I have been contacted by several ladies about the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign. I therefore held a group surgery, with two months prior notice, on 20th November 2015. It was useful to hold the meeting and to discuss concerns with the ladies who attended.
Following the meeting the ladies I wrote to the Minister as promised and you can read my letter here. I attach the response from the Minister below.
Baroness Altmann
Minister of State for Pensions
Department for Work and Pensions
Caxton House
Tothill Street
London
SW1H 9NA
24th November 2015
Dear Baroness Altmann,
I am writing to you on behalf of several of my constituents. I have recently been contacted by women in my constituency affected by the changes in State Pension Age for those born on or after 6th April 1951. Due to the Women against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, ladies were asking to meet me personally. I therefore held a group surgery for all of those who had concerns.
I was pleased to meet with three constituents at the surgery and I have noted below their primary concerns, which I promised to pass onto you;
The ladies feel that the staggering used for the implementation is unfair, affecting some more than others
The combination of the change in pension age and the raising of National Insurance contributions from 30 to 35 years mean ladies are having to work between 4 and 6 years longer than anticipated
The ladies feel that there was a lack of information from the Government with regards to the policy changes, with many being unaware of these until they searched for the information
Many of the ladies have elderly parents whom they are struggling to care for as they need to work longer than expected
The expected ‘cushioning’ of the changes from private pensions has been lost due to low interest rates
The additional benefits of receiving a state pension, such as a bus pass and winter fuel allowances are also delayed- increasing the monies lost
The ladies understand that there must be a ‘cut-off’ point whereby the changes are implemented, however they are disappointed in the lack of compensation for the affected group
I must also pass on the ladies praise for the new policy allowing private pensions to be drawn down and accessed early.
I would be most interested to hear your thoughts on the matter so as I may pass them to the ladies concerned.
Thank you for taking the time to investigate this issue and I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Yours sincerely,
Suella Fernandes MP
