The over 65s may well be the most important demographic in British politics.
Failure to win over the so-called ‘grey vote’ at the last General Election was one of the primary causes of Labour’s defeat according to polling supremo John Curtice.
The older generation – which makes up nearly one fifth of the total population – is far more likely to vote than its younger counterparts and the early signs are that Theresa May’s Conservatives are by far the most popular choice ahead of next month’s snap election, handing her a big advantage.
But the party has not been particularly kind to OAPs in its manifesto, with millions set to lose their entitlement to winter fuel payments should the Conservatives win.
So what does Mrs May’s record look like when it comes to voting on legislation affecting pensions in parliament?
We’ve taken a look at her votes as well as those of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Lib Dem leader Tim Farron for comparison.
2011: A vote to raise the state pension age to 66
This was the third reading of the Pensions Bill (2011) which brought forward raising the state pension age to 66 by 2020 and required employers to automatically enrol their employees on workplace pension schemes. Labour did not want the higher age to be brought in until 2036.
Theresa May did not vote
Jeremy Corbyn voted against
Tim Farron voted for
2011: A vote to raise the state pension age to 66
This was second reading of the Pensions Bill (2011) which brought forward raising the state pension age to 66 by 2020 and required employers to automatically enrol their employees on workplace pension schemes. Labour did not want the higher age to be brought in until 2036.
Theresa May voted for
Jeremy Corbyn voted against
Tim Farron did not vote
2010: A vote to make all employers offer workplace pensions
This bill introduced by the new Coalition government was aimed at helping low-to-moderate earners save for private pensions rather than relying solely on a state pension. The measures proposed included the creation of the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) – a government-run pension scheme that was easy for employers to use and would enable the auto-enrolment of employees. The government believed it would help between four and eight million people start saving private pensions for the first time. Labour was against the proposals because it thought the lowest earners would miss out. The Federation of Small Businesses also said the legislation would lead to much more paperwork for the smallest employers.
Theresa May voted for
Jeremy Corbyn voted against
Tim Farron voted for
2010: On Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Automatic Enrolment) Regulations 2010
A vote on the introduction of compulsory workplace pensions.
Theresa May voted against
Jeremy Corbyn did not vote
Tim Farron did not vote
2007: A vote of no confidence in the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s handling of workplace pensions
George Osborne, then the shadow chancellor, tabled this motion over chancellor Gordon Brown’s 1997 decision to scrap tax relief on pensions after the publication of FoI documents suggesting he had ignored the advice of experts. The motion was defeated but the Conservatives hoped the vote would embarrass Mr Brown who was favourite at the time to succeed Tony Blair as prime minister.
Theresa May voted for
Jeremy Corbyn voted against
Tim Farron did not vote
2004: On the Pensions Bill
The Conservatives – then the opposition – proposed a vote to stop the second reading of a bill which was aimed at the protection and regulation of workplace pensions. They claimed it failed to offer enough incentive for individuals to save for retirement. Labour won the vote and the bill was eventually passed.
Theresa May voted for
Jeremy Corbyn voted against
Tim Farron was not an MP
2003: On Occupational Pensions
A vote to acknowledge the crucial contribution of the UK tradition of private workplace pension provision.
Theresa May voted for
Jeremy Corbyn did not vote
Tim Farron was not an MP
