A TORY pensions expert has said she is “baffled” by the comments made on the topic in an independent Scotland.
Ros Altmann, who served as work and pensions minister under David Cameron from 2015-2016, explained that pensions are built up by National Insurance payments – regardless of which country you live in.
The comments follow debate over who would be liable for pensions if Scotland gained independence.
Ian Blackford said that Scots who have paid National Insurance in the UK system are entitled to pension payments.
READ MORE: SNP must 'reassure' voters on pensions ahead of indyref2, campaigners say
The Westminster leader was challenged on whether this position chimes with the argument made by the SNP ahead of the 2014 independence referendum that responsibility for pensions in an independent Scotland would "transfer to the Scottish Government”.
But Nicola Sturgeon said the SNP’s position remained "as it was" in the 2014 white paper, adding that there would be negotiations on many different issues when Scotland becomes independent regarding assets and liabilities including the "historical position in terms of National Insurance contributions paid by Scots".
She said that this would influence the "starting position" of negotiations.
From the point Scotland becomes independent, it will then be for the Scottish Government to be responsible for the payments of pensions.
Responding to Sturgeon, the Scottish Tories' shadow constitution secretary Donald Cameron accused the First Minister of "tying herself in knots over this issue".
He said the FM was "reluctant" to "hang [Blackford] out to dry" by contradicting him on the issue.
Bit baffled by comments on #statePensions in #ScottishIndependence
— Ros Altmann (@rosaltmann) February 10, 2022
State pensions are built up by your NI payments and paid to you whether or not you live in this country. Two caveats:
1 If youve <10yrs NI contribs you may get no pension
2 annual increases wd need negotiation
But Altmann, a well-known pensions expert, said: “Bit baffled by comments on #statePensions in #ScottishIndependence State pensions are built up by your NI payments and paid to you whether or not you live in this country.
"Two caveats: 1 If you've <10yrs NI contribs you may get no pension 2 annual increases wd need negotiation."
Meanwhile, Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp, the head of pro-independence think tank Business for Scotland, called on the Scottish Government to commit to paying pensions if Scotland left the UK.
Ros is rightly highly respected for her knowledge on pension matters. I had the pleasure to shadow Ros when she was pensions minister and always had reasoned discussions. She speaks, unlike some others,with authority on pension matters. https://t.co/KIWV1lQ8Yd
— Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) February 10, 2022
He said: “What the SNP should be saying is the simple truth that pensions will be safer and better in an independent Scotland.
READ MORE: Scots need to know their pensions will be equal or higher post-indy
“The Scottish Government must guarantee all pensions and benefits. Pensions must be paid and administrated by the Scottish Government".
Following the debate around Blackford's pensions comments, the SNP's Westminster leader said his views on the matter had been "wholly misrepresented".
Individuals pay national insurance and as a result build entitlement to a state pension. Today’s national insurance contributions meet current pension payments. There are requirements out of national insurance such as two months cash flow held within the national insurance fund.
— Ian Blackford (@Ianblackford_MP) February 10, 2022
Blackford took to Twitter to call out the article which he said "misrepresents his views.
He said: "I have never argued that those receiving a state pension build up a pot, there is no such pot so what is the reality?
"Individuals pay national insurance and as a result build entitlement to a state pension. Today’s national insurance contributions meet current pension payments. There are requirements out of national insurance such as two months cash flow held within the national insurance fund.
"The UK Govt actuaries publish reports on the expected trajectory of national insurance receipts and expenditure. Any shortfall in liabilities can and must be met with additional funding."
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