Transitional State Pension Arrangements for Women

Debate between Mark Durkan and Shailesh Vara

Wednesday 24th February 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vara]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his comments. If I am allowed to make some progress, I will talk about transitional arrangements and what we are doing.

[Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP)]

Will the Minister give way?

[Mr Vara]

I will give way later, but I wish to make some progress.

There has been much debate about this issue, and we have had several debates about it in recent weeks. It comes down to two fundamental issues. First, there have been calls to undo the 2011 pension changes. The cost of that would be more than £30 billion. Secondly, there are calls by some to go even further and unravel the 1995 pension reforms.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Durkan and Shailesh Vara

Thursday 14th January 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Vara]

A lot is happening in the pensions world at present, and I think it important that we prioritise making sure that all that goes through, rather than thinking of new innovations.

[Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP)]

Does the Minister share the Prime Minister’s view that the good settlement for pensioners extends to 1950s women, and will he explain the bits of that settlement that are best for them?

[Mr Vara]

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that in a debate of 2011 a concession was made and the time period was reduced from two years to 18 months, at a cost of £1.1 billion to the Exchequer.