22 February 2005 - Views sought on best practice sharing with EU on pensions and tackling poverty
Work and Pensions Minister Chris Pond today threw open a debate about how the UK can best share its ideas about pensions and tackling poverty across Europe.
Organisations involved in social inclusion will be able to evaluate the process which allows EU countries to discuss common challenges without the need for legislation.
Launching the consultation on the “Open Method of Co-ordination” (OMC), Chris Pond said:
“The UK has much to bring to the EU discussion table. We have one of the most financially sustainable pension systems in Europe. And we have set the challenging target to eliminate child poverty by 2020. Its priority and success in creating employment has been key to achieving both these objectives.
“To further improve the way we share best practice, I am calling on all those with an interest in social inclusion issues to contribute to the UK response. Their views on how the process works and how it could be changed in the future are an important element of this evaluation.”
The Department for Work and Pensions is inviting comments from non-governmental organisations involved with social inclusion or pensions, those experiencing poverty and social inclusion, the TUC and CBI, local and regional government.
Notes for editors
- Copies of the Commission questionnaire can be obtained via the DWP website at www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2005/omc/index.asp
- Reponses must be returned to omc-evaluation@dwp.gsi.gov.uk by 30 April 2005 or to Ben Archibald, Level 5C Caxton House, Tothill Street, LONDON SW1H 9NA
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