Contracting-out delays state pension reform

A Green Paper and consultation on increasing the state pension to a widely-anticipated flat-rate £140 per week were expected before the end of the year. However, with just 14 days of 2010 left, speculation over a delay and its causes is growing. George Osborne said in Parliament in mid-November the government would work towards a better state pension "as quickly as possible", but since then no consultation has been launched. Altmann says it is contracting-out that has "thrown a spanner in the works", as a flat-rate pension would necessitate joining basic and second state pensions i...