Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of lowering the retirement age for part-time female workers that are carers for (a) older people and (b) family members with disabilities.

Since the removal of the Default Retirement Age in 2011, there is no formal retirement age, and people are encouraged to work for as long as they wish and are able. This will ensure as people live longer healthier lives that they can build the income they need for a secure future.

We are aware that the time people leave the labour market will differ between individuals, and will be affected by a host of factors, including health, caring responsibilities and other factors. It would be impossible to take account of all factors in setting the State Pension age.

In the Government’s 2016 State Pension age Review, Independent Reviewer John Cridland, concluded that disadvantaged groups should be assisted through the working age benefit system rather than through changes to the State Pension age.