Pensions statement

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Director at Age UK, said:

'Age UK welcomes the Green Paper as the start of debate on how we can achieve a simpler higher state pension which encourages savings and ensures people avoid poverty.

'Our state pension system is one of the least generous and most complicated in the developed world and it is essential that as we go forward we have a state pension system fit for the 21st century. The details of how reforms will be achieved need to be carefully considered but our preference is for a single higher pension introduced as soon as possible which would ensure that many women and others currently facing low income in retirement could look forward to greater financial security in the future.

'And the Government must not turn its back on the 1.8 million current pensioners living in poverty. More needs to be done to ensure those already retired can enjoy an adequate income including measures to get vital benefits cash to all those who need it.'

- 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: Andrew Walker
Telephone: 020 8765 7512
Out-of-office-hours: 07071 243 243