MP calls for pensions justice for women and carers

9.58.19am GMT Mon 21st Nov 2005

Sandra Gidley is demanding a fair deal on pensions for women and carers

Welcoming the launch of the Women and Pensions Network, Sandra Gidley MP is calling for an end to the failure of the current pension system for women and carers.

The Hampshire MP's call comes after a Government report showed that it will be by 2025 before men and women have similar levels of entitlement to the basic state pension, and this is partly because the levels of entitlement amongst men are expected to fall. At present, only 24% of women retiring today are entitled to a full basic State Pension on the basis of their own contributions, compared to just less than 90% of men.

There are over 100,000 women in Hampshire aged between 45 and 59. Unless there is a radical change to the pensions system many of these women will effectively be discriminated against and face lower pensions on retirement.

"Rather than continuing to tinker with the system of National Insurance contributions, the Government should establish a Citizen's Pension, where entitlement is based on long-term UK residency."

Sandra Gidley is MP for Romsey and the Lib Dems national spokeswoman for women and older people.