17th June 2005 - Blunkett takes pensions debate to Manchester
The National Pensions Debate continued to gain momentum today, as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, David Blunkett, took his Ministerial team to Manchester to continue the discussion with the general public and key stakeholders on issues of pension reform.
Mr Blunkett and his team; including DWP ministers, Stephen Timms, Lord Philip Hunt, James Plaskitt and Anne McGuire, attended a series of events, involving stakeholders and members of the public across Greater Manchester.
Mr Blunkett said:
“It is in everyone’s interest that we have a pension system that provides stability and fairness for everybody, which is what this National Debate is all about. The general public, stakeholders and the Government all need to communicate and work together if we are to achieve the consensus needed to drive future reform.
“Here in Manchester, my team and I have been discussing and debating the issues with people of all ages and backgrounds; including students, workers, employers and other members of the general public. I am encouraged by the fact that people are not only interested in how we meet the pensions challenge, but are eager to contribute their views on the way forward. Meeting stakeholders and thrashing out the detail is one thing, but there is no point in proceeding with any discussions without buy in from those ultimately affected.
“The debate is still only just beginning and the team and I are looking forward to visiting as many places and talking to as many people as we can during the coming months.”
As part of the visit:
- Mr Blunkett and his team hosted a supper last night in central Manchester with a number of key stakeholders from across the pensions industry.
- Mr Blunkett discussed pensions with staff and students at city college Manchester, where he formally opened Northenden campus.
- Pensions Minister, Stephen Timms, paid a visit to Tameside Council to meet with council staff, local residents and employees of the local Pension Service.
- Lord Philip Hunt travelled to Bolton to visit B & Q employees, local Bolton residents and Jobcentre staff to discuss pensions issues, before moving on to Manchester and visiting the Hazard Exhibition on health and safety in the workplace.
- James Plaskitt took the Pensions Debate to Salford, where he met staff at the Salford Action team for jobs and visited a New Deal for Communities centre. He then went on to meet staff at Tescos in Oldham before finishing with a visit to Stockport Pension Centres.
Notes to editors
- 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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