Flat-rate state pension will be 'simple and decent'

A new flat-rate state pension will provide a "single, simple, decent" pension, the Pensions Minister Steve Webb has said.

The new system is expected to start in 2017 and will be a weekly payment equivalent to £144, plus inflation rises.

The current full state pension is £107.45 a week, but can be topped up to £142.70 with pension credit, and by the state second pension.