A strong campaign is gaining attention in the UK. It asks the government to increase the State Pension to £549 per week for everyone aged 60 and above, including British pensioners living abroad. Led by campaigner Denver Johnson, the petition has already collected over 22,649 signatures, showing growing public support. If it reaches 100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025, it could be debated in Parliament.
What the Petition Is Asking For
The petition says the State Pension should match 48 hours of work per week at the current National Living Wage of £11.44 per hour. That works out to a weekly pension of £549.12, or £28,554.24 per year. Supporters believe this would offer a fair income to millions of pensioners and better reflect the rising cost of living.
This proposal also includes British expats, especially the 453,000 pensioners whose pensions are frozen abroad due to missing 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 pension to £549 per week
- Apply the increase to both UK residents and expats
- Link pension payments to the National Living Wage
Supporters argue that treating the State Pension as just a “benefit” is unfair, especially as the retirement age keeps increasing. They say the pension should give financial security in retirement, not just cover basic needs.
Eligibility to Be Debated in Parliament
The petition is gaining support quickly, but it needs 100,000 signatures to be considered for a debate in Parliament. As of 14 January 2025, it had 18,710 signatures. The deadline to meet the target is 26 May 2025, so supporters are encouraged to spread the word and keep signing.
Current State Pension Rates (2025 Update)
Starting in April 2025, the State Pension will increase slightly due to the Triple Lock system, which protects pensions from losing value due to inflation or low wage growth.
New State Pension:
- Weekly rise: From £221.20 to £230.25
- Monthly total: £921 every four weeks
- Annual increase: From £11,502 to £11,973 (+£473.60)
Basic State Pension:
- Weekly rise: From £169.50 to £176.45
- Monthly total: £705.80 every four weeks
- Annual increase: From £8,814 to £9,175.40 (+£361.40)
Even with these increases, the current system falls short of what the petition proposes. That’s why many believe a full reform is needed.
Why This Petition Matters
This campaign brings focus to a very real concern: that many older people struggle to live on their pension, especially with rising prices for food, rent, and bills. Retirees say it’s time for a pension that gives real financial support, not just minimum help.
For expats, it’s even tougher. If you live in a country that doesn’t have a pension agreement with the UK, your pension stays frozen—no matter how high costs rise where you live.
What Happens Next?
Since the petition crossed 10,000 signatures, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will respond officially. But this doesn’t mean changes will happen soon. The Government must review the financial impact and public demand before making any decisions.
For now, the petition remains a powerful way to raise voices and push for changes in how the State Pension works.
The push for a £549 weekly State Pension has opened up a national conversation about fairness and dignity in retirement. As living costs rise, many believe that retirees deserve a pension that matches real-life expenses. The campaign is growing fast, but whether the government listens will depend on public support and financial planning. If you support the cause, consider signing the petition before the May 26 deadline and encourage others to do the same. For millions of pensioners, this change could mean a much more secure and comfortable future.
FAQ
What is the proposed increase in the State Pension?
The petition calls for increasing the weekly State Pension to £549 for everyone aged 60 and above, equivalent to 48 hours of work at the National Living Wage.
Who started the petition to increase the State Pension?
The petition was initiated by Denver Johnson and has gathered over 14,900 signatures, crossing the threshold for a formal Government response.
What would be the annual income from the proposed State Pension increase?
If implemented, the proposed weekly pension of £549 would provide an annual income of £28,554.24.
How would the increase affect British expats?
The proposal includes approximately 453,000 British retirees abroad, many of whom currently receive a frozen State Pension due to a lack of reciprocal agreements.
When will the current State Pension rates increase?
The current State Pension rates are set to rise in April 2025, with the full New State Pension increasing to £230.25 per week.
