MP Julie Elliott backs women’s’ pension campaign

Sunderland Central MP Julie Elliott has joined forces with MPs from across the political divide to call on the government to implement fair transitional arrangements for people affected by Pension Age changes.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on State Pension Inequality for Women -; of which Ms Elliott is Vice Chair -; this week launched a consultation seeking to identify a solution to the on-going concerns faced by 1950s women affected by pension changes.

“State pensions are changing for all women born on or after April 6, 1951. Around 2.6 million -; including 4,000 here in Sunderland -; have had their pensions delayed for six years,” said Ms Elliott.

“These changes are causing real hardship for many. We all recognise State Pension age needs to increase, but people need to be given enough notice of any changes to plan for retirement -; and this just hasn’t happened in this instance.”

As part of the new consultation, the WASPI -; Women Against State Pension Inequality Campaign -; APPG is now inviting representatives of any group campaigning for those affected by changes to take part in an online consultation.

The consultation will last until December 22 and, once responses have been analysed, the APPG plans to draft a Bill requiring the Government to establish a formal review of pension arrangements for women affected by changes made by the Pensions Act 1995 and Pensions Act 2011.

“It is totally unacceptable that these women are heading for financial hardship in old age,” said Ms Elliott. “They were not given enough notice to change their financial plans.

“The government must reconsider their stance on this important issue and implement fair transitional State Pension arrangements, so that these women get the retirement they deserve.

“By commissioning this consultation, the APPG is ensuring that all groups representing 1950s women have the opportunity to feed in to the Pensions (Review of Women’s Arrangements) Bill.”

** The on-line survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/APPGSPIW