More than 110,000 people have backed a petition calling for the state pension age to be reduced to 65, a threshold that ensures the proposal will be considered for debate in Parliament. The petition, created by Michelle Gill, has gathered 111,974 signatures and will remain open until March 16, 2027.
The petition argues that lowering the state pension age could allow people to retire with dignity and potentially free up jobs for younger workers. 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. Many aged 65–67 face poor health, caring pressures, and limited work options, which we think is unfair."
Petition passes key threshold
An update published on the petition's official Parliament page on October 24 confirmed it had passed the 100,000-signature mark. The update said: "This petition got more than 100,000 signatures, meaning the Petitions Committee will consider it for debate in Parliament."
The petition was first published on September 16 and passed the 10,000-signature threshold required for an official Government response by October 1. It has now surpassed 100,000 signatures, putting the proposal in line for consideration by the Petitions Committee for a potential Parliamentary debate.
Government rejects proposal
However, the Government has already rejected calls to lower the state pension age. Responding to the petition on October 13, the Department for Work and Pensions said: "There are no plans to reduce state pension age to 65."
Ministers pointed to increasing life expectancy and the ageing population as reasons behind the current state pension age policy. The Government said men aged 66 in the UK in 2026 can expect to live for another 19.3 years on average, while women of the same age can expect another 21.9 years. By 2046, these figures are projected to have increased by a further 1.6 years.
Current policy and review
The State Pension age is currently rising gradually from 66 to 67, with the increase beginning in April 2026 and due to be completed in March 2028. The Government said increases to the State Pension age had helped maintain "fairness between generations" and protect the public finances as people live longer.
Meanwhile, the Third State Pension age Review is underway and will consider what pension age is appropriate for future decades. The review will consider evidence including life expectancy projections from the Office for National Statistics, findings from the Government Actuary and independent reports.
The Government also acknowledged that people aged 50 and over can face barriers to remaining in or returning to work, including ill health, disability and caring responsibilities. It said employment support was being reformed as part of plans for a new Jobs and Careers Service, alongside measures including 50PLUS Champions and Midlife MOTs.
