A powerful campaign is gaining momentum across the UK, calling on the government to increase the State Pension to £549 per week for all individuals aged 60 and above. Led by campaigner Denver Johnson, this petition has already garnered over 22,649 signatures and is rapidly gaining support. If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025, it could be scheduled for debate in Parliament.
What Is the Petition Asking For?
The petition demands that the State Pension be linked to the current National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour and reflect 48 hours of work per week. This calculation results in a weekly pension payment of approximately £549.12, or around £28,554.24 annually.
Importantly, this proposal also includes British pensioners living abroad—around 453,000 retirees whose pensions are currently “frozen” because of missing reciprocal agreements between the UK and their countries of residence.
Key Points of the Petition
- Make the State Pension available to everyone aged 60 and over.
- Increase the weekly pension to £549.
- Apply the increase both to pensioners living in the UK and expatriates.
- Link pension payments directly to the National Living Wage.
Supporters argue that treating the State Pension merely as a “benefit” is unfair, especially as the retirement age continues to rise. They believe the pension should provide genuine financial security, not just cover basic living costs.
Eligibility for Parliamentary Debate
The petition is rapidly gaining signatures but needs to hit the 100,000 mark to qualify for a Parliamentary debate. As of 14 January 2025, it had gathered 18,710 signatures. Supporters are urged to share and encourage more people to sign before the deadline on 26 May 2025.
Current State Pension Rates (2025 Update)
From April 2025, State Pension rates will rise slightly under the UK’s “Triple Lock” system, which protects pensions from being eroded by inflation or low wage growth:
- New State Pension:
- Weekly increase from £221.20 to £230.25
- Payment every four weeks: £921
- Annual increase from £11,502 to £11,973 (+£473.60)
- Basic State Pension:
- Weekly increase from £169.50 to £176.45
- Payment every four weeks: £705.80
- Annual increase from £8,814 to £9,175.40 (+£361.40)
Despite these rises, many believe the current pension rates are insufficient compared to the petition’s proposed £549 weekly figure, fueling calls for full reform.
Why This Petition Matters
Rising living costs mean many older people struggle to live on their current pensions, especially with increasing prices for essentials like food, rent, and utilities. Retirees want a pension that offers real financial support—not just a basic safety net.
For British expats, the situation is even more challenging. Pensioners residing in countries without reciprocal agreements with the UK have their pensions frozen, meaning their payments don’t increase in line with the cost of living.
What Happens Next?
After crossing 10,000 signatures, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is required to respond officially to the petition. However, this doesn’t guarantee immediate changes. The government must carefully review the financial implications and public demand before making any policy decisions.
For now, the petition remains a powerful tool to raise awareness and push for better pension policies.
Conclusion
The campaign to raise the weekly State Pension to £549 has sparked a nationwide conversation about fairness and dignity in retirement. As the cost of living continues to rise, many feel retirees deserve a pension that matches their real-life expenses. Public support will play a critical role in whether the government listens and acts on these demands.
If you support this cause, consider signing the petition and encouraging others to do the same before the 26 May 2025 deadline. For millions of pensioners, this change could mean a more secure and comfortable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What increase does the petition propose for the State Pension?
A1: The petition calls for raising the weekly State Pension to £549 for everyone aged 60 and above, reflecting 48 hours of work at the National Living Wage.
Q2: Who started the petition?
A2: The campaign is led by Denver Johnson and has gathered over 14,900 signatures so far, triggering a formal government response.
Q3: What would be the annual income from the proposed pension?
A3: The £549 weekly pension equates to an annual income of approximately £28,554.24.
Q4: How would the increase affect British expats?
A4: It includes around 453,000 pensioners living abroad, many of whom currently receive a frozen pension due to lack of reciprocal agreements.
Q5: When will the current State Pension rates increase?
A5: The current rates are set to rise in April 2025, with the New State Pension increasing to £230.25 per week.