Ros analyses the new Treasury offer to public sector workers and explains why it seems worryingly generous – she calls for the cost estimates of the reform to be made public and warns of the dangers of a long-term deal.
Press Release explaining that the Government’s latest and much improved offer to the public sector unions is very generous and, if they understood it, surely the workers would accept it.
This is the transcript of Ros’ session at the Westminster Employment Forum conference on Pension Reform.
Ros prepared a briefing ahead of the Pensions Bill Third Reading and Report Stage, explaining why the current plans need to change and how a fairer implementation could be achieved.
Ros explains why we really need better incentives and a sensible framework to help people plan to save for care needs in later life, at the moment they have no idea what to do.
Ros’ ideas on allowing people access only to their own contributions, but not employer contributions or tax relief are supported by the FT.
Ros’ ideas for allowing people access to their pension fund, so they can, if they need to, withdraw their own contributions (but not employer contributions or tax relief). This would encourage far more people to contribute in the first place, while also ensuring they do have some pension fund building up.
Ros’ article published in the Yorkshire Post explaining that savers must not be made to suffer and Government should extend ISA allowances so that savers can have more income from their savings.
Press Release responding to appearances by Steve Webb, Pensions Minister, at Fringe Events at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference where he said changes to State Pension Age ‘must be fair’. Ros explains better and fairer ways for the current Pensions Bill.
Ros comments on remarks by Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which suggest that Government is considering bringing forward the increase in state pension to 67 by 2026. This could allow a slower timetable for increasing to 66, giving fairer notice.