State Pension Age Is Under Review Again
Just before Parliament’s summer recess, the government quietly announced a new review of the State Pension Age (SPA). This decision could shape long-term retirement plans and significantly impact UK public finances.
Why the State Pension Age Is Such a Hot Topic
Changes to SPA often spark strong reactions. In the past, protests and campaigns have focused on women’s pension rights and concerns about affordability.
Despite the controversy, the government has a legal obligation to review the SPA at regular intervals. This review is part of that process.
But what exactly is being proposed and when might it come into effect?
Where Things Stand Now
Right now, the State Pension Age is:
- 66 for both men and women
- Set to rise to 67 gradually from April 2026
- Scheduled to increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046
Earlier reviews recommended speeding this up:
- A 2017 review suggested raising the age to 68 between 2037 and 2039
- A 2022 review proposed a new window: 2041 to 2043
The government hasn’t confirmed any final decisions yet. However, any changes must be announced at least 10 years in advance. That means the earliest increase to age 68 could only happen from April 2036.
Why the Timeline Is Being Reconsidered
In 2017, the argument for raising the SPA was built on rising life expectancy. At the time, a man reaching 68 in 2037 was expected to live another 21.1 years. A woman of the same age would live another 23 years.
But life expectancy forecasts have since changed.
New estimates show a 68-year-old man in 2037 may now live 18.4 more years. For women, that figure has dropped to 20.9 years. These revisions have led to growing calls to delay further changes—especially as retirement security weakens for future generations.
On the flip side, the financial cost of keeping the SPA lower remains high. Raising it by just one year could save the Treasury billions. That’s a powerful argument in itself.
So, the final decision will likely come down to a balance between public health, fairness, and fiscal policy. And not everyone in government agrees.
How to Stay Informed
No final changes have been confirmed yet. But the government has promised at least 10 years’ notice before any increases take effect.
You can check your own projected SPA using the UK Government’s online calculator or, get a personal State Pension forecast here.
And if you’re thinking ahead to retirement, whether that’s five years or twenty down the line, it’s worth considering how SPA decisions could factor into your wider planning.