Parliamentary under-secretary for pensions and financial inclusion
21 June 2017
Following the post-election reshuffle, Guy Opperman has been named as parliamentary under-secretary for pensions and financial inclusion.
Professional Pensions reports that Opperman's appointment has been received positively, but experts say he must tackle a number of outstanding policy issues.
The previous pensions minister Richard Harrington, moved to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This leaves Opperman with a large pile of pensions issues do deal with, including the fate of the triple lock on the state pension and whether the state pension age will be raised, as well as legislation to crack down on pension scams, and the review of auto-enrolment workplace pensions.
The People's Pension director of policy and market engagement, Darren Philp, welcomed the new minister. He said:
"It is encouraging to see the expansion of Opperman's role to oversee all forms of financial engagement. This new remit bodes well for both the regulators and the industry, both of whom are crying out for a more joined-up approach when it comes to pensions and financial guidance policy."
Guy Opperman will be working under David Gauke, who has become secretary of state for work and pensions.
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