Increase to women's state pension age

Age UK statement on increase to women's state pension age

For comment pieces, interviews with Michelle Mitchell, charity director at Age UK or case studies, please contact the press office.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'Following today's debate, Age UK will actively explore all options to stop the Government's unfair and discriminatory proposed changes to women's state pension age.

'There is plenty of time for MPs to make a small change to the Pensions Bill, which will make a huge difference to the 330,000 women who will be worse affected by the plans.

'If the Government returns to the coalition pledge of not starting to raise women's state pension age to 66 until 2020, they will still make savings of £20 billion compared to current legislation.

'We urge MPs to support this ‘fairer' option and ensure that the changes they are introducing don't end up punishing thousands of hard-working women.'

- ENDS -

Notes to Editors

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged, dedicated to improving later life.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people; commercial products and services to over one million customers; and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well being, home and care, work and training and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Age Concern England and Help the Aged (both registered charities), and their trading and other associated companies merged on the 1st April 2009. Together they have formed the Age UK Group ("we").  Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity's trading companies, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Media contact: Vicky Smith
Telephone: 020 3033 1438
Out of office hours: 07071 243 243