A fast-growing campaign in the UK is calling on the government to dramatically increase the State Pension to £549 per week for everyone aged 60 and over, including British citizens living abroad. The movement, led by campaigner Denver Johnson, has already gathered over 22,649 signatures and is aiming for 100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025 to secure a debate in Parliament.
This proposal is not just about raising incomes—it’s about reshaping the way pensions are viewed, linking them directly to the National Living Wage to ensure retirees can afford a decent standard of living.
Table of Contents
£549 Weekly State Pension
The petition’s core demand is to align the State Pension with 48 hours of work per week at the current National Living Wage rate of £11.44 per hour. That equates to:
- £549.12 per week
- £28,554.24 per year
Campaigners argue that such an increase would provide real financial security for millions of pensioners, far beyond the current system, which many say leaves them struggling to meet basic living costs.
Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly Amount | £549.12 |
| Annual Amount | £28,554.24 |
| Age Eligibility | 60+ |
| Link to Wage | National Living Wage (£11.44/hour) |
| Includes Expats | Yes, all overseas British pensioners |
| Petition Deadline | 26 May 2025 |
Inclusion of British Expats
One striking element of the proposal is that it covers all British pensioners abroad, including 453,000 retirees currently on frozen pensions. These frozen payments affect expats in countries without reciprocal agreements with the UK, meaning their pensions have not risen for years despite rising living costs.
Main Objectives of the Petition
- Make the State Pension available to all UK citizens aged 60+, regardless of retirement age policy.
- Increase the weekly rate to £549.
- Apply the rate to both UK residents and eligible expats.
- Link pension rates to the National Living Wage for ongoing fairness.
Supporters say this reform would replace the outdated idea of the State Pension as just a “benefit” and instead treat it as an earned entitlement.
Deadline
As of 14 January 2025, the petition had 18,710 signatures—enough to guarantee an official Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) response. The real target, however, is 100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025, which would require Parliament to consider the proposal for debate.
Anyone wishing to support the campaign can sign via the official UK Parliament petitions website.
Current State Pension Rates – 2025 Update
The UK government confirmed that from April 2025, the State Pension will rise slightly under the Triple Lock system, which protects it from falling behind inflation, wage growth, or a 2.5% minimum increase.
| Pension Type | Weekly Rate 2024 | Weekly Rate 2025 | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | £221.20 | £230.25 | +£473.60 |
| Basic State Pension | £169.50 | £176.45 | +£361.40 |
Even after these rises, the highest rate—£230.25—remains less than half of what the petition calls for.
Why the Campaign Is Gaining Support
- Rising cost of living: Food, housing, and energy bills continue to increase.
- Longevity: People are living longer, meaning more years relying on pension income.
- Fairness argument: Many feel pensions should keep pace with modern earnings.
- Expats’ plight: Frozen pensions leave some overseas retirees unable to cope with local price rises.
For pensioners abroad, the change would mean finally escaping decades of stagnant payments.
FAQs
Q1: How much would the new pension be annually?
A = £28,554.24 per year, based on £549.12 per week.
Q2: Does it include pensioners living overseas?
A = Yes, including the 453,000 British expats currently receiving frozen pensions.
Q3: When is the petition deadline?
A = 26 May 2025.
