The senate will not deal with government plans to amend the corporate pension plan system until October 8, giving ministers four weeks to answer questions about the proposals, senators agreed on Tuesday evening.

The cabinet wants the debate to take place as soon as possible despite mounting opposition to the proposals from pension experts and pension funds.

Ministers plan to reduce the amount people can save tax-free towards their company scheme from 2.25% to 1.85% of their annual salary. They hope the measure will save the treasury €3bn a year from 2017.

The ruling VVD and PvdA do not control a majority of seats in the upper house and need the support of a third player to pass the legislation.

CDA senator Wopke Hoekstra told KRO radio on Tuesday the party will vote against the proposal, if it is put to the vote in the upper house of parliament in its present form.