Policy, Parliament and Poverty: the BGS Policy Team attends the Select Committee on Pensioner Poverty

Reflections from the BGS Trainee Reps

Dr Megan Knight (Whittington Hospital, North London) and Dr Diana Newman (Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust) are both ST5 Geriatric and General Medicine Registrars and are the trainee representatives for the BGS Policy and Communications Committee.

On 30 April 2025, the British Geriatrics Society (BGS) presented oral evidence to the Work and Pensions Select Committee’s inquiry into pensioner poverty. Dr Ruth Law, BGS Honorary Secretary and Vice President of Policy, gave oral evidence on behalf of BGS. We, Megan and Diana, attended as Policy and Communications Trainee Representatives, and are keen to share our first-hand experience of our first Select Committee attendance!

What is a Select Committee?

A Select Committee is a cross-party group of MPs or Lords that scrutinises government work through focused inquiries. They gather evidence from experts, organisations, and the public to investigate key issues. In this case, the committee was investigating pensioner poverty amid rising living costs. Select Committees invite written submissions, hold in-person sessions, and publish reports outlining their findings and recommendations. The government must then issue a formal response to each committee’s report and proposed actions.

What was this Committee about?

The Select Committee examined the growing issue of pensioner poverty, worsened by rising living costs. The inquiry followed the government’s July 2024 decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to those receiving pension credit or means-tested benefits, prompting debate on balancing pensioner support with fiscal sustainability. The committee aimed to understand the causes and impact of pensioner poverty, dispel myths about older people’s finances, and assess how policies and local systems can better protect vulnerable adults. Evidence for the committee included over 60 written submissions, nine evidence sessions, and a survey of 1,464 pensioners, revealing the real-life effects of financial hardship.

The BGS contribution

On the sixth evidence-gathering day, the BGS presented in person, with Dr Ruth Law joining a distinguished panel including Professor Sir Michael Marmot (Director of UCL’s Institute of Health Equity), Dr David Attwood (GP Partner from the Southwest), David Finch (Assistant Director at the Health Foundation), and Toby North (Head of Public Affairs at Marie Curie).

Dr Law’s testimony explored the relationship between poverty and ageing, questioning whether the current state pension age is appropriate and highlighting how financial hardship undermines healthy ageing. She described how older adults often cut back on essentials like food, heating, and social activities, increasing isolation and frailty risk. Notably, around 10% of people aged 65 or over live with frailty, a condition worsened by poverty through limited access to healthcare, transport, and support. Dr Law emphasised that poverty and frailty create a “double whammy” for older adults and called for urgent, comprehensive policy action to reduce inequalities and improve both quality and length of life in later years.

Professor Sir Michael Marmot

We were fortunate to attend a committee session featuring Professor Sir Michael Marmot, renowned for his 2010 ‘Marmot Review’ on health inequalities. His passion for health equity was clear as he spoke about the link between life expectancy and local government spending, showing how cuts to local services directly affect health outcomes. He urged that wellbeing and fairness should underpin all government policy, drawing attention to stark inequalities between rich and poor communities. Strikingly, he noted that those in deprived areas often spend fewer years enjoying their pensions due to reduced life expectancy. Despite the gravity of these issues, Professor Marmot ended his talk on an encouraging note, reminding us that since the 1960s, there has been significant progress for the poorest sectors of society, and that continued improvement remains within reach.

What were the Committee’s findings?

The final committee report called for a national, cross-government strategy to improve policy coherence and hold agencies accountable. One of the key recommendations was to increase the uptake of pension credit, which is currently claimed by only two-thirds of eligible pensioners. The committee also highlighted the need for face-to-face assistance and improved welfare advice to ensure that vulnerable older adults can access the support they need.

Why should you attend a Select Committee session?

Attending a Select Committee session is a unique opportunity to witness government policy being examined and shaped in real-time. Anyone can attend these sessions, either virtually or in person at the Houses of Parliament. Upcoming meetings are listed online - simply choose a committee, follow the access instructions, and let security know which session you wish to observe. No tickets or registration are required. It’s a fascinating experience: you can hear expert evidence, see debates unfold, and explore the historic parliamentary building!

Conclusion - Get involved!
The Select Committee on Pensioner Poverty shed much-needed light on the challenges facing older adults in the UK and the need for urgent policy action to address this issue. Attending this gave us valuable insight into the inner workings of government inquiry. We highly recommend attending a Select Committee session if you have the chance. It’s an engaging and informative experience that brings vital social issues to the forefront.