A major public campaign is gaining momentum in the UK, calling for a substantial increase in the State Pension. The proposal aims to raise the weekly payment to £549.12 for everyone aged 60 and above a significant leap from the current rates. If implemented, this change would transform the financial security of millions of pensioners both in the UK and abroad.
With inflation, housing costs, and utility bills rising sharply, pensioners are increasingly struggling to make ends meet. Advocates say this reform is long overdue, and a public petition is pushing the UK Parliament to debate the matter.
Why the Petition Exists
The campaign, led by Denver Johnson, argues that the State Pension should be linked to the National Living Wage rather than the current Triple Lock formula. The Triple Lock ensures pensions rise by the highest of inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5%, but campaigners believe this is no longer sufficient to meet real living costs.
Johnson’s petition, which has already secured over 22,000 signatures, aims for 100,000 signatures and the threshold required for Parliament to consider debating it. The goal is to ensure pensioners have the financial means to live with dignity and security.
Quick Summary
Aspect |
Details |
|---|---|
Proposed Weekly Pension |
£549.12 |
Proposed Annual Pension |
£28,554.24 |
Proposed Start Age |
60 years |
Current Weekly Pension (2025) |
£230.25 (New State Pension) |
Current Annual Pension |
£11,973 |
Pension for Expats |
Equal rates for all, no frozen pensions |
Petition Target |
100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025 |
Campaign Lead |
Denver Johnson |
Official Petition Link |
Current vs. Proposed Pension System
Feature |
Current System (2025) |
Proposed by Petition |
|---|---|---|
Weekly Pension |
£230.25 |
£549.12 |
Annual Total |
£11,973 |
£28,554.24 |
Pension Start Age |
66–67 |
60 |
Overseas Pension |
Frozen in some countries |
Equal rate for all |
Calculation Basis |
Triple Lock formula |
National Living Wage (48 hrs) |
What the Petition is Demanding
The petition specifically calls for:
- Pension age reduction: Start paying the State Pension from age 60 instead of 66–67.
- Weekly pension increase: Raise payments to £549.12.
- Equal treatment for overseas pensioners: Stop freezing pensions for UK citizens living in countries without reciprocal agreements.
- Direct link to National Living Wage: Base pension payments on 48 hours at the current National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour.
This means:
- £549.12 per week
- £28,554.24 per year
Campaigners stress that this is essential to protect pensioners from the rising cost of living, especially those on fixed incomes.
Impact on Overseas Pensioners
Currently, 453,000 UK pensioners living overseas in countries without a reciprocal agreement have their pensions frozen at the rate they first received it. This policy has been heavily criticised as unfair, especially for retirees in countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
The petition calls for an end to this practice, ensuring all pensioners regardless of where they live receive the same rate.
State Pension Increases in 2025
The government’s planned increase under the Triple Lock system from April 2025 will see rates rise as follows:
Pension Type |
Previous Weekly Rate |
New Weekly Rate (2025) |
Monthly (4-week) Rate |
Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
New State Pension |
£221.20 |
£230.25 |
£921 |
+£473.60 |
Basic State Pension |
£169.50 |
£176.45 |
£705.80 |
+£361.40 |
While this provides some relief, supporters of the petition argue that the increases are far from adequate compared to the £549.12 proposal.
Why the Change is Needed
- Cost of living pressures: Energy bills, food prices, and rent have all risen sharply.
- Pensioner poverty: Many pensioners rely solely on the State Pension and struggle to cover essentials.
- Economic fairness: Linking pensions to the National Living Wage would ensure they reflect the real cost of living.
Official Petition Process
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the government must respond.
If it reaches 100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025, the matter will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the proposed weekly State Pension amount?
A: £549.12 for all citizens aged 60 and above.
Q2: Who would benefit from the proposed change?
A: UK residents and the 453,000 overseas pensioners currently affected by frozen pension policies.
Q3: Has the government responded to the petition yet?
A: After crossing 10,000 signatures, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is expected to respond.
Q4: How is the proposed figure calculated?
A: It’s based on 48 hours at the current National Living Wage of £11.44/hour.
Q5: Will this replace the Triple Lock system?
A: If adopted, the proposal would base pension increases on the National Living Wage rather than the Triple Lock formula.
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