A new online petition is calling on the UK government to raise State Pension payments to £610 per week for every person over the age of 60, including British citizens living abroad in retirement. The petition, created by Denver Johnson, proposes linking the pension to 48 hours per week at the National Living Wage, currently £12.71 per hour.
Petition details and impact
The proposals would affect approximately 13 million individuals currently receiving the State Pension, as well as those aged 60 and over. Under the plan, recipients would receive £2,440 every four-week payment period, equivalent to around £31,724 annually. The increase would also extend to roughly 453,000 retirees whose State Pension has been frozen at the point of emigration because their country of residence lacks a reciprocal agreement with the UK government.
The petition, titled "Give State Pension to all at 60 and increase it to equal 48hrs of Living Wage," has been published on the petitions-parliament website. It states: "We want the government to make the State Pension available from age 60 and increase it to equal 48hrs a week at the National Living Wage." It adds: "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. We want reforms to the State Pension, so that it is available to all including expatriates, from age 60, and linked to the National Living Wage, for security."
Parliamentary thresholds
At 10,000 signatures, the petition would be entitled to a written response from the government. At 100,000 signatures, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.
Current State Pension rates
Under the Triple Lock measure, State Pensions increase each year in line with the highest of average annual earnings growth from May to July, Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation in the year to September, or 2.5 per cent. The New and Basic State Pension rose by 4.8 per cent in April, meaning someone on the full New State Pension now receives £241.30 per week, or £965.20 every four-week pay period. Those on the full Basic State Pension receive £184.90 per week, or £739.60 every four-week pay period.
Tax considerations
Guidance on GOV.UK states that pensioners may have to pay tax if their total annual income exceeds their Personal Allowance. Total income can include the State Pension (Basic or New), Additional State Pension, private pensions (workplace or personal, with some tax-free amount), earnings from employment or self-employment, taxable benefits, and other income such as from investments, property, or savings. An online tool on GOV.UK helps individuals check if they need to pay tax on their pension.
