A new petition is calling on the UK Government to increase the State Pension to £610 per week for everyone aged 60 and over, including British expatriates living abroad. The proposal would also reduce the State Pension age from 66 to 60.
Petition Details and Financial Impact
According to the petition, organised by Denver Johnson and reported by the Daily Record, the £610 weekly amount is based on 48 hours at the National Living Wage rate of £12.71 per hour. This would provide 13 million current State Pension recipients and those over 60 with £2,440 every four-week payment cycle, totalling £31,724 annually.
The petition also extends to approximately 453,000 pensioners whose State Pension has been frozen at the point of emigration due to their host country lacking a reciprocal agreement with the UK. The petition states: "We want the Government to make the State Pension available from age 60 and increase it to equal 48hrs a week at the National Living Wage."
Current State Pension Levels
Under the Triple Lock mechanism, State Pensions rise each year by the highest of average earnings growth (May to July), CPI inflation (September), or 2.5%. In April 2026, the New and Basic State Pension increased by 4.8%. Someone on the full New State Pension now receives £241.30 a week, or £965.20 every four weeks. Those on the full Basic State Pension receive £184.90 weekly, or £739.60 every four-week period.
Petition Thresholds and Next Steps
The petition, titled 'Give State Pension to all at 60 and increase it to equal 48hrs of Living Wage', is hosted on the petitions-parliament website. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government will issue a written response. At 100,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee will consider it for a parliamentary debate.
Tax Implications for Pensioners
Guidance on GOV.UK reminds pensioners that State Pension income is taxable. Tax is payable if total annual income exceeds the Personal Allowance. Total income includes the State Pension, Additional State Pension, private pensions, earnings, taxable benefits, and income from investments, property, or savings. An online tool is available on GOV.UK to check if tax is owed on pension income, though it cannot be used by those receiving foreign income, Marriage Allowance, or Blind Person’s Allowance.
