Maude: I am launching a pensions consultation

Francis Maude, minister for the Cabinet Office, announces launch of consultation on proposals to increase pensions contributions:

"We have committed to public servants continuing to have pension arrangements that are among the very best available in the work place. I want to stress to all civil servants that our proposals for pension reform will ensure that the pension individuals receive at normal pension age would be broadly as generous for low and middle income earners as it is now and the pension you have already earned will be protected.

"I am today launching a consultation on proposals to increase pension contributions for 2012-13 and as part of this process we will be engaging with the civil service trade unions to discuss these proposals."