22 September 2005 - National Pensions Debate: the East Midlands has its say
The National Pensions Debate came to the East Midlands today as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Blunkett took his Ministerial team to Leicester and Nottingham to participate in a series of discussions with the public, stakeholders and industry.
Mr Blunkett was in Leicester where he took part in a public debate at the home of Leicester City Football Club and met a range of pensions industry representatives at the headquarters of Alliance and Leicester.
Mr Blunkett said:
“I have been able to gauge a wide range of views from members of the public and industry experts by coming to the East Midlands.
“I am encouraged with the enthusiasm and knowledge that people are coming to these events with. It is clear that the public, not just experts, want to understand the issues behind the debate so that they can contribute to the potential solutions and help to establish a consensus. This is vital if we are to make the changes needed to ensure that we have a pensions system able to meet the needs placed upon it in the future.”
Minister for Pensions Reform Stephen Timms, who joined Mr Blunkett at Alliance and Leicester, spoke at a Multi Faith event with Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform Margaret Hodge.
Mr Timms added:
“The reason for Ministers making visits such as this is so we can engage the members of communities across the country. There are a variety of opinions and concerns that we have to hear and take on board and today’s visit helps us to do that.”
James Plaskitt and Lord Hunt visited Nottingham where they met with the Carers Federation and representatives of Age Concern respectively.
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