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<p>The evidential basis for the projected increase in longevity for women affected
by the Pensions Act 2011 is summarised in the Pensions Act 2011 impact assessment:</p><p><a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181462/pensions-bill-2011-ia-annexa.pdf"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/181462/pensions-bill-2011-ia-annexa.pdf</a></p><p>
</p><p>Paragraphs 3 to 6 of the impact assessment illustrate the latest cohort life
expectancies for the UK population, from the 2010-based principle population projections,
which were published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). A comparison is
made with cohort life expectancies from the 2004-based principle population projections
published by the Government Actuary’s Department, which were used to inform the Pensions
Act 2007. The impact assessment showed that, compared with the 2004-based projections,
life expectancy at state pension age in 2010 had increased by 1 year for males and
by 1.3 years for females.</p><p> </p><p>The 1991 discussion paper “Options for equality
in State Pension age” and the 1993 White Paper “Equality in State Pension age”, which
informed the Pensions Act 1995, used previous life expectancy projections from the
Government Actuary’s Department.</p><p> </p><p>Life expectancy is projected to continue
to increase in future years (according to the latest 2014-based projections from the
ONS). In forty years’ time, in 2057, average life expectancy at age 65 is projected
to be over 4 years higher than it is now. By 2064 (the end of the current projection
period) a baby girl will be expected to live to almost 100 (99.8 years).</p><p> </p><p>These
life expectancy projections were an important input into the government’s review of
State Pension age which was published in July of this year. As part of the review,
government commissioned an independent report, led by John Cridland CBE, and a report
from the Government Actuary. Both reports drew extensively on the life expectancy
projections from the ONS.</p><p> </p><p>The next set of life expectancy projections
from the ONS are due out later this year and every two years thereafter. The regular
State Pension age reviews, at least every six years, will provide a structured framework
for the Government to respond to any changes in the projections in the longer term.</p>
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