Contributions
426 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Fourth sitting)Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, and although sewage may not be such a threat, it is still a significant issue; indeed, it is a wicked issue that needs to be…04 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Fourth sitting)That had eluded me, Sir Christopher, so thank you for drawing me out on this one. Amendments 1 and 2 ensure that there is consistency and that there are no gaps where schemes…04 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Fourth sitting)As I stated earlier, one of our key drivers is making sure that people are able to make quality, informed decisions about their financial long-term future. The debate on the new…04 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Fourth sitting)This is a very interesting debate as lives continue to lengthen. In terms of people’s capabilities at different ages, 70 is probably the new 60. The reality is that someone might…04 Sept 2025HANSARD Hospitality SectorFirst—strangely for this debate—I would like to directly address part of the motion that is before us this afternoon. I am concerned that the harassment of people in the…03 Sept 2025HANSARDProperty TaxesMany tourism industry businesses in Torbay raise concerns about the impact of Airbnb, both on safety and legality. Surely the Government should publish their long-awaited…03 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Second sitting)Q Default solutions are an important part of the Bill. I suspect that, for the more modest savers, they will colour the outcomes for a lot of their pensions. How can the final…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Second sitting)Q The bar for small pots is currently set at £1,000. Is that ambitious enough? Should it be £2,000? £5,000? Or is it a matter of eating an elephant and having to be sensible about…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Second sitting)Q Have you done any reviews of the impact of enhancing payments to those in receipt of the financial assistance scheme? You alluded to some suggestions around VAT payments and tax…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Second sitting)Q I seek some clarification from Michelle. At the moment, there is a fee extracted to support your organisation. What if that fee were ceased? Michelle Osterma n n: I assume you…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Second sitting)Yes. Michelle Osterma n n: We have several types of levies that support our organisation. If I may, I will just take a step back to help everyone to understand what role they…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Second sitting)Q Thank you for coming today. Reflecting on the Bill as a whole, what would you particularly like to see weakened or strengthened in the Bill? What particularly leaps out at you?…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (Second sitting)Q I have two key questions. We have heard repeatedly in evidence today about questions to do with secondary legislation and guidance. As we go through the Bill Committee and…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (First sitting)Q We have already had some exploration of mandation and other opportunities around getting greater investment within the United Kingdom. I would welcome some more drawing out of…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (First sitting)Q We have heard a little about value for money from the previous witnesses. I would welcome some reflections from you on how that could be shaped appropriately to allow risk…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (First sitting)Q The other element I just want to touch on briefly is whether you have any thoughts on educating firms’ trustees about what value for money really is? Quite often, as you have…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (First sitting)Q Thank you both for coming. My questions are for Christopher Brooks. From your perspective at Age UK, what are the three wicked issues that the Bill could help tackle—the ones…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Schemes Bill (First sitting)Q Thank you both for coming. Reflecting on pensions systems around the world, what one silver bullet would you both say would help drive positive change through this Bill and…02 Sept 2025HANSARD Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and AbuseGrooming gangs are entirely abhorrent, as are all forms of grooming leading to sexual exploitation. This summer I met a Torbay resident whose 15-year-old adopted son had been…02 Sept 2025HANSARDPension Credit UptakeAround a year ago, the Labour Government inherited from the previous Conservative Government around 3 million pensioners in poverty. Sadly, last winter’s cuts to the winter fuel…01 Sept 2025