A high-profile grassroots campaign is advocating that the UK government provide a £549 weekly State Pension to everyone aged 60 and over, aligning the pension with 48 hours of work at the National Living Wage. While the proposal has drawn attention and sparked debate, the government has firmly rejected the idea. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the proposal entails, the current pension system, and why such a significant change remains improbable.
What is the £549 State Pension for All Over 60s?
The proposal is centered around a petition led by Denver Johnson, calling for a £549.12 per week pension—equivalent to 48 hours at the National Living Wage of £11.44/hour—available to all aged 60 and above, including UK expats, from April 2024. That amounts to an annual entitlement of approximately **£28,554. As of mid-2025 the campaign had gained notable traction with 22,649 signatures—but still falls short of the 100,000 needed for a parliamentary debate—with a deadline set on May 26, 2025.
Government Response
The UK government has issued a formal response, stating:
- There are no plans to lower the State Pension age to 60 or to link pension payments to the National Living Wage.
- State Pension remains a contribution-based entitlement, not a guaranteed wage.
Moreover, the government emphasized ongoing commitments including the Triple Lock mechanism, which ensures annual increases in line with inflation, average earnings growth, or a minimum of 2.5%.
How Much is the Current Pension?
Currently, State Pension payments are far below the £549 weekly figure:
- New State Pension: Up to £230.25 per week (April 2025–2026)
- Basic (Old) State Pension: Up to £176.45 per week for those with entitlements under the previous system
Both types are based on individual National Insurance contribution records, requiring 35 years for the full New State Pension and 30 years for the Basic Pension.
Recent Increases and Support Schemes
- The State Pension saw a 4.1% increase under the Triple Lock in April 2024, raising payments from £221.20 to £230.30 weekly (£11,502 to £11,973 annually).
- Pension Credit remains a critical safety net for low-income pensioners: around 1.4 million households benefit, with weekly guaranteed support reaching £218.15 for singles and £332.95 for couples.
- Additional perks for older adults—such as free TV licences, prescriptions, bus travel, and energy discounts—can offer annual assistance worth up to £1,355 or more.
Why Supporters Back the Campaign
Proponents argue:
- The current system fails to meet real living costs, especially amid inflation and rising rent and food prices.
- Expatriate pensioners, particularly those in countries without uprating agreements (“frozen pensions”), are disadvantaged by lack of indexation.
- Retirement should offer security, not subsistence—hence the push to align pension with living wage standards.
Conclusion
The campaign for a £549 weekly State Pension for all over-60s reflects genuine concerns about old-age financial security, but it remains highly aspirational. Current rules offer significantly lower pension amounts, grounded in contribution years and constrained by fiscal realities. While public support can influence debate, economic and demographic pressures make the £549 threshold unlikely to become government policy. That said, the campaign plays an important role in raising awareness: it spotlights issues like pension adequacy, rising living costs, and fairness for expatriates. For meaningful change to happen, continued public engagement paired with sustainable reform ideas will be key.