A growing movement to reform the UK’s State Pension system has gained momentum, as a new petition calling for a significant increase to £549 per week has crossed over 18,700 signatures. The campaign, launched by Denver Johnson, has sparked national discussion and now requires over 81,000 more signatures by 26 May 2025 to be considered for parliamentary debate.
If enacted, the proposal would dramatically increase the weekly income of pensioners, align pension payments with the National Living Wage, and extend eligibility to everyone aged 60 and over, including British expats—a move that would fundamentally reshape the UK’s approach to retirement benefits.
What the Petition Is Demanding
The petition proposes:
| Petition Demand | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly Pension Amount | £549.12 per week |
| Annual Equivalent | £28,554.24 |
| Age Eligibility | Everyone aged 60 and above |
| Inclusion of British Expats | Yes, including those living overseas |
| Basis for Amount | Equivalent to 48 hours/week at £11.44/hr |
The idea is to link the State Pension directly to the National Living Wage, arguing that a fair retirement income should reflect what an average worker earns weekly. The current State Pension, even after upcoming 2025 increases, is less than half of this proposed amount.
Current State Pension Rates (Effective June 2025)
| Pension Type | Old Weekly Rate | New Weekly Rate | Annual Amount (2025/26) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | £221.20 | £230.25 | £11,973 |
| Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 | £9,175.40 |
While these figures reflect a 4.1% increase under the Triple Lock system, they fall far short of the proposed £28,554 per year. Petitioners argue that this is insufficient in the face of high inflation, soaring energy bills, and rising living expenses for older adults.
Why the Petition Matters
This proposal challenges several aspects of current pension policy:
- Calls for lowering the pension age from 66 to 60.
- Links pension entitlement to living wage standards rather than National Insurance contribution records alone.
- Addresses pension freezing for 453,000 British expats whose payments do not increase annually due to lack of reciprocal agreements.
Many supporters believe this policy would enhance retirement dignity, reduce elderly poverty, and stimulate the economy by increasing disposable income among retirees.
Government Response So Far
Because the petition crossed 10,000 signatures, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued an official response, reiterating:
- The State Pension is not classified as a benefit, but rather a contributory entitlement based on National Insurance (NI).
- The Government has no current plans to raise the State Pension to £549 per week.
- Acknowledging the fiscal impact, the DWP noted that such a change would cost billions annually.
No formal commitment has been made, but should the petition reach 100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025, it will be eligible for debate in Parliament.
British Expats: What Would Change?
The petition also highlights the frozen pensions many British retirees abroad face—particularly in countries without a reciprocal agreement (such as Canada, Australia, and parts of Africa). Currently, these pensioners do not receive annual uprating, meaning their pensions lose value over time.
If adopted, the policy would:
- Unfreeze payments for affected expats.
- Apply the £549 rate regardless of the retiree’s location.
- Potentially restore purchasing power to hundreds of thousands living overseas.
Supporters’ Argument
Campaigners argue that:
- The State Pension should reflect a livable retirement income, not a poverty threshold.
- Raising the personal allowance threshold and linking pensions to the living wage would reduce dependency on other welfare schemes.
- Early access at age 60 would support those in physically demanding jobs who struggle to work longer.
Next Steps
| Target for Debate | Details |
|---|---|
| Signatures Needed | 100,000 |
| Current Signatures | 18,710 (as of 25 May 2025) |
| Deadline | 26 May 2025 |
| Debate Eligibility | Will be scheduled if goal is met |
If you support this proposal or want to contribute to the conversation, you can sign the petition directly on the Parliament petition portal.
The proposal to raise the State Pension to £549 per week has sparked intense discussion around fairness, affordability, and how the UK treats its older citizens. While unlikely to be adopted without substantial reform, the momentum behind the petition shows a growing demand for systemic change in how retirement is funded and valued.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether Parliament will be compelled to address the issue in formal debate.
FAQs:
What is the proposed increase in the State Pension?
The petition demands a raise to £549 per week, equal to working 48 hours at the National Living Wage of £11.44/hour.
Who launched the petition?
The petition was started by Denver Johnson and has received over 18,000 signatures so far.
How much would the annual pension be if the petition succeeds?
It would amount to £28,554.24 per year.
Would British expats benefit from this?
Yes. The petition aims to include expats, especially the 453,000 retirees with frozen pensions.
