Petition to cut state pension age to 65 nears parliamentary debate threshold

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 12:20 · Archive

A petition calling for the state pension age to be reduced to 65 has attracted 97,869 signatures, just 2,131 short of triggering parliamentary debate.

A petition calling for the state pension age to be reduced to 65 for everyone has attracted 97,869 signatures, just 2,131 short of the 100,000 threshold required for parliamentary debate. Created by Michelle Gill, the petition remains open until March 16, 2027.

The campaign argues that lowering the state pension age could help people retire with dignity, avoid financial hardship and free up jobs for younger workers entering the labour market. It also highlights the difficulties facing people aged 65 to 67 who may be dealing with poor health, caring responsibilities and limited employment opportunities while waiting to qualify for their state pension.

The Government has rejected the proposal, saying there are no plans to reduce the state pension age to 65. The Department for Work and Pensions said the state pension age was rising because people were living longer and society was ageing. It pointed to Office for National Statistics projections showing that men aged 66 in the UK in 2026 could expect to live for another 19.3 years on average, while women of the same age could expect to live another 21.9 years. The Government said increases to the state pension age helped maintain fairness between generations and protect public finances. The state pension age is currently rising gradually from 66 to 67.

How it is being reported

• Calls to cut DWP State Pension Age to 65 grow as parliamentary debate draws closerThe campaign wants the state pension age reduced to 65 for everyone, and is close to the threshold for parliamentary debate.Oxfordshire Guardian · 22 Oct, 11:53
• Calls to cut DWP State Pension Age to 65 grow as parliamentary debate draws closerThe campaign wants the state pension age reduced to 65 for everyone, and is close to the threshold for parliamentary debate.Oxford Mail · 22 Oct, 11:53

In this story: Michelle Gill · Department for Work and Pensions · United Kingdom · Office for National Statistics

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