Pensions - Articles - Pensions 'demoted' in ministerial reshuffle

 “The decision by the DWP to make the role of pensions minister a junior ministerial post is a shock. The DWP are responsible for overseeing the automatic enrolment of ten million workers into workplace pensions, for policy on the multi-billion pound deficits in company pension funds, for making sure that the new ‘pension freedoms’ work effectively and many other pension issues which affect the lives of millions of today’s workers and retired people. These issues should be a central concern for the department going forward.

 The seniority of ministers really does matter, not least in dealings with other government departments such as the Treasury. The DWP has lost a powerful voice in fighting the corner of workplace pensions with the resignation of Ros Altmann. This new decision is a demotion for pensions and sends a worrying signal to all who are concerned about the long-term financial health of the nation”.