The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has responded to a petition calling for the State Pension age to be reduced to 65, confirming a review is underway but stating there are no plans to make the change.
The State Pension age began rising from 66 in April 2026 and is scheduled to reach 67 by April 2028. The UK Work and Pensions Committee has raised concerns about the impact on people unable to remain in employment, highlighting significant regional disparities in quality of life across the UK.
Petition surpasses 80,000 signatures
The petition, initiated by Michelle Gill, has gathered 80,000 signatures. If it reaches 100,000 supporters, it will be considered for a parliamentary debate where ministers would be required to outline their stance and any potential changes.
The petition states: "Reduce the state pension age to 65. We believe this could mean people can retire with dignity and avoid hardship. We also think it could free up jobs for younger workers entering the labour market. Many aged 65-67 face poor health, caring pressures, and limited work options, which we think is unfair."
Committee warns of health and poverty impacts
The Work and Pensions Committee has said that substantial shifts in people's health and wellbeing must be considered before the change is implemented. A report on pension age rises published this summer noted an increase in the percentage of people aged 60 to 64 reporting a work-limiting health condition, from 28% to 31%. Healthy life expectancy at birth fell by two years over the decade to 2024, with inequalities between the least and most deprived areas widening. In England, it is highest in Richmond upon Thames, where people can expect to live 70 years in good health, and lowest in Blackpool and Hartlepool, at around 51.
The report highlighted that the previous government's decision to increase the pension age had serious consequences: "The last rise - from 65 to 66, between late 2018 and 2020 - caused the income poverty rate among 65-year-olds to more than double. The fact that those affected will be a year older, leads us to fear that the impact may be even greater this time. Half of pre-pensioners (aged 60 to 66) in the lowest income quintile are already frail, and so vulnerable to significant deterioration in their physical and cognitive functioning."
DWP response and review details
The committee warned that the government "must not allow to happen" an extended period without financial assistance for 66-year-olds who are unable to continue working until age 67. It stated: "The government must not just allow that to happen. We heard an increase in the level of Universal Credit in the year before State Pension age would cost £600 million a year, a small proportion of the significant savings - £10.5 billion a year once the State Pension age is 67, compared to if it had stayed at 66."
The DWP said in response to the petition: "There are no plans to reduce State Pension age to 65. We are fortunate today that more people are reaching older ages: life expectancy has risen rapidly over the past century, driven by breakthroughs in medical treatments and generally healthier lifestyles. Office for National Statistics life expectancy projections show that in 2026, men aged 66 in the UK can be expected to live on average a further 19.3 years, and women aged 66 a further 21.9 years; by 2046, it is projected that this will have increased by an additional 1.6 years. State Pension age policy takes account of the fact that people are living longer and our society is ageing."
Addressing the review, it stated: "The Third State Pension age Review is underway and will decide what State Pension age is appropriate for future decades, balancing considerations of fairness and sustainability. It will consider a wide range of evidence, including ONS life expectancy projections, findings from the Government Actuary, independent reports from Dr. Suzy Morrissey and the Pensions Commission, and lessons from previous increases."
