(Image: Aaron Chown)
A petition calling for the state pension age to be reduced to 65 for everyone is closing in on 100,000 signatures, despite the Government confirming it has no plans to lower the retirement age.
The campaign has attracted 97,869 signatures, putting it just 2,131 short of the 100,000 threshold at which a petition is considered for debate in Parliament.
Created by Michelle Gill, the petition argues that lowering the state pension age could help people retire with dignity, avoid financial hardship and free up jobs for younger workers entering the labour market.
It also highlights the difficulties facing people aged 65 to 67 who may be dealing with poor health, caring responsibilities and limited employment opportunities while waiting to qualify for their state pension.
However, the Government has rejected the proposal, saying there are no plans to reduce the state pension age to 65.
The petition, published on September 16, remains open until March 16, 2027 .
Government rejects calls to cut state pension age
In its response, published on October 13, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said the state pension age was rising because people were living longer and society was ageing.
The Government said: “There are no plans to reduce State Pension age to 65.”
It pointed to Office for National Statistics life expectancy projections showing that men aged 66 in the UK in 2026 could expect to live for another 19.3 years on average, while women of the same age could expect to live another 21.9 years.
By 2046, those figures are projected to increase by a further 1.6 years.
The Government said increases to the state pension age helped maintain fairness between generations and protect the public finances as longevity increased.
The state pension age is currently rising gradually from 66 to 67. The increase began in April 2026 and is due to be completed by March 2028.
An important question for @JohnHealey_MP. Next April - Full new State Pension will likely rise to £13,040/yr - Tax-free personal allowance frozen at £12,570/yr So the full new State Pension would normally attract tax. Yet you've said you'll honour former Chancellor Rachel Reeves' promise that those whose ONLY income is the State Pension won't pay tax. But will that be a cliff edge? If someone gets say just £30/yr from a tiny pension from an old job, would they lose that protection and face around £100 in tax for just thirty quid income? And what about a little savings interest? Even if it's tax-free under the starting rate for savings, would it count as extra income and cost them the tax? This needs to be thought through when you tell us in the budget.
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) October 14, 2026
State pension age review is under way
The Government also confirmed that the third State Pension age Review is under way.
The review will consider what state pension age is appropriate for future decades, taking into account fairness, the sustainability of public finances and evidence on life expectancy.
It will draw on ONS projections, findings from the Government Actuary, independent reports by Dr Suzy Morrissey and the Pensions Commission, and lessons from previous increases.
However, the Government has not announced any plans to reverse the current rise to 67.
Sun-drenched start to the day in Liverpool for the Pensions UK annual conference. Lovely to see lots of friendly faces and discuss what is a pivotal moment for pensions - the next year will lay the ground work for the system that will take us into the middle of this century. https://t.co/2DbCHJ2OC6
— Torsten Bell (@TorstenBell) October 15, 2026
Government points to support for older workers
Responding to concerns about people struggling to remain in work until state pension age, the DWP acknowledged that people aged 50 and over can face barriers including ill health, disability, caring responsibilities, menopause and outdated skills or qualifications.
It said employment support was being reformed as part of plans for a new Jobs and Careers Service.
Measures for older workers include dedicated 50PLUS Champions, additional work coach time for new Universal Credit claimants aged over 50, and Midlife MOTs delivered through Jobcentres to help people review their health, finances and skills.
The Government also highlighted its Pathways to Work support for disabled people and those with health conditions.
Petition argues lowering pension age could help younger workers
The petition also argues that reducing the state pension age could create more opportunities for younger people entering the jobs market.
The Government responded by pointing to its investment in the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy.
It said an additional £2.5billion would be invested by 2029 to support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn.
The plans include expanded Youth Hubs, additional work experience and training, a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers and a £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment.
The Government also said it would provide a fully funded six-month job for long-term unemployed people aged 18 to 24.
Recommended reading:
- The DWP can seize money from bank accounts under new rules – who is affected?
- Martin Lewis highlights cheaper way to dry washing as households face higher bills
- Mortgage rate warning as deals disappear within days amid market volatility
What happens if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures?
Parliamentary petitions that reach 100,000 signatures are considered for debate in Parliament. Reaching the threshold does not guarantee a debate will take place.
The petition has already passed the 10,000-signature mark, triggering a formal Government response.
With 97,869 signatures recorded, it needs another 2,131 to reach the debate consideration threshold.
The campaign remains open for signatures until March 16, 2027.