What is the Welsh Government doing to support women in Wales affected by pension inequality?
Pension matters are non-devolved and the responsibility of the Department for Work and Pensions in the UK Government.
We have repeatedly expressed our concerns to the UK Government that the impact of the Pension Acts of 1995 and 2011 has disproportionately affected a significant number of women who have had their state pension age raised without effective or sufficient notification.
The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip last wrote to the UK Government on 23 November to press for a just and fair solution for these women.
The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip urged the UK Government to work with the women affected by these changes to the state pension age and the groups which represent them, to find a solution which is just and fair.
Our concerns are not only about the negative financial implications, which have resulted in many women enduring hardship and poverty, but also how these changes have impacted on their physical and mental health. All these are as a result of changes which they knew nothing about.
This issue has been discussed on numerous occasions in the Senedd, most recently on 12 January. We have publically and consistently given our support to the women most disproportionately affected and have highlighted the work of the campaign groups, which have been instrumental in ensuring that politicians and the media are informed of their plight, both in Wales and across the UK.
We will continue to monitor developments, particularly in relation to the ongoing investigation work by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and any appeal lodged at the Supreme Court following the judgements from the legal challenge in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
We will continue to raise our concerns with the UK Ministers who are responsible for these matters.