A new petition has been launched calling for the abolition of the Basic State Pension and for all pensioners to be moved onto the New State Pension. The petition also demands that the New State Pension be increased to a higher percentage of average earnings to provide greater financial security for retirees.
Currently, the full Basic State Pension is £169.50 per week, while the New State Pension is £221.20 per week. With millions of pensioners still receiving the lower Basic State Pension, campaigners are pushing for pension equality and a significant increase in payments.
The UK Government has announced that State Pension payments will increase from April 7, 2025, under the Triple Lock system, which ensures pensions rise in line with inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%, whichever is highest.
State Pension Increases
| Aspect | Current Rate (2024/25) | New Rate (2025/26) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full New State Pension | £221.20 per week | £230.25 per week | £9.05 per week |
| Four-weekly Payment (New State Pension) | £884.80 | £921 | £36.20 per month |
| Annual Payment (New State Pension) | £11,502 | £11,973 | £473.60 per year |
| Full Basic State Pension | £169.50 per week | £176.45 per week | £6.95 per week |
| Four-weekly Payment (Basic State Pension) | £678 | £705.80 | £27.80 per month |
| Annual Payment (Basic State Pension) | £8,814 | £9,175.40 | £361.40 per year |
Why Are Pensioners Calling for an Increase?
A growing number of pensioners and advocacy groups are demanding that the UK Government take action to increase the State Pension to a fairer level. The petition argues that those on the Basic State Pension have been disadvantaged since the introduction of the New State Pension in 2016, and many struggle to meet their basic living expenses.
Key Reasons for the Demand:
- Inflation and Cost of Living Pressures: Rising prices for food, energy, and healthcare have left pensioners struggling to make ends meet.
- Disparity Between Old and New State Pension: The difference between the Basic State Pension (£176.45) and the New State Pension (£230.25) continues to widen.
- Petition for Pension Equality: Campaigners believe that pensioners on the Basic State Pension should be compensated for the difference accrued since the introduction of the New State Pension in 2016.
Details of the Petition for a £221 Weekly State Pension
The petition, launched by Michael Thompson, calls for:
- Abolition of the Basic State Pension and transfer of all pensioners to the New State Pension.
- A pension increase based on a percentage of average earnings, ensuring pensioners receive a fair income in retirement.
- Compensation for pensioners who have received lower payments since the New State Pension was introduced.
Over 4,300 people have signed the petition so far. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, the UK Government must issue a response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Government Response & Future Pension Increases
In December, Labour MP Jessica Toale questioned the DWP Minister, Emma Reynolds, on whether the UK Government had assessed the possibility of equalizing pensions. The response was:
“We are committed to supporting pensioners and ensuring they have dignity in retirement. However, no assessment has been made to equalize the Basic and New State Pension.”
The Government also stated that direct comparisons between the Basic and New State Pension are difficult, as entitlement depends on individual National Insurance contributions.
Projected State Pension Increases (Based on Triple Lock Forecasts)
| Year | Predicted Increase |
| 2025/26 | 4.1% (Confirmed) |
| 2026/27 | 2.5% (Forecasted) |
| 2027/28 | 2.5% (Forecasted) |
| 2028/29 | 2.5% (Forecasted) |
| 2029/30 | 2.5% (Forecasted) |
Who Will Benefit from These Increases?
While all pensioners will see an increase in their payments, those on the New State Pension will continue to receive higher payments than those on the Basic State Pension. However, campaigners argue that the increase is still not enough to cover rising living costs.
A recent analysis by Royal London found that only 50% of people on the New State Pension receive the full amount, and around 150,000 pensioners receive less than £100 per week.
The DWP will issue letters in March 2025 to inform pensioners of their new payment rates and encourage them to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which provides additional financial support.
How to Check Your Pension Entitlement?
Pensioners can check their State Pension forecast and see if they qualify for Pension Credit by visiting:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will all pensioners receive the increased payments?
Yes, but the increase varies depending on whether you receive the Basic or New State Pension.
2. Will the Basic State Pension be abolished?
The petition calls for abolishing the Basic State Pension, but the UK Government has not confirmed any plans to do so.
3. How do I qualify for the full New State Pension?
You need at least 35 years of National Insurance contributions to receive the full amount.
4. When will pensioners receive their new payments?
The new rates take effect from April 7, 2025.
5. What should pensioners do next?
- Check their pension entitlement online.
- Sign the petition if they support pension reforms.
- Apply for Pension Credit if they qualify.
The campaign for a higher Basic State Pension highlights concerns about rising living costs and pension inequality. While pensions are increasing in April 2025, many believe that the UK Government should abolish the Basic State Pension and ensure all pensioners receive the New State Pension amount.
With the petition gaining momentum, pensioners and advocacy groups continue to push for fairer payments and greater financial security in retirement. For the latest updates, visit GOV.UK.
For More Information Click Here