In July, Minister for Pensions, Ian McCartney MP, joined the people of Camden, in North London, looking at a Government website that can help 'silver surfers' make the most of their retirement. He was visiting Queens Crescent Library to launch the newest edition to the Government's UK online website and took the opportunity to explain:
"I am committed to improving the position of older people, indeed as Pensions Minister one of my objectives is to modernise the pensions system and the delivery of Government services to make a real difference for both today's and tomorrow's pensioners. This new one-stop-shop service is the way forward for the future"
Known as the Life Episode for Pensions and Retirement, the new service offers information for everybody from the young to the young at heart, a guide to lead you up to and through retirement - all under the same umbrella. Divided into four main stages, Pensions and Retirement gives a wide range of information on planning for your retirement, approaching retirement, reaching statutory retirement, and being retired whether voluntary or statutory.
"Choosing the right pension scheme is one of the most important decisions that individuals will make in their lifetime. At the minute however, most people just don't know where to start when it comes to planning for their retirement. This service gives access to clear, simple and helpful information. There's 4 'P's in your life, Parents, Partners, Passion and Pension - don't miss out on your future, start planning now."
For those who are not sure who does what job since the election, Ian McCartney, the Minister of State for Pensions, is a Minister in the new Department of Work and Pensions.
According to the Cabinet Office Press Office "UK Online" is the title of the drive to ensure that all who want it have access to the Internet by 2005. It is a partnership between Government, industry, the voluntary sector, trades unions and consumer groups and aims to help citizens and businesses harness the opportunities offered by new technology.
The web site, www.ukonline.gov.uk, was launched by the Prime Minister in September last year. It now links over 1,000 government web-sites and, under the headings of 'life episodes', groups together services and information to help people through key stages of their lives. As well as the Life Episode for Pensions and Retirement, other life episodes include looking after someone; having a baby; learning to drive; dealing with crime; moving home and death and bereavement.
That this web site fulfils a real need is indicated by recent research by the National Statistics office which says that nearly 1 in 5 adults who use the Internet do so to access government services or official information. Places, often libraries such as The Queens Crescent Library in Camden, where those with no access at home can gain access to the Internet and therefore use the website, are proliferating.
Future development of UK Online will include additional 'life episodes" and enhanced links to local government information. Access channels such as digital TV, WAP and kiosks will be added in time.
back to menu
Click Logo to Return to
Main Magazine Index