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State Pension Update

My Right Honourable Friend, The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mel Stride MP) has made the following Written Statement.

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has today published his final report on his investigation into State Pension age changes communication. The timing and date of publication was entirely of the Ombudsman’s choosing, which the Government plays no part in. We will consider the Ombudsman’s report and respond in due course, having cooperated fully throughout this investigation. Ministers intend to come before the House in due course.

The government has always been committed to supporting all pensioners in a sustainable way that gives them a dignified retirement whilst also being fair to them and taxpayers. The State Pension is the foundation of income in retirement and will remain so as we deliver a further 8.5% rise in April to 12 million pensioners on the basic and new State Pensions. This sees the full rate of the new State Pension rise by £900 a year.