There’s been a growing movement demanding a massive increase in the UK State Pension, with a new petition calling for weekly payments of £549.
Led by campaigner Denver Johnson, the petition has gained over 14,900 signatures, sparking a response from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
But what exactly does this proposal suggest, and how likely is it to become reality?
Petition
The petition argues that the State Pension should align with 48 hours of work per week at the current National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour. This would result in an annual pension of £28,554.24, or £549.12 per week, for all retirees aged 60 and above.
A key part of the proposal also addresses 453,000 British retirees living abroad who currently receive a frozen pension due to the UK’s lack of reciprocal agreements with certain countries.
If implemented, the increase would provide greater financial security to pensioners both in the UK and overseas.
The petition calls for:
- A universal State Pension for everyone aged 60+ from April 2024
- A weekly payment of £549.12 (equivalent to an annual pension of £28,554.24)
State Pension Rates
Although the government has plans to increase State Pension payments in April 2025, the proposed hike falls far below the petition’s demands.
| Pension Type | Current Weekly | New Weekly (April 2025) | Increase | Annual Total (April 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | £221.20 | £230.25 | +£9.05 | £11,973 |
| Full Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 | +£6.95 | £9,175.40 |
These increases, while welcomed, still leave pensioners with significantly less than the £549 per week suggested by the petition. Additionally, many recipients do not even qualify for the full pension due to insufficient National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
Significance
Supporters of the petition argue that the UK State Pension should not be treated as a mere benefit, especially given the continuous rise in the State Pension Age. Currently, the UK retirement age is set at 66, with plans to increase it further in the coming years.
If adopted, this proposal could:
- Reduce pensioner poverty by ensuring a pension that matches the cost of living
- Help British expatriates whose pensions remain frozen abroad
- Recognize pensions as an earned right rather than a government handout
Critics, however, argue that such a drastic increase would require significant public spending, leading to higher taxes or budget cuts in other sectors.
Next Steps
Although the petition has surpassed 10,000 signatures, triggering a formal response from the DWP, no immediate action has been taken. The government will likely discuss the financial feasibility of such changes, but a sudden increase to £549 per week seems highly unlikely.
Campaigners are urging pensioners to continue advocating for reforms, as the UK pension system remains one of the lowest among developed nations. For now, pensioners must wait to see whether the government will take further steps toward pension fairness.
FAQs
What is the UK State Pension petition about?
It demands a weekly pension of £549 for all retirees aged 60 and above.
Who started the petition?
Denver Johnson launched the petition, gaining over 14,900 signatures.
Will pensions increase in April 2025?
Yes, but only by £9.05 for the New State Pension and £6.95 for the Basic.
Why do some UK retirees get a frozen pension?
Those living in certain countries without agreements don’t get yearly increases.
Is the £549 pension increase likely to happen?
It’s uncertain, as the government hasn’t committed to such a large raise.
