Ex-Boston man to lead pension study

John Cridland has been appointed as independent reviewer for the body of work which aims to help shape the future of the Stage Pension age.

The ex-Boston Grammar School pupil was most recently director general of the Confederation of British Industry.

He is currently the chairman of the board of Transport for the North, a body that brings together representatives from across the north of England to speak with Government over the future of the area’s transport links.

Mr Cridland, who was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year’s Honours 10 years ago this year, has previously helped to negotiate the UK’s first national minimum wage, spent 10 years on the Low Pay Commission, and he was also a member of the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

He said: “I am delighted to be the first independent reviewer of State Pension age.

“I look forward to meeting many stakeholders, hearing the views of experts and the experience of organisations working in this area to help shape the review.

“I know how important this issue is, and will consider all the evidence to ensure that we have a State Pension age fit for the future.”

The 2014 Pensions Act requires the State Pension age to be reviewed during each Parliament.

The review is to consider changes in life expectancy, wider changes in society, and to help ensure that the State Pension remains sustainable for generations to come.

Mr Cridland will report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in time to allow Government to consider the recommendations by May 2017. The review will be focussed on the longer term and not cover the existing State Pension age timetable to April 2028.