Pensions Bill 2014 - Call for Evidence

The Pensions Bill was formally introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 10 November 2014 and received its Second Reading on 18 November 2014.  The Bill has now been referred to the Committee for Social Development which has responsibility for the Committee Stage of the Bill.

The Committee therefore wishes to hear views from all interested parties in order to assist it with the scrutiny of the Bill.

The Pensions Bill makes provision for Northern Ireland corresponding to the Pensions Act 2014 which received Royal Assent on 14 May 2014.

It proposes changes to the State Pension, private pension provision and Bereavement Benefits, specifically:

• the introduction of a new State Pension and consequential matters;
• an option to boost additional State Pension under the current scheme;
• accelerating the increase in State Pension age to 67;
• phasing out the Assessed Income Period in State Pension Credit;
• the introduction of Bereavement Support Payment; and
• changes to private pensions.

Any organisation or individual with an interest in this consultation is invited to submit evidence to the Committee by email to committee.socialdevelopment@niassembly.gov.uk or by post to:

The Committee Clerk, Room 144, Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX

Your written submission should be structured to address specific clauses and schedules of the Bill and if appropriate, should include any amendments you wish to propose to the text.

If you do not have access to the internet or e-mail facilities or you have any other enquiries, please contact the Committee Office on 028 90521707.

The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 16 December.

For more information on the Committee stage of the Bill click here