A new petition is gaining momentum across the UK, calling for a dramatic increase in the State Pension to £549 per week for everyone aged 60 and above—including British expats. Spearheaded by campaigner Denver Johnson, the initiative has already gathered over 14,900 signatures, reigniting a national conversation around pension fairness, cost of living, and retirement security.
What the Petition Proposes
The campaign argues that the State Pension should be aligned with the National Living Wage, effectively treating retirement income as the financial equivalent of full-time employment.
Based on 48 hours per week at the current £11.44 hourly rate, the weekly State Pension would amount to:
48 hours × £11.44/hour = £549.12 per week
This is more than double the current New State Pension and nearly triple the Basic State Pension, marking a transformative change in how retirement is funded in the UK.
Current vs. Proposed Weekly State Pension
| Pension Type | April 2025 Rate | Proposed Rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | £230.25 | £549.12 | +£318.87 |
| Basic State Pension | £156.20 | £549.12 | +£392.92 |
Who Would Benefit?
The proposal seeks to include:
- All UK residents aged 60 and above, regardless of employment status
- British expats, including the 453,000 retirees living abroad whose pensions are currently frozen
- Current pensioners—around 12.9 million people—who rely on State Pension income
Why the Petition Matters
The campaign comes amid growing concern that the State Pension is no longer sufficient to meet basic living costs. Advocates argue that aligning pensions with the living wage would:
- Reduce poverty among retirees
- Ensure dignity and security in later life
- Adjust for decades of inflation and rising living expenses
It also aims to reverse the rising pension age, restoring universal access from age 60, a change that could benefit millions of people facing financial strain in the years before retirement.
Government Response So Far
Since the petition has crossed the 10,000-signature threshold, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is now required to issue an official response. While no detailed reply has been made public yet, the Government has historically defended the current Triple Lock system, which increases pensions annually by the highest of:
- 2.5%
- Average earnings growth
- Consumer price inflation (CPI)
From April 2025, the New State Pension will rise to £230.25 per week, and the Basic State Pension to £156.20—increases aligned with this mechanism. However, these amounts remain far below the £549 suggested by the petition.
Can It Happen?
While the idea of a higher pension is widely appealing, it comes with significant financial and political challenges. A full rollout of this plan would likely require tens of billions in additional government spending annually.
Still, supporters argue that the cost of doing nothing—in terms of poverty, health decline, and economic inequality—is just as high.
What’s Next?
The petition is set to remain open until 26 May 2025. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. Until then, campaigners continue to push for broader awareness and support.
FAQs
What is the £549 pension proposal based on?
It reflects 48 hours of work per week at the National Living Wage of £11.44, equating to £549.12 weekly.
Who would benefit from the proposal?
All individuals aged 60 and over, including British expats, regardless of whether they are currently working.
Why are some expat pensions frozen?
Around 453,000 UK pensioners abroad do not receive annual increases due to the lack of reciprocal agreements between the UK and their host countries.
Is this proposal financially realistic?
While bold, the proposal faces fiscal and policy challenges. However, the campaign is drawing attention to critical issues in the current retirement system.
