§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he plans to take following the end of the discussion period on the equalising of state pension age.
§ Mr. LilleyThe Government are committed to the equalisation of state pension age, and as a first step we published our discussion paper "Options for Equality in State Pension Age" in December last year. The paper invited comments and views on various approaches to equalisation including differing common pension ages and models for a flexible pension age.
The discussion period ended on 30 June and we have received more than 3,000 responses. I now intend to examine those responses in detail and I will also be taking the opportunity of meeting the representatives of various interested organisations to discuss their views. I am also prepared to take into account any late responses.
I will be announcing the Government's proposals on the complex and important issues covered by the paper in 697W due course after full consideration of the views expressed. No decisions have yet been taken as to what approach should be adopted.
I should like to make it very clear at the outset that no one expecting to retire in the next few years will be affected by these changes. Whichever option is chosen is likely to be phased in over a long period, and employees and employers will be given ample time to adjust their plans.