Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether his Department plans to take steps to help women affected by changes to women's state pension age; and whether is his Department's policy to engage with the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman's investigation into the communication of those changes.

The Government decided over 25 years ago that it was going to make the State Pension age the same for men and women as a long-overdue move towards gender equality. Both the High Court and Court of Appeal have found no fault with the actions of the DWP, under successive governments dating back to 1995, finding we acted entirely lawfully and did not discriminate on any grounds. The Supreme Court refused the claimants’ permission to appeal.

This Government is committed to providing a financial safety net for those who need it, including when they near or reach retirement. The Government also understands the pressures people are facing with the cost of living which is why, in addition to the £37 billion of support we have provided for cost of living pressures in 2022-23, we are acting now to ensure support continues throughout 2023/24. To ensure stability and certainty for households, in the Autumn Statement the Government has announced £26bn in cost of living support for 2023/24. This includes Cost of Living Payments for the most vulnerable households, an additional £1 billion to help with the cost of household essentials next year and the amended Energy Price Guarantee which will save the average UK household £500 in 2023-24.

We continue to provide support to help older people stay in and return to work. The Government recognises the challenges faced by some aged 50 and over, which is why we are providing a new enhanced offer through our 50+ Choices programme for people aged 50 and over to remain in and return to work.

The Ombudsman’s investigation is ongoing and confidential. Section 7(2) of the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 states that Ombudsman investigations “shall be conducted in private”. The Department is fully cooperating with the PHSO investigation.