A state pension age rise to 68 could be “brought forward” as part of a Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) update. The state pension age is currently 66 years old with the DWP scheduled to hike the threshold to 67 sometime between 2026 and 2028.
Fiona Peake, a personal finance expert at brokerage Ocean Finance, outlined why already confirmed increases to the state pension could be “brought forward” by the Government. It comes after the Labour Party took power last year.
She explained: “With part two of the pensions review approaching, we’re likely to see fresh discussion around the state pension age and whether changes are needed to keep the system sustainable.” Ms Peake said: “The Government has previously stated there would be a review within two years of this Parliament about the planned rise in the state pension age to 68, so we could be looking at an announcement around the Spring Budget.
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“Whether or not the state pension age increase from 67 to 68 is brought forward will depend on a balance of affordability and fairness. Life expectancy trends, workforce participation, and public finances will all come into play.
“If we’re living longer and working later, it might seem logical to shift the state pension age forward, but such changes can feel deeply unfair to those in physically demanding jobs or with health issues, who may struggle to work into their late 60s.
“Employers, the Government, and organisations like the Pension Advisory Service all need to make sure these changes are well-communicated. Otherwise, people could face a nasty shock when they realise they’ll need to wait longer than expected to access their state pension.”
It comes months after Conservative Party MP Lord Willetts said back in 2024 that there was “precedent and evidence” which suggests the retirement benefit’s age threshold could be raised sooner than previously expected.
Speaking to the i, Willetts asserted that the Government is set to raise the state pension age to 67 by the next Parliament while emphasising a “further increase could be sped up”.