22

We questioned how 2023–24 pension disclosures appeared to show a reduction in public sector pension...

Conclusion
We questioned how 2023–24 pension disclosures appeared to show a reduction in public sector pension liabilities and raised that this was counter intuitive. We raised concern that this disclosure created presents a false picture of the underlying fiscal reality when the number of scheme members continues to risk and life expectancy trends increase long-term obligations.41 The Treasury acknowledged the Committee’s concern and suggested that the most meaningful long-term indicator of pension affordability is pension spending as a share of GDP. It commented that pensions were currently about 1.9% of GDP and expected to fall to about 1.4% over the next 50 years. The Treasury agreed with the general point about being transparent about different ways of measurement in order to support debate.42
Addressee Bodies
HM Treasury
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.2 yrs
Report published 04 Mar 2026