MPs discuss the uprating of pensions for UK pensioners living overseas

UKParliament

On Wednesday 11 May from approximately 4.30pm, MPs will discuss the uprating of pensions for UK pensioners living overseas.

Ian Blackford, Shadow SNP Spokesperson for Pensions and MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, for proposed the debate to the Backbench Business Committee



Motion for debate

That this House notes with concern that the pensions of 550,000 UK pensioners residing in a number of overseas countries will no longer be uprated; is further concerned that this unfairness will lead to hardship for overseas pensioners and that this measure will discourage many UK citizens living in the UK to return to their country of origin as many wish to do in their retirement; regrets that the Government has taken this action which will lead to loneliness and anger among UK pensioners living abroad; and calls on the Government to withdraw this measure and pay UK pensioners at home and abroad their due state pension with the same uprating adjustment in the interests of fairness and equity.

Watch the discussion on Parliament TV.



This is a Backbench business debate which means the subject for debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee.

greenglide

I like the bit "will no longer be uprated", this is an issue that has being hanging around forever.

The costs of unfreezing these pensions is substantial, especially if they were to reinstate to the value when the pension was first frozen (although I don't think that has ever been seriously considered).

Government's of all colours have considered this over years but nothing has been forthcoming, I assume this will be the same.

theGrinch

The general feeling is...on the make and on the take is all grubby MPs know once they have sorted out their own gold plated pensions.

What else would you expect from the main parties - all in it together.

missbiggles1

An issue that has been long overdue.

JezR

At one time if you left the country your pension stopped being paid completely. Is still the case in some countries where residency is required.

colsten

It's a personal choice to emigrate. If people choose a country that is not in the EEA or doesn't have a Social Security Agreement with the UK, surely it is their own conscious decision that part of their new life means that they are no longer entitled to all the same benefits they would be entitled to if they hadn't emigrated?

JoeCrystal

Here is a report done by the House of Commons Library regarding the background on the Frozen Overseas Pensions. An interesting read I think.

http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN01457#fullreport

uk1

colsten wrote: »

It's a personal choice to emigrate. If people choose a country that is not in the EEA or doesn't have a Social Security Agreement with the UK, surely it is their own conscious decision that part of their new life means that they are no longer entitled to all the same benefits they would be entitled to if they hadn't emigrated?

The mean part of me agrees with this, but I have this nagging feeling that the entitlement was based on contributions and as such they should be entitled once qualified to identical pensions as those that remain. This was not intended to be means tested and many pensioners will simply be "ordinary" people who have emigrated to be with their families in places like Oz. Why on earth should they be penalised when they contributed as much as those that "need" not emigrate. I guess I feel that the "personal choice to emigrate" is irrelevant. To follow that logic, why not just say you can only get any pension if you live in the UK. It just doesn't sound right to me.

On balance I feel they should get the increases even though the mean side of me wants that cash to stay here and be given to "me".

Just my penny's worth.



Jeff

atush

I have a thought it could be cost neutral, or even cheaper to pay the increased pensions.

As it would discourage older unhealthy pensioners from coming back to the uk where they would bed block the hospitals and cost the NHS a bomb (not to mention an elderly housing crisis)?

greenglide

would discourage older unhealthy pensioners from coming back to the uk

But many of these people will not have the right of residency to come back anyway.

Originally it was all down to reciprocal agreements and the level of benefits the people would be entitled to on there country of residency and what their nationals 2 old be entitled to if living here.

The countries who don't get the increases is very strange though.

missbiggles1

atush wrote: »

I have a thought it could be cost neutral, or even cheaper to pay the increased pensions.

As it would discourage older unhealthy pensioners from coming back to the uk where they would bed block the hospitals and cost the NHS a bomb (not to mention an elderly housing crisis)?

UK pensioners living in New Zealand and Australia have their healthcare paid for by the UK anyway.