Chancellor Rachel Reeves is under fire for considering changes to the UK’s state pension system, especially the idea of raising the retirement age. Critics say this will hurt millions of older Britons, many of whom are already struggling to get by.
What Are Experts Saying?
Dennis Reed, who leads a senior citizens’ campaign group called Silver Voices, strongly opposes raising the pension age any further. He says this would be unfair, unnecessary, and dangerous for pensioners’ well-being.
He points out:
- Life expectancy is no longer rising as it once did.
- Many older people can’t keep working, especially in physically demanding jobs.
- The UK is becoming a sicker society, with rising NHS waiting lists and falling healthy life expectancy.
The Reality on the Ground
Reed also highlighted that in many poorer parts of the UK, people are living shorter and less healthy lives, especially after COVID-19. This challenges the usual logic that people can work longer just because they’re living longer — because that’s no longer true for many.
Warning: ‘Another Waspi Scandal’ Brewing?
Reed warned that increasing the pension age to 67 starting in 2026 could repeat the WASPI scandal — where women born in the 1950s weren’t given enough notice before their retirement age was raised.
By law, people are supposed to get 10 years’ notice, but Reed says the government hasn’t done this properly.
Fuel Payments Cut, Social Care Ignored
Rachel Reeves has already been criticized for:
- Cutting the Winter Fuel Payment, which helps pensioners afford heating.
- Abandoning social care reform, leaving elderly people without support.
- Ignoring compensation for WASPI women.
Now, many fear pensioners are being targeted again in an effort to cut government spending.
Why Is the Government Doing This?
It comes down to one thing: money.
The government is under pressure to cut spending, and some think raising the retirement age will help. But Reed argues this could backfire — by forcing more people onto other benefits, which could cost more in the long run.
The Idea of Retirement at 71
One expert, David Sinclair of the International Longevity Centre, said raising the retirement age to 71 might be “inevitable” unless the government scraps the triple lock (a rule that keeps pensions rising each year). But many, including Reed, say that idea is outrageous and not based on today’s realities.
What Needs to Happen Now?
Reed and Silver Voices are calling on the government to:
- Stop any new pension age increases immediately.
- Re-evaluate the 2026 rise to 67.
- Send proper notifications to those affected.
- Tackle age discrimination in hiring, so older workers who want to work actually can.
FAQs
1. What is Rachel Reeves proposing about the state pension age?
Rachel Reeves, the UK Chancellor, is reportedly considering increasing the state pension age beyond its current schedule. The next planned rise is from 66 to 67 in 2026, but experts fear it could go even higher — possibly to 68 or even 71 in the future.
2. Why is the state pension age being increased?
The government says it needs to save money due to rising life expectancy and an aging population. However, critics argue that life expectancy is no longer rising steadily — and in some areas, it’s actually falling.
3. Who is opposing these changes?
Elder rights groups like Silver Voices, led by Dennis Reed, are strongly against any further increase. They say it’s unfair to expect older people — especially those in manual jobs — to keep working longer, especially in poor health.
4. Has the government officially confirmed a rise beyond age 67?
No, but discussions and expert reviews suggest it is being considered. Rachel Reeves has not made a public final decision but is under pressure to cut spending, making such a move more likely.
5. What are the consequences of raising the pension age?
Critics say it could:
- Push more elderly people into poverty
- Increase unemployment among older workers
- Raise long-term costs due to higher benefit claims
- Worse health outcomes for seniors who are forced to work longer
