The Government believes that people deserve dignity and respect in old age, and that they should be provided with the support they need. That means safeguarding key benefits and pensions, and taking action to make it easier for older people to work or volunteer.
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We will restore the earnings link for the basic state pension from April 2011, with a 'triple guarantee' that pensions are raised by the higher of earnings, prices or 2.5 per cent.
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We will commit to establishing an independent commission to review the long-term affordability of public sector pensions, while protecting accrued rights.
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We will phase out the default retirement age and hold a review to set the date at which the state pension age starts to rise to 66.
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We will explore the potential to give people greater flexibility in accessing part of their personal pension fund early.
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We will protect key benefits for older people.