Clare Adamson, the MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, has strongly criticised reports that the UK Government plans to accelerate the increase of the State Pension age to 68, moving the date forward by at least seven years from the current schedule of 2044-2046 to 2037. The Treasury has reportedly informed the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) of this policy shift, which is expected to save approximately £6 billion annually.
Impact on Local Communities
Ms Adamson highlighted that the proposed change would disproportionately affect areas like Motherwell and Wishaw, where average life expectancy is already below the national average. Recent figures indicate that life expectancy in these communities is several years lower than the Scottish average for both men and women, underscoring existing inequalities.
“These reported plans are deeply concerning and would mean many people being forced to work even longer before receiving the State Pension they have paid into throughout their working lives,” Ms Adamson said. “This proposal fails to recognise the reality facing communities like Motherwell and Wishaw, where life expectancy is already lower than the Scottish average. For many people locally, asking them to work for longer risks reducing the time they are able to enjoy retirement altogether.”
Health Inequalities and Pension Policy
The MSP emphasised that health inequalities continue to significantly impact North Lanarkshire, and any decisions about the State Pension age must account for these disparities rather than applying a uniform approach. “People who have worked hard and contributed throughout their lives deserve dignity and security in retirement. Instead, these reported plans would ask many to work longer while receiving less from the pension system they have paid into for decades,” she added.
Under current legislation, the State Pension age is set to rise from 67 to 68 between April 2044 and April 2046, affecting those born between April 1977 and April 1978. The Treasury's new plan would bring this forward to 2037-2039, impacting approximately five million people currently aged 49 to 55, who would have to work an extra year before becoming eligible for their state pension.
Government Position and OBR Confirmation
The OBR stated: “We assume that the state pension rises to 68 in 2037-39. The Treasury has confirmed to us that this is the government’s current policy position, rather than the legislated increase set in the Pensions Act 2007.” Pensions Minister Torsten Bell confirmed that bringing forward the rise is under consideration, noting that the Labour government wants to “make sure that we have a sustainable state pension for the longer term.”
Ms Adamson concluded: “I will continue to stand up for the interests of people across Motherwell and Wishaw and oppose any changes that unfairly disadvantage communities which already experience poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy.”
