HC Deb 07 February 2000 vol 344 cc51-2W
15. Mr. Gardiner

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what action he is taking to help people on low incomes make provision for their retirement. [107202]

Mr. Rooker

Our plans to reform SERPS through the introduction of the State Second Pension are set out in the Child Support, Pensions and Social Security Bill. This was introduced to this House on 1 December 1999 and is currently subject to the usual Parliamentary processes.

The State Second Pension will help low and moderate earners, together with carers and some long-term disabled people with broken work records, to build up increased pension entitlement.

Low earners will receive a dramatic boost to their additional pension entitlement which will more than double under State Second Pension. Moderate earners will also benefit, including those who choose to contract out of the State scheme.