Written question asked by Steve Webb (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 10 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 March 2009. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 March 2009 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

State Retirement Pensions

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 16 December 2008, Official Report, columns 111-12WS, on guaranteed minimum pension calculations, for what reasons some pensioners have been underpaid since 1978; what estimate he has made of (a) the number of people affected, (b) the average annual underpayment and (c) the cumulative underpayment; and what plans he has to repay such underpayments.

Answer: My written ministerial statement of 16 December 2008, Official Report, columns 111-12WS, explained the circumstances in which some public service pensioners had been paid the incorrect pension. While the majority of those affected were overpaid a small number were underpaid. The National Audit Office (NAO) is investigating the causes of the error. I will update the House once the NAO has completed its work.The data requested by the hon. Member are not yet available. However, I can confirm that all those who have been underpaid will receive their pension arrears in full, with interest.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 490 c561-2W;490 c557-8W; 263563
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Guaranteed Minimum Pension Calculations
Tuesday, 16 December 2008
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects: Pensions Public sector
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk