Cameron puts brakes on pension reform David Cameron has demanded a rethink of flagship state pension reforms amid fears they could alienate core Conservative supporters, including the electorally crucial "grey" vote. The Financial Times has learnt the prime minister personally put the brakes on the plan for a flat-rate benefit worth around £140 a week after realising that millions of people would either lose out - or fail to benefit from - the new system. The policy, confirmed in George Osborne's controversial March Budget, is the latest to be re-examined after ministers underestimated its potential political fallout. Ministers, already smarting from the row over the "granny tax," recoiled at the prospect of another backlash from pensioners. Potential losers include higher earners. They will no longer be able to boost their retirement incomes through the state second pension, which will cease to exist, although amounts already built up will be protected. Existing pensioners will also lose because the flat-rate pension will only be offered to those who retire after its introduction, expected in the next parliament. The battle over NHS reforms was another reminder for the coalition that it needs to craft a voter-friendly message about radical changes before unveiling them to the electorate. In his Budget speech, Mr Osborne promised "a single, generous, basic state pension ... for those who have worked and saved hard all their lives." It was praised as a radical move that eliminated the need for means testing. In July, Steve Webb, pensions minister, announced the promised white paper had been postponed until the autumn, citing "the complexity and importance" of the proposals. Due within weeks, it is now expected to be consultative rather than prescriptive. The white paper will lay out a preferred way forward, while also highlighting other options which could include a later start date and longer transition period. One person close to the discussions said: "The proposals are not off the table but the white paper will probably look more "green" than white," referring to the traditional colour of the different stages of government policy papers. The DWP said: "We have promised a white paper, and will deliver one which covers all the key features of a single-tier pension system." Mr Osborne has insisted that the reform is "revenue neutral" and no additional money will be available in the short-term to cushion the reforms. Although the changes are supposed to save money in the longer term, the chancellor expects additional costs may arise in the 2030s. His concerns confirm the problems facing the coalition in trying to push through highly ambitious pension and welfare reforms - including the creation of a universal credit - at a time when tight public finances make it harder to soften the blow for those who lose out. Mr Osborne and Iain Duncan Smith, the work and pensions secretary, are at odds over the chancellor's plan to cut a further £10bn from welfare bills, a move which Mr Duncan Smith fears could harm the implementation of his flagship universal credit. However Tory officials insist there is no rift between the two men on the state pension reform. Mr Osborne's willingness to back the state pension reforms is linked to his determination to cut the cost of the country's pensions bill in future; his aides said he was interested in linking the state pension age in line with rising longevity, but no final decision had been taken.