A new petition is urging the UK Government to abolish the Basic State Pension and move all pensioners to the New State Pension system with an increased payment of £221 per week.
The petition, launched by Michael Thompson, argues that the current Basic State Pension of £169.50 per week is unfairly low, leaving millions of older people struggling financially.
As the cost of living rises, campaigners believe the State Pension should be increased to a percentage of average earnings to ensure financial security for retirees.
How Much Is the Current State Pension?
As of 2025, the full Basic State Pension (for those who retired before April 2016) is worth £169.50 per week.
For those on the New State Pension (post-April 2016), the maximum payment is £221.20 per week.
| State Pension Type | Current Weekly Rate (2025) | Proposed New Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Basic State Pension (Pre-April 2016) | £169.50 | £221.20 |
| New State Pension (Post-April 2016) | £221.20 | Increase TBD |
The petition highlights the significant gap between those on the Basic and New State Pensions and demands a fairer system for all pensioners.
How Many People Receive the State Pension?
According to the latest Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) figures, there are:
- 12.9 million State Pension claimants.
- 4.1 million people on the New State Pension.
- 8.8 million pensioners receiving the Basic (Old) State Pension.
This two-tier system is what the petition aims to eliminate, ensuring that all pensioners receive a higher, more equal pension rate.
Will the State Pension Increase in April 2025?
Yes. Under the Triple Lock system, the State Pension will rise by 4.1% on April 7, 2025.
This means:
- The Basic State Pension will increase from £169.50 to approximately £176.45 per week.
- The New State Pension will rise from £221.20 to approximately £230.20 per week.
However, campaigners argue that this increase is not enough, and pensioners deserve a higher pension in line with inflation and average earnings.
What Is the UK Government’s Response?
The UK Government has not yet responded to the petition, but pension increases are determined by the Triple Lock policy, which ensures pensions rise by the highest of:
- Inflation
- Average earnings growth
- 2.5% minimum increase
While the April 2025 pension increase is guaranteed, any further increases beyond that will depend on government decisions and public support.
How Can Pensioners Support the Petition?
The petition is gaining momentum, with thousands of signatures from pensioners across the UK. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be debated in Parliament.
What Happens Next?
- The petition will continue collecting signatures.
- The government will review pension increases in future budgets.
- If there is enough public and political support, changes to the State Pension system could be considered.
Key Takeaways
- A new petition calls for increasing the State Pension to £221 per week for all pensioners.
- The Basic State Pension is currently £169.50 per week, significantly lower than the New State Pension.
- State Pension payments will rise by 4.1% in April 2025, but campaigners argue it is not enough.
- The UK Government has not yet responded to the petition, but pension changes could be debated if public support grows.
FAQs
How much is the Basic State Pension in 2025?
The full Basic State Pension is currently £169.50 per week, increasing to £176.45 per week in April 2025.
What is the difference between the Basic and New State Pension?
The Basic State Pension applies to those who retired before April 2016, while the New State Pension applies to those who retired after April 2016. The New State Pension offers a higher payment.
How much will the State Pension increase in April 2025?
The Basic State Pension will rise to around £176.45 per week, while the New State Pension will increase to about £230.20 per week.
Why are pensioners calling for a £221 State Pension?
Campaigners argue that all pensioners should receive the same amount, as many older retirees struggle financially with the current lower pension rates.
Will the UK Government increase pensions further?
While the Triple Lock policy guarantees yearly increases, any additional pension rises will depend on government policies and public demand.
How can pensioners support the petition?
They can sign the petition online and encourage others to support it, helping it reach 100,000 signatures for a parliamentary debate.
Is the State Pension enough to live on?
Many retirees argue that current pension levels are too low, especially as inflation and living costs continue to rise.
Will pension increases continue after 2025?
The Triple Lock system ensures pensions rise every year, but future increases depend on inflation, earnings growth, and government policies.
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Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.
