Ros Altmann leaves pensions minister post

Altmann-Ros-2013

Baroness Ros Altmann (pictured) has left her post as minister of state for pensions.

The change forms part of a cabinet reshuffle following the resignation of David Cameron and the appointment of Theresa May as Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party.

Other changes at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) include the appointment of Damian Green as secretary of state for work and pensions. Green replaces Stephen Crabb, who took up the post in March 2016.

In a letter to the new Prime Minister on 15 July, Altmann said: “As a minister, I have tried to drive positive long-term changes on pensions from within government and ameliorate some of the past mistakes which I have cautioned against. Unfortunately over the past year, short-term political considerations, exacerbated by the EU referendum, have inhibited good policy-making. As the country heads into uncharted waters, I would urge you and your new team to enable my successor to address some of the major policy reforms that are needed to improve pensions for the future.

“It is vital that we continue to roll-out the successful auto-enrolment programme to ensure all employers offer pensions to their staff. Regardless of the economic challenges, everyone will need to have some money set aside for later life and pensions are the best way to do so. We must, too, address the crisis in social care funding and help people provide for potential care costs as well. In order to help fund this, we should look to develop a ‘one nation’ lifetime pension.”