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David Ward MP <>
Changes must be made to Pensions Bill – Ward
June 22, 2011 11:06 AM
Bradford East MP, David Ward, is expecting key changes to be made to the Pensions Bill to lessen the impact of proposed increases in the state pension age on women in their 50s.
David Ward voted for the Bill to go forward for detailed scrutiny by MPs, but has made it clear that his will not support the Bill to become law unless significant changes are made.
Commenting, David Ward said:
"There are many things in the Bill which I welcome and which will be beneficial to women pensioners. The introduction of a flat rate pension in particular will be of huge benefit to women, who often lose out under the current system due to gaps in their contributions as a result of bringing up children or caring for loved-ones. It is a shame that Labour have decided to vote against these reforms.
"However, on the issue of women's pensions, I am pressing the Government to make some significant changes. The bringing forward of increases to the women's pension age will affect 1,200 people in my constituency alone, who stand to lose up to £10,000 as a result.
"Especially hard hit are those who will have to wait more than an extra year, with less than 7 years notice. 7 years is simply not enough notice of such a substantial delay, particularly when we consider that many of these women are on low incomes and many more are already retired or caring for disabled relatives.
"I am confident that there will be significant changes as the Bill goes through Parliament, and if these do not materialise I will not be supporting the Bill to become law."