The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a review of the State Pension age is “underway” under the Labour government led by Andy Burnham. The confirmation came in an official response to a Parliamentary website petition calling for the State Pension age to be cut to 65.
While ruling out such a cut, the DWP stated that the review, which will decide the appropriate State Pension age for future decades, is currently in progress. The department emphasised that the review will balance considerations of fairness and sustainability.
Third State Pension Age Review
In its official statement, the DWP said: “The Third State Pension age Review is underway and will decide what State Pension age is appropriate for future decades, balancing considerations of fairness and sustainability.”
The review will consider a wide range of evidence, including Office for National Statistics (ONS) life expectancy projections, findings from the Government Actuary, independent reports from Dr. Suzy Morrissey and the Pensions Commission, and lessons from previous increases. The government announced the launch of the third review of State Pension age in July 2025.
This review will consider whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, based on the latest life expectancy data and other evidence. It will take into account an independent report, led by Dr Suzy Morrissey, on specified factors relevant to the Review of State Pension age. It will also examine a report from the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) to review the latest life expectancy projections data.
Historical Changes to State Pension Age
From 1948 until 2010, the State Pension age was 60 for women and 65 for men. The Pensions Act 1995 introduced the equalisation of State Pension age for men and women, increasing the State Pension age for women from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2020.
In 2005, the Pensions Commission recommended increasing the State Pension age in line with increasing life expectancy projections, setting out a principle for “each generation to enjoy the same proportion of life contributing to and receiving state pensions.”
Current Timetable and Future Increases
The Pensions Act 2011 brought forward both the timetable for equalising the State Pension age at 65 to November 2018, and the increase in the State Pension age to 66 to between 2018 and 2020. The Pensions Act 2014 brought forward the increase to 67 to between 2026 and 2028.
The current legislated timetable is for the State Pension age to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028 and 68 between 2044 and 2046. The outcome of the Third State Pension Age Review will determine whether these scheduled increases remain appropriate in light of the latest evidence on life expectancy and other factors.
