Scottish Social Justice Secretary responds to the UK Government's plans to review the state pension

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has commented on the UK Government's plans to review the State Pension, including the age at which it is received.

Ms Somerville said:

“The Scottish Government has consistently warned the UK Government against raising the State Pension age more quickly than is needed.

“So, I welcome the fact the UK Government has committed to gathering more evidence before making any final decisions on a timeline.  

“We look forward to the UK Government sharing their proposals with us and we will respond in due course.

“I am particularly keen to see that the difference in average life expectancies found across regions in the UK is fully considered. Otherwise, generations may be left behind, just as they have been before.    

“While state pension policy is reserved to the UK Government, we are committed to enabling older people to have a dignified retirement. That's why, for example, we are providing a pension age winter heating payment to 720,000 more people this year, helping to ease the burden of rising energy costs.”