9 June 2005 - Blunkett Kicks Off The National Pensions Debate
The National Pensions Debate started today as Secretary of State, David Blunkett kicked off the first public debate in East London alongside the Pensions Minister, Stephen Timms.
Mr Blunkett and Mr Timms joined 40 members of the local community who were discussing how best to establish a consensus that will provide the stability, certainty and fairness in the pensions system.
Mr Blunkett said:
“One of the first things I said I wanted to do when I came to the department was take the debate on the future of pensions direct to the people it would affect.
“I want to reach out to people, to take the public into our confidence. To debate, listen and share the problems and ensure we all have ownership and understanding of the possible solutions.
“That’s why events like today are crucial to help establish a consensus that will provide the stability, certainty and fairness we all want to see in the pensions system.
“It is not enough just for politicians or industry to agree a way forward. This whole process will only work if people who will ultimately be affected by the decisions we make understand why they have been taken and know they have played a part in reaching the solution we all seek to the pensions challenge.”
Pensions Minister, Stephen Timms, added:
“It was important to be able to hear the views of a wide range of people of different ages and different backgrounds. There was a real desire to discuss and to get to know the issues and I look forward to being involved in more events across the country.”
Notes for editors
- The debate took place at Score Project Building, Leyton, East London.
- About 40 members of the public attended from the Waltham Forest area.
- A website devoted to the National Pensions Debate, http:www.dwp.gov.uk/debate will allow people to register to take part in the debate and receive information to help with their pensions planning.
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