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Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 31 August 2007

Pension losers who are just too old

LIB Dem campaigner Bridget Fox is calling on the government to review the introduction of pension changes to avoid millions of women nationally missing out on extra cash.
The changes, which start in 2010, will cut the number of years’ National Insurance contributions women need before they can get a full state pension. The change has been widely welcomed, but the way it is being introduced means many women will miss out because they are just too old.
Ms Fox, who is Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Islington South and Finsbury, said: “Normally, pension and benefit changes are phased in. This time, the government has gone for a ‘big bang’ approach, with no phasing.
“That means women who turn 60 on April 6, 2010 or later will benefit, but any women turning 60 before then, even women whose birthday is on April 5, won’t get a penny extra.”
She estimates that about 6,500 women in Islington could be affected – each losing on average £25,000 over the course of their retirement, compared to women born later.
Ms Fox said: “Why should women now in their late 50s miss out compared to younger women?”
Ms Fox is calling on the government to phase in the changes, so more women will benefit. She has launched a website and petition to highlight the issue. It is at www.campaigns.libdems.org.uk/fairpensions.

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