As you know, HPPA is pursuing our aims in several ways. Our primary focus has been on influencing UK government. But we have started a campaign within the devolved governments of Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to focus on ethical procurement. HPPA members have met with their representatives to ask for their help in raising questions about the processes used for awarding public contracts.
Here’s a letter an HPPA member received just this week.
Thank you for getting in touch about the impact of pension rules on you and so many others in a similar position. I want to begin by expressing how truly sorry I am to hear about the financial hardship you’ve experienced. After giving many years of dedicated service to your employer, it’s deeply unfair that your pension has lost so much of its value.
I also want to sincerely apologise for the delay in responding to your earlier correspondence. As your elected representative, I take my responsibility to be accessible and responsive very seriously. I truly appreciate your patience and understanding and I regret any frustration or inconvenience this may have caused.
At the core of this issue is a question of fairness. I completely understand your sense of injustice — and I share it. No one should see their retirement income steadily eroded because of outdated laws and discretionary corporate policies. You and others affected planned responsibly, worked hard, and had every right to expect a secure and dignified retirement. That trust must be respected.
You have helped draw attention to a serious issue affecting around one million pensioners across the UK. It’s inspiring to see how pensioners have organised through the HPPA and the Pre-1997 Alliance, gaining widespread cross-party support at Westminster. You are not alone in this campaign, and your voice matters.
You asked for action here in Wales, and I want to assure you that I’ve written to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance to ask what steps the Welsh Government is taking to strengthen procurement rules — specifically, to ensure companies that deny discretionary pension increases to pre-1997 pensioners are held to account when bidding for public contracts. I’ve also asked whether the Welsh Government will review any current or recent contracts awarded to Hewlett Packard Enterprise — or other companies identified by the Alliance — in light of these concerns raised by constituents.
I’ve always believed in standing up for people’s dignity — particularly in later life. While decisions about pension legislation lie with Westminster, the Welsh Government has a clear role to play in setting high ethical expectations for the businesses it works with.
Thank you again for writing and for your ongoing advocacy. I will continue to follow up on this matter and keep you informed of any developments. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there’s anything further you’d like to discuss.
