A growing online campaign calling for a significant overhaul of the UK State Pension system has now surpassed 10,500 signatures, prompting an official response from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The petition demands the introduction of a universal State Pension for everyone aged 60 and over, set at £586.08 per week—equivalent to 48 hours’ work at the current National Living Wage.
The petition has sparked renewed debate about the adequacy of pension provision in the UK, especially for older citizens and British retirees living abroad, many of whom see their pensions frozen due to the lack of reciprocal agreements with host countries. The DWP is now expected to issue a written response, in line with parliamentary protocol for petitions exceeding 10,000 signatures.
Petition Proposes Pension Increase Aligned With Living Wage
Launched by campaigner Denver Johnson, the petition titled “Give State Pension to all at 60 and increase it to equal 48 hours at Living Wage”, argues for a reimagined pension model rooted in financial independence and dignity. The proposed £586.08 weekly payment would represent an annual income of £30,476.16, calculated on the basis of 48 hours at the National Living Wage rate of £12.21.
Currently, the full New State Pension pays £230.25 per week, while the Basic State Pension stands at £176.45, according to official DWP figures. Johnson’s petition frames the current model as outdated, stating: “We think that Government policy seems intent on the State Pension being a benefit not paid to all, while ever increasing the age of entitlement.”
The proposal aims to extend eligibility to anyone aged 60 or over, including the estimated 453,000 pensioners abroad whose pensions have been frozen due to non-reciprocal arrangements with the UK. These retirees, the petition argues, are unfairly penalised for living outside select qualifying countries.
The Triple Lock and Growing Concerns Over Tax Liability
In the current system, State Pensions are adjusted annually via the Triple Lock mechanism, which guarantees increases in line with the highest of three metrics: average earnings growth, inflation (CPI), or a minimum of 2.5%. As of April, pensions rose by 4.7%, bringing modest gains to recipients, but falling far short of the petition’s proposed benchmark.
Meanwhile, concerns are mounting over the tax implications for retirees. According to the UK Government, the Personal Allowance will remain frozen at £12,570 until at least April 2028. As pension values rise, more individuals—especially those with additional private or workplace income—risk breaching the threshold and incurring tax liabilities on their retirement income.
