Letter Viewpoint

7.09.33pm GMT Tue 15th Dec 2009

The latest Government delays in the rolling of Personal Accounts announced in the Pre-Budget Report is a clear example that this Government's pension reforms are in disarray.

Today's pensioners have been let down by constant foot dragging on restoring the earnings link and tomorrow's pensioners are now seeing their chances of a stable retirement kicked into the long grass. People on low incomes who are not currently saving will be hit hardest. Even when personal accounts are properly running, the basic level of contributions will only buy a very modest pension. Delaying the start of the scheme means even more people heading for a means-tested retirement and pensioner poverty. It is now more important than ever that we have a decent state pension linked to earnings, that people can fall back on.

Neil Poole

Scunthorpe's Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson