§ Annabelle EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans his Department has to review the operation of pension entitlement for married women who have paid national insurance contributions at the reduced rate where no official advice was given as to the consequences of exercising this option. [76817]
§ Mr. McCartneyIn order to pay the reduced rate contribution, married women had to complete a form CF9 which was attached to leaflet NI1 (National Insurance for married women). This leaflet explained the consequences of the choice. In particular, it explained that the choice could affect future entitlement to benefit, including Retirement Pension. In addition, they had to sign a statement that they had read and understood the leaflet.
The option to pay the reduced rate was withdrawn in 1977 but those who were already paying the reduced rate were allowed to continue to do so with the option to revoke it at any time. This was widely publicised. Following the restructuring of National Insurance contributions in 1989, the Department again ran a publicity campaign to inform married women paying the reduced rate contribution that they could be paying more in reduced rate contributions than if they paid the standard rate.
487WThis campaign also reminded them that they could revoke their option to pay the reduced rate. In October 2000, they were again advised, following changes to the structure of the National Insurance scheme, to reconsider their choice to pay the reduced rate contribution.
We therefore have no plans to review the position.