What is "the state gold plated pension"?

The "state pension" usually refers to what people draw at 60-65 resulting from the NI contribution system.

What does "gold plated" mean? The repetition of this adjectival metaphor is clearly intended for effect, but in the end is a rather lazy way of developing an argument.

Most public sector pensions are contributory in the same way that private sector pensions are contributory. The civil service pension was non-contributory but this was reflected in lower pay. However, whatever the arrangements pay and pension are part of a salary-package, and really need to be look at like that. Where pensions were paid from stock market investment, then dramatic stock market collapse has undermined these. Where annuities are purchased, then the collapse in interest rates have affected these. The issue then is whether people with other pension arrangements should have their conditions worsened.

A more positive view would be to consider how those people who have lost out because of events well beyond their control might be supported and recompensed. The DIY pension approach hadn't worked in the past, largely because most people are not really paid enough to be able to save much, and the safety net was the workhouse. Proposing a return to a system which generates this at its end seems a tad misanthropic.