The UK government has responded to a petition signed by over 88,000 people calling for the State Pension age to be lowered to 65, saying it has “no plans” to do so
The UK government has issued a response to a petition demanding a reduction in the State Pension age. The public campaign called for the State Pension age to be lowered to 65, and having garnered over the necessary 10,000 signatures, it prompted an official government response.
An online petition launched by Michelle Gill on September 16 stated: “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.”
The petition has now amassed 88,128 signatures (at time of writing). On October 13, the government formally responded, stating it has “no plans” to lower the age.
The statement read: “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.” The State Pension age is currently 66, but it’s being phased up to 67.
The change started in April 2026 and is due to be fully in place by March 2028. The government said: “As longevity has increased and our society aged, State Pension age rises have maintained fairness between generations and protected the public finances.
“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.”
If the petition hits 100,000 signatures, it becomes eligible for consideration for a debate in Parliament. It is set to stay open until March 16, 2027. The push comes after the Prime Minister recently set out plans that would alter the triple lock system.
Addressing the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, the former Mayor of Greater Manchester also said that low-income pensioners would be exempt from paying income tax during this Parliament.
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