Bruce criticises Government priorities on pensions

2.52.07pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 18th Jul 2007

Malcolm Bruce was amongst those MPs voting for amendments to pensions legislation for a fairer deal for workers and women

Malcolm Bruce, the MP for Gordon last night opposed the Government by backing a series of amendments in the House of Commons which aimed to create a 'lifeboat fund' to increase state help for members of failed pension schemes.

Mr Bruce said the move would help support pensioners such as those of the failed Aberdeen textile and carpet business Richards.

The proposals' aim was to give fairer and equal terms for those members relying on the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) for past failed pension funds as those covered by the Pension Protection Fund which offers guarantees to members of funds that fail in the future.

The amendments however were opposed by Government and fell.

Commenting, the Gordon MP said:

"The Government should treat everybody fairly and equally and these amendments are designed to do that. To leave some pensioners behind is unacceptable.

"It would seem that too many Labour MPs did not have the courage to vote against their new party leader Gordon Brown. This means that vital amendments to pensions legislation proposed by the Lords were not carried. This will be gravely disappointing for those affected by failed schemes such as the Richards workers. I hope the House of Lords will persist with their amendments until the Government climbs down."

Mr Bruce also added his support to the campaign calling on the Government to give priority for fairer pensions for women.

He added:

"In the Pensions Bill, there are some very welcome improvements for carers -particularly women who have taken time out to care for family, but these will only be applied after the 6th of April 2010. If a person is born even a day before the deadline the difference could mean that they stand to lose out on thousands of pounds worth of pension entitlement. The Government should correct this anomaly as soon as possible in order to give peace of mind to the thousands of women affected .

ENDS