CHANCELLOR MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO BREAK PENSIONS CONSENSUS

9.18.00pm GMT Sat 3rd Dec 2005

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt yesterday tabled a written question challenging the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, against blocking pensions reform away from the means-tested model following this week's publication of the Turner report. Mrs Burt, who is a member of the Treasury Select Committee, said she would seek a clear commitment from the Chancellor.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"The Turner report represents an unmissable opportunity to secure much-needed reform of Britain's complex and inadequate pensions system. Lord Turner has reflected a very broad national consensus by proposing a simpler and improved state pension, linked to earnings, rather than the current reliance on means-testing and complexity.

"The Prime Minister must not allow one man, Gordon Brown, to veto pensions reform. It is simply unthinkable that we could end up with 75% of pensioners on means-tested benefits, as Gordon Brown seems to think acceptable. In addition, the spread of means-testing can only erode incentives for private saving.

"On behalf of people in Solihull I have questioned the Chancellor as to whether he will stand in the way of these essential reforms, in the interests of preserving the bewilderingly complex means-testing system he created — or whether he will stand up for a simpler and fairer pensions deal for all."