WOMEN'S PENSIONS

Early day motion 269, tabled 7 June 2005 by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 128 members.

That this House recalls that two thirds of pensioners are women yet their income in retirement is just 57 per cent. of men's; further notes with alarm that just 16 per cent. of women receive the full state pension in their own right; believes that the first step to a sustainable long-term solution is to improve women's entitlement to a state pension; welcomes the findings of a recent EOC/ICM poll, showing that nearly four out of five people agree that those who have not been in paid work for caring reasons should have the same state pension rights as those who have been in paid work; welcomes the Secretary of State's plan to give an early indication of the Government's thinking on pensions reform; and urges the Government to address women's pension provision as a matter of priority to ensure that women and those taking caring breaks from the workforce are not penalised in retirement.

Signatures by party: Labour 91, Liberal Democrat 26, DUP 4, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Scottish National Party 2, UUP 1.