Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 3 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 February 2009. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 March 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

State Retirement Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) when he will publish details of the scheme under the Pensions Act 2008 allowing people to buy back additional years of Class 3 National Insurance contributions; from what date the new Act will apply; and if he will make a statement;

Answer: [holding answer 9 February 2009]: On 24 October the Government announced that certain people reaching state pension age between 6 April 2008 and 5 April 2015 could pay up to six extra years of voluntary class 3 national insurance contributions for tax years from 1975, providing they already have 20 qualifying years (including full years of home responsibilities protection). This measure was contained in the 2008 Pensions Act.Information about the measure is available on the Pension Service website at:"www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/state-pension/basic/faqs.asp"That information can also be accessed from HM Revenue and Customs' website. We will update the information before the measure comes into force on 6 April 2009. I am placing a copy in the Library.The Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue and Customs are also currently working together to agree business procedures for the measure and what changes may be needed to leaflets, letters and forms.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 488 c1533-4W; 255299
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2009-0642
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Transferred: Yes
Subjects: State retirement pensions
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk