Rennie secures assurances from Minister on occupational pensions

3.07.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th Oct 2007

During questions to the Department for Work and Pensions in the House of Commons, Lib Dem MP Willie Rennie secured an assurance from the Minister for Pensions Reform, Mike O'Brien, that people who had lost thousands of pounds from schemes that had been wound up would have their cases looked into.

Willie Rennie said:

"When will he agree that the Government's compensation scheme should be bolstered to ensure that those workers receive the same compensation as is available under the Pension Protection Fund?"

The Minister gave a commitment that the government is 'moving towards' providing a 90 per cent top up rate, as opposed to the previous 80 per cent., the Minister continued:

"The Government have indicated that we are prepared at least to match any extra funding that might arise out of the assets review…we are determined to seek justice for pensioners."