Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to support women affected by changes to the State Pension age.

This Government remains absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement.

The State Pension is the foundation of state support for older people. In 2025-26 we will spend £174.9 billion on benefits for pensioners in GB, 5.8% of GDP. This includes spending on the State Pension which is forecast to be £145.6 billion in 2025-26.

Our commitment to the Triple Lock also means that the annual spend on State Pensions is forecast to rise by around £31 billion this Parliament.

The basic and new State Pensions recently increased by 4.1%, benefitting 12 million pensioners by up to £470 this year. That’s up to £275 more than if pensions had been up rated by inflation.

There is also supplementary support for those on low incomes. This includes direct financial help to low-income pensioners through Pension Credit, the Warm Home Discount and (in England & Wales) Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments.

Finally, support is available through the welfare system to those who are unable to work or are on a low income but are not eligible to pensioner benefits because of their age.