There was anger in March when Chancellor Gordon Brown announced he would not repeat last year's pre-election £200 rebate for over-65s.
Two years ago, Tony Blair suggested a revised council tax, with ten instead of eight bands to more fairly reflect property values, could be introduced in 2007.
But he then shelved revaluation until at least 2010, amid fears of revolt if households in London and the South-East faced higher bills.
Instead, an independent inquiry by Sir Michael Lyons into reforming or replacing council tax is due to report to ministers at the end of the year.
Attempts by a few pensioners to raise the issue of sky-high bills by going to prison have been thwarted by mystery benefactors paying up for them.
Mr Field, a former welfare reform minister, was asked to give evidence to the committee to explain his plans for a second state pension to end pensioner poverty.
The proposals are among five packages being considered by ministers ahead of a crucial green paper on pensions reform.
There has been speculation that the Chancellor is warming to Mr Field's plans for all workers to pay into a Universal Protected Pension (UPP), on top of the existing state pension.
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