Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency

2007 press releases

Local MP welcomes pension success for carers

Local Lib Dem MP, Norman Baker, has welcomed a successful Lib Dem amendment to the Pensions Bill, which is currently going through Parliament, which will mean that around 40,000 more carers in the UK, and an estimated 156 more carers in the Lewes & Wealden area, will get the basic state pension when they reach retirement age.

This Lib Dem amendment was agreed to by the Government on 18th April during the Bill's Report Stage debate in the House of Commons. Under the new scheme, those who care for more than 20 hours per week for people who aren't necessarily in receipt of disability related benefits, where this is certificated by a social care or health professional, will accrue entitlement to the basic state pension.

Commenting on the success, Norman Baker said:

"I am delighted that the government has conceded that their pension plans prevented many carers from building an entitlement to the basic state pension and that following this Lib Dem amendment the Government will now take steps to put this right. Carers make a huge contribution to society and this must be recognised when they come to retire by the granting of a full pension.

"Under the new proposals, agreed to by the government, 40,000 more carers, who would previously have been unable to build up entitlement, will now be credited with National Insurance Contributions and will therefore be eligible for a full state pension, including dozens in Lewes, Seaford, Newhaven and Polegate.

"I am pleased that the Liberal Democrats, working with groups including Carers UK, the Equal Opportunities Commission, Age Concern and Help the Aged, as well as MPs from other parties, have been able to achieve this valuable improvement to our pension system."

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