B

Baroness Stedman-Scott (Con)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 4 February 2026

Debate

English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill

Contribution

My Lords, it is a pleasure to open this debate on behalf of my noble friend Lady Scott of Bybrook. Noble Lords from across the Grand Committee and indeed the House will be aware that the pensions Bill is currently in Committee and that the first two days of scrutiny were marked by a substantial number of amendments probing the Government’s approach to the Local Government Pension Scheme. We tabled numerous amendments on the technical detail of the valuation methodology, contribution rates, consultation requirements and interim reviews. I am sure the Minister will be relieved to hear that I do not intend to rehearse those matters again today. Likewise, I do not wish to upset the Minister in any way, but I note that it was disappointing that no Minister from the MHCLG was present during the discussions. The LGPS sits squarely across the responsibilities of both the DWP and the MHCLG. While long-standing, this overlap too often creates complexity and tension, and I fear that it could result in policy that is not always well aligned with the realities on the ground.

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