The UK Government has responded to proposals put forward in an online petition
Linda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Rory Poulter
04:00, 01 Oct 2025
Over 16,400 people from across the UK have backed the petition(Image: izusek via Getty Images)
The UK Government has said there are “no plans to make the State Pension available from the age of 60” or for payments to increase to £586 each week, responding to proposals outlined in an online petition. Over 16,400 people from across the UK have backed the petition, which appears on the Petitions Parliament website.
Petition founder Denver Johnson suggests boosting payments to match 48 hours each week at the National Living Wage rate of £12.21 per hour. Such an increase would give more than 12 million people currently receiving the State Pension – and those over 60 – £2,344 every four-week payment period, totalling some £30,476 annually.
This enhancement would also extend to approximately 453,000 retirees whose State Pension has been frozen at the point of emigration due to their current country of residence lacking a reciprocal agreement with the UK Government, reports the Daily Record.
More than 16,000people have signed an online petition proposing a new ‘universal’ State Pension linked to the National Living Wage.(Image: Getty Images 2020)
In a written response to the petition on Monday, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: “The Government is committed to supporting current and future generations of pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement.
“Our commitment to the Triple Lock through this Parliament will benefit over 12 million pensioners. From the end of this Parliament, spending on the State Pension as a result of our commitment to protect the Triple Lock is forecast to be around £31billion more a year, compared with 2024/25.”
The DWP further elaborated on how its system of state, private, and workplace pensions forms the foundation for security in retirement. They emphasised that the New State Pension, introduced in 2016, serves as a “simpler, clearer, sustainable foundation” for private saving, including workplace pensions supported through Automatic Enrolment.
The DWP continued: “The Government also takes seriously the need to ensure future retirees have a decent standard of living. That is why the Government have recently launched the Pensions Commission to ensure our pensions system delivers this in the decades ahead.”
The DWP also highlighted that additional benefits such as Pension Credit can assist pensioner households with a low income. This means-tested benefit also provides further support, including assistance with housing and heating costs, Council Tax and free TV licences for over-75s.
Winter Fuel Payments will also be distributed to pensioners over 66 with an income at or below £35,000. These payments will be made during November and December, with letters advising of payment amounts being sent out from October.
The DWP concluded: “Pensioners with a long-term health condition or disability may also be eligible for additional-costs disability benefits. In England and Wales these are Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.”
Responding to the proposals in the petition, the DWP said: “There are no plans to bring State Pension age back down to 60.
“Increases to State Pension age have been in legislation since the Pensions Act 1995 and there have since been a number of legislated increases to State Pension age introduced under successive Governments. As longevity has increased and our society aged, State Pension age rises have maintained fairness between generations and protected the public finances.”
You can read the complete response on the Petitions Parliament website. At 100,000 signatures of support, the proposals would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
Annual State Pension uprating
Under the Triple Lock, State Pensions rise each year in line with whichever is the highest of average annual earnings growth from May to July, Consumer Price Index inflation rate (CPI) in the year to September or 2.5 per cent.
The Triple Lock is currently on track to be determined by the earnings growth element of 4.7 per cent (including bonuses).
The CPI for September will be published on October 22 and is forecast to be 4 per cent.
An uprating of 4.7 per cent on the current State Pension would see people receive the following amounts.
Full New State Pension
- Weekly: £241.05 (from £230.25)
- Four-weekly pay period: £964.20
- Annual amount: £12,534
Full Basic State Pension
- Weekly: £184.75 (from £176.45)
- Four-weekly pay period: £739
- Annual amount: £9,607
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will confirm the annual uprating for the state Pension and benefits at the Autumn Budget on November 26.