UK Government Must Respond to Petition Lowering Pension Age

The Department for Work and Pensions is required to provide an official response after a parliamentary petition to lower the state pension age to 65 surpassed 10,000 signatures. The petition, created by Michelle Gill, argues that a lower retirement age would allow citizens to retire with dignity and create more employment opportunities for younger workers, noting that youth unemployment reached 16.4% between May and July 2026.

These demands contrast with current government policy, which is implementing a phased increase of the pension age from 66 to 67 between April 2026 and April 2028, with a further planned increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046. Proponents of the petition highlight that individuals aged 65 to 67 often face limited work options due to poor health and caring responsibilities.

To mitigate the impact of the rising pension age, the Work and Pensions Committee has recommended increasing Universal Credit for 66-year-olds by the end of 2026. Committee Chairwoman Debbie Abrahams advocated for these additional social security payments to prevent financial hardship for those unable to work until 67, particularly those in deprived areas or suffering from ill health.