Campaigners are urging the government to increase the state pension by £30 a week, arguing that the current rate is inadequate for retirees to cope with soaring living expenses. The call comes from the charity Independent Age, which warns that many older people are struggling to afford basic necessities.
Why the Increase Is Needed
According to Independent Age, the full new state pension is currently £203.85 per week, but the charity says this is not enough. Research by the charity found that a single pensioner needs at least £234 per week to cover essential costs such as food, housing, and energy. The proposed £30 increase would bring the pension to £233.85, nearly matching the estimated requirement.
The charity's chief executive, Joanna Elson, said: "The state pension is the bedrock of retirement income for millions of people, but it is simply not enough to live on. The government must act now to ensure older people can afford the essentials."
Impact of Rising Costs
The campaign highlights the disproportionate impact of inflation on pensioners. While the government has committed to the triple lock, which increases the pension by the highest of inflation, average earnings growth, or 2.5%, campaigners argue this is insufficient. In 2024, the pension rose by 8.5% due to earnings growth, but many retirees still face financial strain.
Independent Age's survey of over 2,000 pensioners revealed that 1 in 5 have cut back on heating or eating to save money. Additionally, 12% have fallen behind on bills, and 8% have used food banks. The charity warns that without action, more pensioners will be pushed into poverty.
Government Response
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: "We are committed to supporting pensioners, which is why we have increased the state pension by over £900 this year through the triple lock. We also provide pension credit, which can top up income for those on the lowest incomes."
However, campaigners argue that pension credit is underclaimed, with an estimated 800,000 eligible households not receiving it. They say a simpler solution is to increase the basic state pension.
Political Pressure
The call for an increase has cross-party support. Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: "The state pension must be a decent income that allows people to live with dignity. The current level is failing too many."
The campaign is also backed by Age UK and other charities, who are urging the government to act in the upcoming Budget. With the cost of living crisis continuing, the pressure on ministers to address pensioner poverty is mounting.
