A growing movement is calling for a complete overhaul of the UK’s State Pension system, and it’s gaining serious attention. A new petition demanding a weekly pension of £549.12 has already gathered over 18,700 signatures, sparking widespread debate. Launched by campaigner Denver Johnson, the petition now needs around 81,000 more supporters before the May 26, 2025 deadline to qualify for parliamentary debate.
If successful, this proposal would reshape how retirement is funded in the UK—raising the pension to match the National Living Wage and allowing access from age 60, including for British expats living abroad.
Table of Contents
Petition Details
The petition isn’t asking for a small boost. It proposes a radical shift:
| Petition Demand | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly Pension Amount | £549.12 per week |
| Annual Equivalent | £28,554.24 |
| Age Eligibility | Everyone aged 60 and above |
| Includes Expats | Yes, regardless of location |
| Based On | 48-hour week at £11.44/hour |
Supporters believe the pension should reflect a livable income rather than a token sum. The goal is to give older citizens a standard of living aligned with modern wage expectations, not outdated thresholds.
Currentrates
The current pension, even after 2025’s Triple Lock increase, falls far short:
| Pension Type | Weekly Rate (2025/26) | Annual Rate |
|---|---|---|
| New State Pension | £230.25 | £11,973 |
| Basic State Pension | £176.45 | £9,175.40 |
While a 4.1% rise is welcome, it’s still less than half of what the petition proposes. In today’s economy, where energy bills, food, and rent are soaring, pensioners are finding it harder to stay afloat.
Why Matters
This isn’t just about bigger checks. The petition highlights deeper issues:
- Lowering pension age to 60
- Tying pension to real wages instead of just NI contributions
- Addressing frozen pensions for 453,000 expats
Supporters argue this would not only improve life for pensioners but also boost the economy. More spending power in the hands of retirees could mean more money circulating locally—helping small businesses and reducing reliance on other welfare programs.
Government Response
The Department for Work and Pensions responded after the petition passed 10,000 signatures. Their stance? The State Pension is a contributory scheme, not a benefit. The government said it has no current plans to raise the amount to £549 per week.
Officials also highlighted the high cost of the change—it would require billions in extra funding each year. However, no outright rejection was made, and if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, Parliament will be required to consider it for debate.
Expat Impact
British expats often face a lesser-known issue: frozen pensions. If you live in a country without a reciprocal agreement with the UK—such as Canada, Australia, or much of Africa—your pension amount never increases. That means over time, your income shrinks in real terms.
If the petition’s proposals are adopted, here’s what could change for expats:
- Annual increases would resume for all
- All expats aged 60+ would be eligible for the £549 rate
- Significant restoration of buying power abroad
Supporters’ view
The campaign argues the State Pension should reflect today’s cost of living:
- It should be enough to live on—not just survive
- Physically demanding workers shouldn’t be forced to work until 66 or later
- The UK should take care of its pensioners as a priority, not an afterthought
The proposal also suggests raising personal allowance limits and reducing the need for additional welfare top-ups, streamlining the retirement support system overall.
What Next
| Petition Status | Details |
|---|---|
| Signatures Needed | 100,000 |
| Current Count | 18,710 (as of 25 May 2025) |
| Deadline | 26 May 2025 |
| Debate Trigger | 100,000 signatures |
There’s still time for momentum to build. If you want to support the proposal or join the conversation, you can sign the petition on the official Parliament petitions website.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: thousands of people want the UK to reconsider how it supports older citizens. Whether or not the proposal passes, the pressure is mounting for pension reform to become a bigger part of the national conversation.
FAQs
What does the pension petition propose?
Raising pensions to £549 weekly for everyone aged 60+.
Who launched the petition?
It was launched by Denver Johnson.
When is the petition deadline?
The deadline is May 26, 2025.
Are expats included in the proposal?
Yes, British expats would also qualify.
Will the pension change happen soon?
Only if debated and approved by Parliament.
