MP Meets Pension Inequality Protesters In Parliament

South Lakes MP Tim Farron yesterday met with women from across the country, including a Kendal resident, to discuss pension inequality. Tim said the government should introduce new rules so it has to inform the public of pension changes.

The 'Women Against State Pension Inequality' group yesterday staged a protest outside parliament, and Tim met with Kendal resident Fiona Atkinson to discuss her concerns. The group is opposed to changes to the state pension age, arguing that it unfairly impacts on women.

In 1995, legislation was introduced to equalise the state pension age, however many women were not informed about this until 2009, and some not until 2011. By April 2020, the state pension age for men and women is due to be 66.

Tim is in favour of the introduction of a statutory duty to give due notice before any changes to the State Pension Age in the future.

Tim said: "It is utterly wrong and unfair that women were not told about the changes that were made to their pensions. We need new rules so the government is legally bound to tell people about pension changes, so they can plan for their future.

"The government should also look at what can be done to ensure that those who lose out because they were not informed of these changes are properly protected in their old age.

"A fair and civilised society must look after the elderly. That is why under the coalition the Lib Dems pushed to introduce a simpler, more generous, single-tier pension. We also introduced a 'triple lock' guarantee, so that pensioners see real increases in their pension each year."