Menu
07/09/2004
Pensions Secretary quits government
The Work and Pensions Secretary Andrew Smith has resigned from the Cabinet, saying he quit in order to commit more time to his constituency and spend more time with his family.
Last night, the Prime Minister described Mr Smith as “an excellent colleague and a first-class minister who will be greatly missed'' following his decision to leave the government. Tony Blair had urged the minister to stay on but the decision was final.
The Labour MP for Oxford East had said that he wanted to leave his post “to devote more time to the responsibilities I enjoy in my constituency and to my family''.
In his resignation letter to Tony Blair, Mr Smith wrote: “Over the summer, I have discussed with my family the contribution I wish to make in public life.
“I have chosen to leave the government and to devote more time to the responsibilities I enjoy in my constituency and to my family.''
The Lib Dem Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Steve Webb, said that the former minister's tenure could not be fondly remembered.
"Andrew Smith’s period in office will be remembered as one when the crises in company pensions grew unchecked, where mass means testing was the order of the day and the pensions system became more complicated than ever," he said.
He said that Mr Smith's successor needed to reverse the drive towards means testing, restore confidence in company pensions and radically simplify the whole pensions system.
(gmcg/mb)
Last night, the Prime Minister described Mr Smith as “an excellent colleague and a first-class minister who will be greatly missed'' following his decision to leave the government. Tony Blair had urged the minister to stay on but the decision was final.
The Labour MP for Oxford East had said that he wanted to leave his post “to devote more time to the responsibilities I enjoy in my constituency and to my family''.
In his resignation letter to Tony Blair, Mr Smith wrote: “Over the summer, I have discussed with my family the contribution I wish to make in public life.
“I have chosen to leave the government and to devote more time to the responsibilities I enjoy in my constituency and to my family.''
The Lib Dem Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Steve Webb, said that the former minister's tenure could not be fondly remembered.
"Andrew Smith’s period in office will be remembered as one when the crises in company pensions grew unchecked, where mass means testing was the order of the day and the pensions system became more complicated than ever," he said.
He said that Mr Smith's successor needed to reverse the drive towards means testing, restore confidence in company pensions and radically simplify the whole pensions system.
(gmcg/mb)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2005
Pensions coalition calls for ‘fair deal’
A new coalition is calling on the new government to deliver a new ‘fair deal’ on pensions. Four organisations – the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Age Concern, Help the Aged and consumer watchdog Which? – have joined together to form the People’s Pensions Coalition to campaign for fair pensions reform.
Pensions coalition calls for ‘fair deal’
A new coalition is calling on the new government to deliver a new ‘fair deal’ on pensions. Four organisations – the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Age Concern, Help the Aged and consumer watchdog Which? – have joined together to form the People’s Pensions Coalition to campaign for fair pensions reform.
24 January 2008
Hain Resigns From Cabinet
Peter Hain has resigned from the Cabinet after the Electoral Commission asked the police to investigate the funding of his deputy leadership campaign. Mr Hain, who was Work and Pensions Secretary and Welsh Secretary, announced that he would resign on Thursday, saying that he wanted to clear his name.
Hain Resigns From Cabinet
Peter Hain has resigned from the Cabinet after the Electoral Commission asked the police to investigate the funding of his deputy leadership campaign. Mr Hain, who was Work and Pensions Secretary and Welsh Secretary, announced that he would resign on Thursday, saying that he wanted to clear his name.
15 August 2003
Pensions complaints at an all-time high, says ombudsman
Complaints about pensions have increased by almost one third in the last financial year and are at an all time high, the Pensions Ombudsman has revealed in his Annual Report.
Pensions complaints at an all-time high, says ombudsman
Complaints about pensions have increased by almost one third in the last financial year and are at an all time high, the Pensions Ombudsman has revealed in his Annual Report.
07 November 2013
Govt Sets Out Proposals To Reshape Workplace Pension
The government is setting out a range of proposals to reshape workplace pensions for future generations. These are designed to create more certainty for individuals, share investment risks more equally, and help employers to keep offering the best possible workplace pensions.
Govt Sets Out Proposals To Reshape Workplace Pension
The government is setting out a range of proposals to reshape workplace pensions for future generations. These are designed to create more certainty for individuals, share investment risks more equally, and help employers to keep offering the best possible workplace pensions.
30 October 2013
Govt Considering Cap On Pension Fees
The government is considering implementing a cap on the management fees charged by pension providers. A cap of between 0.75% and 1% is being considered. It is thought that such a move could save people tens of thousands of pounds. According to reports some older pension schemes have been found to have management fees of up to 2/3% a year.
Govt Considering Cap On Pension Fees
The government is considering implementing a cap on the management fees charged by pension providers. A cap of between 0.75% and 1% is being considered. It is thought that such a move could save people tens of thousands of pounds. According to reports some older pension schemes have been found to have management fees of up to 2/3% a year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
