Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 11 June 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2009. It was answered by Baroness Keeley (Labour) on Thursday, 18 June 2009 on behalf of the Leader of the House of Commons.

Members: Pensions

Question: To ask the Leader of the House if she will estimate the effect on future expenditure from the public purse of amending the parliamentary contributory pensions scheme to (a) cap the Exchequer contribution at (i) 20 per cent. and (ii) 15 per cent. of payroll, (b) move to a career average salary scheme, (c) raise the pension age and time in line with the increase in the age of entitlement to the basic state pension, (d) change accrual rate from 1/40th to 1/50th and (e) raise the employee contribution by 1 per cent.; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: When the Prime Minister asked the Review Body on Senior Salaries (SSRB) to conduct a review of the parliamentary pension arrangements, he asked it to consider the full range of options for reducing the Exchequer contribution. The SSRB launched its consultation on 8 June, inviting evidence from interested parties by 31 July. The Government are considering its evidence and will make an announcement in due course.

Secondary information