Pensions Bill, second reading

The Bill passed with a vote and will now be considered by a Public Bill Committee.

Watch and read the debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard. 

• Parliament TV: Pension Bill, second reading
• Commons Hansard: Pension Bill, second reading
• Bills before Parliament 2010-12: Pension Bill
• About Parliament: Passage of a Bill 

Summary of the Bill

The four parts of the Bill include a range of measures related to pension provision. Key areas:

• Accelerates the existing timetable for increasing the State Pension age to 66
• Amends the legislative framework requiring employers to automatically enrol employees into a qualifying pension system and to make contributions to that scheme
• Amends legislation providing for the indexation and revaluation of occupational pensions and payments from the Pension Protection Fund
• Allows contributions to be taken towards the cost of providing personal pension benefits to members of Judicial Pension Schemes.

Second reading

Second reading is the first opportunity for MPs to debate the main principles of the Bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.

What happens at second reading?

The Government minister, spokesperson or MP responsible for the Bill opens the second reading debate. The official Opposition spokesperson responds with their views on the Bill.

The debate continues with other Opposition parties and backbench MPs giving their opinions. At the end of the debate, the Commons decides whether the Bill should be given its second reading by voting, meaning it can proceed to the next stage.

What happens after second reading?

The Bill proceeds to committee stage and will be considered in a Public Bill Committee. Each clause (part) and any amendments (proposals for change) to the Bill may be debated.