John Harris rightly thanks Ed Davey for drawing attention to family carers and the need to reduce the many pressures facing them. It is important, however, that the debates about how to achieve this are placed in the context of the recent increases in the state pension age (Passed over, targeted, fined – but is the magnificence of family carers finally being recognised?, 25 May). Between 2010 and 2018, raising women’s state pension age from 60 to 65 years reduced state expenditure over that period by a total of £77bn. Since then, it has risen to 66 years for all.
Starting in April 2026, it will rise to 67 years. In March this year the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated that this fiscal saving will be £10.4bn in 2029-30, including a net saving on pension credit and winter fuel allowance of £0.2bn. Rachel Reeves please note.
