Over the past 3 years I have been approached by a huge number of constituents who were born in the 1950s and are affected by the changes to the state pension age for women. First, they highlight the lack of information that has been made available to them. Some never received any form of notification from the Government about changes to their state pension age, or, at best, very little by way of comprehensible information.
Secondly, they raise the very unfair way in which they have been treated due to the very sharp period of phasing in the changes. Their sisters, colleagues, even classmates, who are not much older or younger, end up with significantly different pension ages. Thirdly, some feel that they have received a double blow. Their pension age was changed back in 1993 and, having made adjustments, they have been stung again. They ask how that can be fair.
Finally, and most fundamentally, the speed of the changes is a serious issue. Having worked their entire lives under the impression that they would be able to retire on a certain date, instead many of my constituents are seeing that date getting further and further away. These women have not had a chance to plan for that change.
I have written numerous letters this year to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Chancellor on state pension inequality and the amount of time it is taking to process complaints regarding this. I will continue to seek opportunities to raise this issue in Parliament. Please be assured I have not forgotten those who are affected by this and have attended all constituency events on the issue, where possible.
The second reading of the Pensions (Review of Women's Arrangements) (No. 2) Bill is to happen on the 8th March 2019, which I would, indeed, like to contribute to and eagerly await the outcome of this.
Furthermore, the Scottish Parliament passed a motion to support women born in the 1950s affected by an increase in the state pension age. The resolution, presented by my SNP colleague, Sandra White MSP, called on the Scottish government to "urge the UK government to provide a bridging pension that supplies an income until state pension age, which is not means tested". I understand that MSPs agreed to try to arrange a meeting with the Work and Pensions secretary and I very much hope that this happens.
I have also held two surgeries specifically regarding the issue in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and attended an event with WASPI women in Kirkintilloch.
The Government reckon they will save some £30 billion between 2016 and 2026 thanks to the changes made in 2011. I urge them to use some of that money and to think creatively about how to resolve some of the complaints, smooth the transition, and tackle the injustice felt by many of my constituents and women across the country.
Secondly, they raise the very unfair way in which they have been treated due to the very sharp period of phasing in the changes. Their sisters, colleagues, even classmates, who are not much older or younger, end up with significantly different pension ages. Thirdly, some feel that they have received a double blow. Their pension age was changed back in 1993 and, having made adjustments, they have been stung again. They ask how that can be fair.
Finally, and most fundamentally, the speed of the changes is a serious issue. Having worked their entire lives under the impression that they would be able to retire on a certain date, instead many of my constituents are seeing that date getting further and further away. These women have not had a chance to plan for that change.
I have written numerous letters this year to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and the Chancellor on state pension inequality and the amount of time it is taking to process complaints regarding this. I will continue to seek opportunities to raise this issue in Parliament. Please be assured I have not forgotten those who are affected by this and have attended all constituency events on the issue, where possible.
The second reading of the Pensions (Review of Women's Arrangements) (No. 2) Bill is to happen on the 8th March 2019, which I would, indeed, like to contribute to and eagerly await the outcome of this.
Furthermore, the Scottish Parliament passed a motion to support women born in the 1950s affected by an increase in the state pension age. The resolution, presented by my SNP colleague, Sandra White MSP, called on the Scottish government to "urge the UK government to provide a bridging pension that supplies an income until state pension age, which is not means tested". I understand that MSPs agreed to try to arrange a meeting with the Work and Pensions secretary and I very much hope that this happens.
I have also held two surgeries specifically regarding the issue in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth and attended an event with WASPI women in Kirkintilloch.
The Government reckon they will save some £30 billion between 2016 and 2026 thanks to the changes made in 2011. I urge them to use some of that money and to think creatively about how to resolve some of the complaints, smooth the transition, and tackle the injustice felt by many of my constituents and women across the country.