“Go online for your chance to influence Government pensions policy,” says Pensions Minister Ian McCartney

For the first time ever, ordinary members of the public are being invited to take part in an online discussion forum as part of an on-going consultation on the Pensions Green Paper.

Commenting Mr McCartney said:
“We are serious about consultation and we want to get the views of as many people as possible. Pensions affect everyone sooner or later and the Internet is an excellent way of encouraging more people to participate in the consultation. Many members of the public and representative organisations have already taken part in the consultation via our website but this will make it even easier for people to tell us their views.

“Has your occupational pension scheme lived up to your expectations? Do you experience age discrimination in the workplace? Or do you just want to find out more about our proposals for reform? Whatever your circumstances, young or old, these issues affect you and I would urge you to get involved."

The forum will begin on March 10th 2003 and will stay online until 23^rd March 2003. The consultation on the Pensions Green Paper ‘Simplicity, Security and Choice; Working and saving for retirement’ began on 17^th December 2002 and closes on 28^th March 2003 and can be found at: www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/consult
/2002/pensions/index.htm. The online discussion forum is pre-moderated by the Hansard Society to ensure that the forum remains a safe, fair and welcoming space.