Carmichael welcomes pension service u-turn on isles’ office closures

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael has welcomed news that the pension service has scrapped plans for the closure of local offices and outreach services in Orkney and Shetland.

In July, the service announced plans for the closure of local offices following a strategic planning exercise.

However, this move was delayed after Mr Carmichael expressed concerns over the impact that this could have on vulnerable individuals in the Northern Isles.

Senior pension service management confirmed today, during a meeting with Mr Carmichael, that the Kirkwall and Lerwick offices are to remain open, with one full-time member of staff in each office continuing to provide the range of services available at present.