Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he plans to take to help support pre-pensioners with long-term health conditions in the context of increases to the State Pension age.

Answered by Diana Johnson - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

People with long-term health conditions will continue to be supported by the benefit system, including Personal Independence Payments (PIP), up to and beyond reaching State Pension age, and Universal Credit for those unable to work before reaching retirement.

We recognise the wealth of skills and experience that older workers bring both to the workplace and the economy, as well as the role of good work in supporting health and wellbeing. We asked Sir Charlie Mayfield to lead the Keep Britain Working Review to examine how employers can better support disabled people and those with health conditions; the final report was published on 5 November 2025. We are now in the Vanguard Phase to test new employer-led approaches to support individuals to stay in work. To support people who are nearing State Pension age and who have long-term health conditions, we are joining up health and employment support services. This includes through Employment Advisors in NHS Talking Therapies, Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care, Pathways to Work, and WorkWell. Support is also available through Access to Work grants.

We have additional dedicated support for workers aged 50 and over within jobcentres. This includes 50PLUS Champions, the Midlife MOT, and local Employer and Partnership Teams, offering tailored guidance and connecting people with health, skills, financial support and employers. As part of our plans to create a new Jobs and Careers Service, we are considering the best way to support customers aged 50 and over, and customers with health conditions, so that they can access support to find good, meaningful work, and help them progress in work or increase their earnings.

Found: Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) Ann Davies (Plaid Cymru; Caerfyrddin) Gill German (Labour; Clwyd North) Simon Hoare

Found: There are a couple of issues on which we would like to follow up: • Simon Hoare asked about negotiations

Found: Service Chief Operating Officer & Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary Copied to: Simon Hoare

Found: Simon Hoare: I will come on to that directly.

Found: Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1SN SeneddPAPA@senedd.wales senedd.wales/SeneddPAPA 0300 200 6565 Simon Hoare

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Simon Hoare (Chair); Charlotte Cane; Sam Carling; Lauren Edwards;

Found: Alliance; Lagan Valley) Claire Hanna (Social Democratic & Labour Party; Belfast South and Mid Down) Simon Hoare

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Tonia Antoniazzi (Chair); Chris Bloore; Claire Hanna; Simon Hoare

Found: Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Cabinet Office 70 Whitehall London SW1A 2AS Simon Hoare

Found: His Majesty’s Paymaster General Cabinet Office 70 Whitehall London SW1A 2AS Simon Hoare

Found: and Camberwell Green) Stephen Gethins MP (Scottish National Party; Arbroath and Broughty Ferry) Simon Hoare

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Simon Hoare (Chair); Richard Baker; Charlotte Cane; Sam Carling;

Found: Q11 Simon Hoare: I appreciate entirely that it is outwith your control.

Found: Q11 Simon Hoare: I appreciate entirely that it is outwith your control.

Submit Evidence (by 4 May 2026)

The rate of child poverty in Wales has changed very little over the past two decades, with around a third of Welsh children living in poverty during that time. Currently, 31% of children in Wales live in relative income poverty after housing costs. However, that figure also varies significantly depending on a family's circumstances, with larger families, lone parent families and families with at least one disabled adult or child experiencing higher rates of child poverty.

Found: Response from the Chair to Simon Hoare MP, Chair - House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional

Found: Letter from Simon Hoare MP, Chair - House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs

Found: Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1SN SeneddPAPA@senedd.wales senedd.wales/SeneddPAPA 0300 200 6565 Simon Hoare

Found: This letter, dated 27 January 2026, is from Simon Hoare MP, Chair of the Public Administration and Constitutional