That is part of the agreements in the European Union. However, we have concerns, and we are not alone: 17 countries and others are beginning to ask why this is necessary. Freedom of movement exists; what the habitual residence test does is protect our understanding of that, not damage it. Indeed, we have no intention of damaging it, but we certainly want to protect British taxpayers from any kind of change.

[Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)]

9. What recent estimate he has made of the number of people in work not saving for a pension.

[Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con)]

14. What recent estimate he has made of the number of people in work not saving for a pension.

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb)]

Around half of all employees—around 13.5 million people—are currently not saving in a workplace pension. That is why we are pressing ahead with the introduction of automatic enrolment, to transform our long-term savings culture and support people in taking responsibility for their retirement.

[Graham Evans]

Can my hon. Friend confirm that our policy of auto-enrolment, which is due to start in October, will mean that between 6 million and 9 million more people will benefit in retirement?

[Steve Webb]

My hon. Friend is exactly right, and that indicates the scale of the policy. I often say that everyone will know someone who has been auto-enrolled. We are talking about a huge transformation, which is supported, I believe, in all parts of the House. It will be a revolution in pensions saving, and I look forward to the formal commencement just next month.