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Petition to cut the state pension age to 65 passes 100,000 signatures but ministers say they have no plans to budge

The Department for Work and Pensions has no plans to lower the state pension age, even as a petition backed by over 100,000 people demands it be cut to 65.
The Department for Work and Pensions has no plans to lower the state pension age, even as a petition backed by over 100,000 people demands it be cut to 65.

Michelle Gill's campaign has drawn 100,769 backers, and Parliament's Petitions Committee must now consider it for a debate, though one is not guaranteed. She argues people aged 65 to 67 are battling poor health, caring duties and scarce work while waiting for their pension. Retiring earlier, campaigners say, would also open up jobs for young people. Yet the pension age has been climbing from 66 to 67 since April 2026, a rise due to finish in March 2028.

Ministers flatly declared: 'The Government has no plans to lower the State Pension age.'

A rival petition by Helen Grice has drawn more than 18,100 signatures, pushing to free up jobs for youngsters.

MoreThe HeraldState pension age could be cut to 65 under calls that would free up jobs for youngThe GuardianHigher training costs for older workers risks plan to tackle youth jobs crisis, employers sayDaily RecordNew DWP update on calls to lower State Pension age to help younger workers
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