AGE CONCERN’S RESPONSE TO THE PENSIONS COMMISSION’S FINAL REPORT

4 April 2006

Gordon Lishman, Director-General of Age Concern England, said:

“The Government must not squander this golden opportunity to radically reform the pensions system. Lord Turner’s proposals stand or fall as a package and must not be watered down. The Government must now respond quickly with a bold White Paper.

“The system must be completely overhauled to guarantee fairness for women, carers, lower income groups and those without access to a decent pension. We support Turner’s recommendation for a more generous state pension and believe that automatic enrolment into a National Pensions Savings Scheme (NPSS) would play a crucial role in helping those who are currently missing out, including millions of women, to build up a private pension.

“Long-lasting, radical reform is urgently needed if future generations are to avoid poverty in retirement – but it is essential that the needs of today’s pensioners are not ignored.”