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Member of Parliament for Bradford East@DavidWardMP on Twitter and Facebook |
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David Ward MP <>
Pensions climb-down good news for women
October 13, 2011 12:04 PM
David Ward MP has welcomed the announcement of changes to the planned increase in the state pension age for women.
Changes announced today will delay a planned increase in the state pension age by 6 months. This will mean that no women will see their pension age rise by more than 18 months, rather than two years under the original plans.
David and other Liberal Democrat colleagues were in last minute talks with the Pensions Minister yesterday, in an attempt to secure concessions ahead of the final debate on the Pensions Bill next week.
Commenting, David said:
"It is very welcome news that the Government has listened to the concerns of thousands of women and ensured that no one will have to wait more than 18 months longer to receive their pension. This will give a welcome respite to more than half a million people, particularly the 30,000 women who would otherwise have had to delay their retirement by 2 years.
"I have been lobbying ministers very hard on this issue on behalf of over 1000 women in my constituency who would be affected by this change. With life expectancy on the increase some change to pension age was inevitable, but this move will go a long way toward softening the blow. I am delighted that we have been able to secure this major concession from the government."