Public's opinion sought in solving pension crisis

Public's opinion sought in solving pension crisis

	Published : Sat, 18 Mar 2006 17:05 By : Richard Owen Print this Story

LONDON: The government is inviting views from the public on how to tackle the pension crisis. At events held across the country as part of the National Pensions Day Saturday, several hundreds of people have given their opinions on the subject, including options to reduce the deficits and increasing the age of retirement.

The events are being organised in London, Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Swansea and Belfast. Those participating included work and pensions secretary John Hutton and other ministers. Hutton said this is a crucial time in the pensions debate as "we work towards developing a long term solution to meet the pensions challenge that we face. We want to engage with as many people as possible, with employers, industry and members of the public both young and old."

A spokesperson for the National Federation for Small Businesses, Mike Cherry, said small businesses are happy that the government has finally initiated the process to find a long term solution to the pensions situation.

The government is expected to look at the inputs received at these interactions before it publishes its proposal in the next few months. It also wants to look at ways to end discrimination against women who stay at home to look after children or care for family members.

The participants at these functions have been selected by a market research firm ensuring that they form a cross section of the British society. They will hear speeches, watch a video presentation from Lord Turner, who led the Pensions Commission, and have the chance to ask questions. They will then vote on issues like retirement age and pension policies. like should the state retirement age be raised or should the state pension be more generous.

Hutton said at the London rally that the pensions debate is at a crucial stage now.