The UK State Pension age is not currently set to rise to 70, but three experts interviewed by the Express unanimously agree that an increase to 70 is increasingly likely over the coming decades due to rising life expectancy and growing pressures on public finances.
Current and Planned Increases
The State Pension age is already rising from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, with a further increase to 68 already legislated for later this century. This trajectory has prompted questions about whether 70 will eventually become the new normal retirement threshold.
Jason Hollands, Managing Director at Evelyn Partners, told the Express: "The government is committed to conducting periodic reviews of the State Pension age, and I believe there is a strong likelihood that it will eventually rise to 70. The main drivers are affordability, demographic change and the possibility that future advances in healthcare could extend both working lives and retirement periods."
Drivers of the Increase
Hollands noted that the cost of providing the State Pension has increased significantly since the introduction of the triple lock in 2011/12. Unlike some countries, the UK State Pension is funded from current taxation rather than a dedicated investment fund. As the population ages and the triple lock delivers real-terms increases, the cost to public finances has grown substantially.
"In fact, the cost of the triple lock has significantly exceeded many of the projections made when it was introduced, largely because inflation has been much higher than expected in the years following the pandemic," he added. The debate now includes intergenerational fairness, as the triple lock improves pensioner incomes relative to working-age people, many of whom face higher housing costs and debt.
Political and Practical Considerations
Despite concerns, there remains broad political support for the triple lock across major parties. Pensioners represent a large voting bloc, making politicians reluctant to propose reforms. Hollands suggested that raising the State Pension age may be one of the more politically achievable ways to control long-term costs, compared to reforming the triple lock, means testing, or tax increases.
Tim Grimsditch, Managing Director at Unbiased, agreed: "A state pension age of 70 is no longer a distant worst case — it is a credible destination if life expectancy and fiscal pressures continue on their current trajectory." He warned of the human cost: "ONS data shows the average retirement age in the UK is currently 66. If the state pension age reaches 70, millions of workers face a four-year gap during which they must entirely self-fund their retirement through private savings before receiving a penny of state support — and many will not have planned for it."
Need for Transitional Support
Grimsditch emphasised that robust transitional support is essential: "If policymakers choose to go further and faster on raising the state pension age, they cannot leave those nearing retirement stranded. Bridging provisions for those who have spent decades planning around the current rules must be part of any package." He advised individuals not to wait for policy certainty, but to seek advice from a qualified financial adviser.
Lily Megson-Harvey, Policy Director at My Pension Expert, highlighted the importance of certainty for savers: "The debate around the State Pension age is really about whether people can plan for retirement with any certainty. As people live longer and pressures on public finances continue, it is understandable that policymakers keep the timetable under review. But for many savers, the State Pension is a key part of their retirement plans, so any changes need to be handled carefully and with enough notice."
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Megson-Harvey stressed that this matters especially for people in physically demanding jobs or those with health issues that make working longer unrealistic. She welcomed the government's decision to bring back the Pensions Commission, reflecting the scale of challenges facing the retirement system.
"Savers need clear communication, greater access to regulated financial advice, and enough time to make informed decisions about their retirement. The State Pension should provide a foundation people can build on with confidence, alongside private pension savings and a long-term plan that reflects their individual circumstances," she said.
Conclusion
All three experts agreed that the direction of travel is clear: the State Pension age is heading upwards. Individuals are likely to need to rely more heavily on private and workplace pension provision than previous generations. Building adequate retirement savings, maintaining flexibility around retirement timing, and avoiding over-reliance on the State Pension are becoming increasingly important components of long-term financial planning.
