Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of States for Work and Pensions on the adequacy of advice given to women in Scotland affected by the changes to their state pension age.

I and my officials have regular engagement with colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on a range of important matters, including the State Pension.

The Department for Work and Pensions has written to those affected by State Pension age change and who are due to reach State Pension age by 2026, using the address details recorded by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs at the time. The DWP also makes information on State Pension age changes and who they affect available on the Government website at www.gov.uk, including the option to calculate State Pension age.

State Pension age changes are part of a wider package of reforms being implemented by this Government. All women affected by faster equalisation under the Pensions Act 2011 will reach State Pension age after the introduction of the new State Pension. The new State Pension will benefit many women who have been historically worse off under the current system, with 650,000 women receiving £8 more per week (on average) in the first 10 years, due to the new State Pension valuation of their National Insurance record.

Encouraging and enabling those who can work to work for longer is a Government priority. In work, out of work and disability benefits are available for those individuals who are unable to work. Those who have caring responsibilities may be eligible for National Insurance credits towards their State Pension.