Rupa Huq – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Rupa Huq on 2015-10-21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he has taken to support British Airways pensioners since 14 September 2015; and what steps he has taken to encourage British Airways to fulfil its undertakings to pay RPI increases to both British Airways and New Airways Pension Schemes.

Justin Tomlinson

The Government appreciates the strength of feeling among British Airways Pensioners regarding increases to their pensions. However, the level of pension increases provided by the British Airways Pension Schemes mean that the schemes are meeting the minimum increases required by law. Anything above this level is a matter for the trustees.

In responding to the motion to adjourn on 14 September, the Government made it clear that it is not appropriate for Ministers to comment on, or intervene in, the decisions of individual pension schemes.