The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it has no plans to lower the State Pension age to 65, in response to an online petition that has gathered nearly 100,000 signatures.
The petition, created by Michelle Gill, argues that reducing the State Pension age could allow older people to retire with dignity and avoid financial hardship. It has attracted more than 97,800 signatures and is close to reaching the 100,000 threshold needed for consideration for a parliamentary debate.
Government Position on Retirement Age
In its written response, the DWP stated: "There are no plans to reduce State Pension age to 65." The department pointed to increasing life expectancy and the need to maintain fairness between generations while protecting public finances.
The petition on the Petitions Parliament website had received 97,867 signatures on Thursday morning (October 22), leaving it just 2,133 short of the threshold for consideration by the Petitions Committee for a parliamentary debate. The petition will remain open until March 16, 2027.
Life Expectancy and Fairness
The DWP said: "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."
It added: "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."
The department said the State Pension age policy takes account of people living longer and an ageing population. It continued: "As longevity has increased and our society aged, State Pension age rises have maintained fairness between generations and protected the public finances."
Review and Support for Older Workers
The DWP also confirmed that the third State Pension age review is underway and will consider the appropriate retirement age for future decades. The review will examine evidence including life expectancy projections, findings from the Government Actuary, independent reports from Dr Suzy Morrissey and the Pensions Commission, and lessons from previous increases.
The petition highlights the difficulties faced by people aged between 65 and 67 who may have health conditions, caring responsibilities or limited employment opportunities. It 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."
The petition adds: "Many aged 65-67 face poor health, caring pressures, and limited work options, which we think is unfair."
Responding to these concerns, the DWP acknowledged that people aged 50 and over can face barriers to entering, remaining in or returning to employment, including ill health, disability and caring responsibilities. The department highlighted support available to older workers, including dedicated 50PLUS Champions, additional Work Coach time for new Universal Credit claimants over 50 and Midlife MOTs delivered in Jobcentres. People can also access a free digital Midlife MOT to review their health, finances and skills.
The State Pension age is currently increasing from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and March 2028.
