THE “unique challenges” of Scotland’s low life expectancy must be taken into account in the Westminster government’s pension age review, according to a Scottish government minister.

Noting that while the average life expectancy in Britain is 78.6 years for men and 82.6 for women, compared to 76.8 and 80.8 in Scotland respectively, SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville told the review: “Inequalities in life expectancy, including healthy life expectancy, within the population are significant in Scotland.

“Reducing poverty and inequality, therefore, remains the best way of improving life expectancy.

“The Scottish government does not want to see any changes that do not fundamentally consider Scotland’s unique challenges.”

Repeating her call for compensation for Waspi women, who were not adequately informed about changes to the state pension age, she added: 

“Although the UK government acknowledged their mishandling of this, there has yet to be any compensation paid to the Waspi women despite pressure from both stakeholders and the Scottish government.

“It is vital that this review ensures that any changes are communicated clearly and fairly, so that similar distress is not repeated.”