If you’ve ever thought the UK State Pension isn’t enough to live on, you’re not alone — and thousands of people are now putting their names to a bold plan to change it. A petition calling for the weekly State Pension to be raised to £549 — the equivalent of the UK’s full-time National Living Wage — has now crossed 18,700 signatures as of August 2025.

The proposal, launched by campaigner Denver Johnson, would not only increase pension rates but also lower the qualifying age to 60 and extend full payments to British expats. If it reaches 100,000 signatures by 26 May 2025, Parliament would be required to consider it for debate.

What the Petition Calls For

At its core, the proposal is simple but radical:

Raise the weekly State Pension to £549, equal to working 48 hours at £11.44/hour (the 2025 National Living Wage).Make the pension available to everyone aged 60 and over.End “frozen pensions” for British citizens living in countries without uprating agreements.

This would lift the annual State Pension to £28,554.24 — more than double the current rate.

How It Compares to the Current System

From April 2025, under the Triple Lock, the full New State Pension will rise by 4.1% to £231 per week (£12,016.75 per year). Even with this increase, it’s less than half of what the petition demands.

Petitioners argue that current rates don’t keep pace with energy prices, rent, food, and healthcare costs, and that many pensioners are being forced to choose between heating and eating.

Why This Is Controversial

Raising the State Pension to this level would be one of the biggest welfare reforms in UK history. The DWP has already responded — as required when a petition crosses 10,000 signatures — stating that the current system is “fair and sustainable” and that major increases would require significant tax rises or spending cuts elsewhere.

Critics say the proposal is unrealistic without large-scale tax reform, while supporters see it as an overdue fix to protect dignity in retirement and tackle elderly poverty.

The Frozen Pensions Issue

One major element of the petition is the demand to end frozen pensions — affecting roughly 453,000 UK retirees abroad in countries like Canada, Australia, and parts of Africa. These pensioners don’t receive annual uprating, meaning their pension amount stays frozen at the rate it was when they left the UK.

Campaigners say this policy is unfair and leaves many long-term expats struggling financially, despite having paid into the UK system for decades.

What Happens Next

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be eligible for debate in Parliament. That doesn’t guarantee change — but it does force MPs to publicly address the issue. Until then, it remains a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about how Britain funds retirement.

As of August 2025:

The petition has over 18,700 signatures.It must hit 100,000 by 26 May 2025 to be considered for debate.The current full New State Pension (from April 2025) will be £231/week.The petition calls for £549/week, starting at age 60, including expats.FAQsHow much is the State Pension now?

From April 2025, the full New State Pension will be £231 per week.

How much is the petition asking for?

£549 per week — equivalent to the UK National Living Wage for a 48-hour week.

Who started the petition?

Denver Johnson.

Will British expats be included?

Yes, the proposal aims to end frozen pensions abroad.