Pensions: Reform

My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (John Hutton) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement. In May, the Government published their Command Paper Security in retirement: towards a new pensions system. In the 15-week consultation period, we have talked to the public and to stakeholders to build a consensus around our reforms. We have received more than 350 separate responses from organisations and individuals, many of them extremely detailed. The report I am publishing today provides a summary of the views that have been expressed. I am grateful to all who have contributed and our response shows how the consultation process has shaped our reforms. The Work and Pensions Select Committee published its report Pension Reform in July this year. I am publishing today the Government's response to the conclusions and recommendations of that report. I am grateful to the committee for its work and analysis, which has been an important contribution to the White Paper consultation exercise. Our package of reforms aims to address the long-term challenges faced by the pensions system and do more to increase saving, while ensuring that no pensioner has to live in poverty. We have built on the hard work of the Pensions Commission, which created the basis for consensus on future pensions policy. Copies of both documents are available for honourable Members from the Vote Office.