The State pension age faces fresh uncertainty
- 16th September 2025
The State pension age (SPA) has once again been placed under review, reopening a debate that has significant financial consequences both for individuals and for the government. The announcement was made quietly in July, just before Parliament broke for the summer recess, alongside a raft of other updates that risked drowning it out. Yet despite the timing, this review has the potential to shape the retirement plans of millions.
The current position is that SPA is 66 for men and women, with a gradual increase to 67 beginning in April 2026. Under current legislation, a further rise to 68 will not take place until 2044-46. Previous reviews had recommended earlier increases: the 2017 review suggested a rise to 68 between 2037 and 2039, while a 2023 review proposed a timeline of 2041–43. Neither has been confirmed, but both triggered the government’s commitment to another review before a final decision is made. Importantly, there is a promise that at least ten years’ notice will be given before any change takes effect.
What complicates the picture is the changing outlook for life expectancy. When the 2017 report was written, a man reaching 68 in 2037 was expected to live, on average, a further 21.1 years. A woman of the same age was projected to live 23 years. Updated forecasts are far lower: 18.4 years for men and 20.9 years for women. This downward shift challenges the logic of increasing the pension age in the near term. If people are not living as long as once thought, is it reasonable to delay access to the State pension?
The government, however, must also contend with the financial pressures of an ageing population. The State pension is one of the UK’s largest areas of public spending, costing over £124 billion in 2023/24 according to the Office for Budget Responsibility. Even small changes to the pension age can save or cost the Treasury billions each year. With this in mind, delaying an increase may look generous in the short term but is unlikely to satisfy fiscal concerns over the long term.
Political sensitivity plays a major role too. The government has already had to make concessions on winter fuel payments and contend with widespread criticism from groups such as Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI). SPA is another flashpoint that could ignite public discontent, particularly among those approaching retirement who have less time to adjust their plans.
For those who want to see their projected State pension age, the government provides a useful online tool here, as well as a forecast service to check entitlements here.
All data and figures referred to in our news section are correct at the date of publishing and should not be relied upon as still current.
