A groundbreaking petition is sparking nationwide debate as campaigners urge the UK Government to substantially increase the State Pension. The proposal demands a weekly pension of £549 for all individuals aged 60 and above, including those living abroad.
Spearheaded by Denver Johnson, this initiative has already garnered over 22,649 signatures, and if it amasses 100,000 signatures by 26 September 2025, Parliament will be obliged to consider it for debate.
Petition Overview
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Petition Goal | Raise State Pension to £549 per week for all over-60s |
| Petition Leader | Denver Johnson |
| Current Support | 22,649+ signatures (needs 100,000 by 26 September 2025) |
| Proposed Annual Income | £28,554.24 |
| Current Pension (April 2025) | £230.25 (new) / £176.45 (basic) weekly |
| Who’s Included | UK residents and ~453,000 expats with frozen pensions |
What the Petition Is Proposing
Campaigners argue that pensions should reflect 48 hours of work at the current National Living Wage (£11.44/hour), which equals:
- £549.12 per week
- £28,554.24 annually
They believe this would deliver a realistic and fair income for older citizens, especially during a period of rising living costs.
The campaign also spotlights the 453,000 British pensioners living abroad whose pensions remain frozen due to the absence of reciprocal agreements. Petitioners demand that these expats also benefit from the proposed increase.
Key Highlights of the Proposal
- Universal coverage for everyone aged 60 and older
- Weekly payment of £549 tied to the National Living Wage
- Inclusion of expats with currently frozen pensions
- Aim to restore dignity and security to pensioners
- Recognition of pensions as an earned right, not a benefit
Supporters emphasize that pensioners have contributed for decades, and their income should reflect this lifelong commitment.
How Close Is It to a Parliamentary Debate?
The petition has already exceeded 10,000 signatures, compelling an official response from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). However, to trigger a Parliamentary debate, it must reach 100,000 signatures.
As of January 2025, the petition had secured 18,710 signatures, showing steady growth as the September deadline approaches.
Current State Pension Rates vs Proposed Amount
While the State Pension will rise in April 2025 under the Triple Lock system, campaigners argue these increases remain insufficient compared to real living expenses.
| Pension Type | Weekly Rate (Before Apr 2025) | Weekly Rate (From Apr 2025) | Four-Weekly Total | Annual Total | Yearly Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | £221.20 | £230.25 | £921 | £11,973 | +£473.60 |
| Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 | £705.80 | £9,175.40 | +£361.40 |
Despite these increases, the amount still falls short of the proposed £549 weekly payment, which fuels the campaign’s popularity.
The Bigger Picture
Supporters contend that retirement ages keep rising, but pension amounts do not reflect modern costs of living. Linking the State Pension to the National Living Wage would ensure retirees receive an income aligned with current economic realities.
The petition also challenges the notion that the State Pension is a “benefit”, asserting it should be treated as a right earned through decades of contributions.
This petition represents a significant push for pension reform in the UK. If successful, it could redefine how the State Pension is calculated, offering financial security and dignity to millions of pensioners—both in the UK and abroad. With the deadline approaching on 26 September 2025, its growing support could reshape the future of retirement for older citizens.
FAQs
What is the main goal of this pension petition?
The petition aims to increase the State Pension to £549 per week for everyone aged 60 and above, including expats.
How many signatures are needed for a debate in Parliament?
The petition must collect 100,000 signatures by 26 September 2025 to be considered for a Parliamentary debate.
Who launched the petition to raise the State Pension?
Denver Johnson initiated the campaign and has already gained support from over 22,649 signatories nationwide.
