The Work and Pensions Committee has called on the government to address the rising state pension age without delay, arguing that deferring action until the 2029 review would leave vulnerable groups without adequate support. Chair Debbie Abrahams wrote to Torsten Bell, the Pensions Minister, emphasizing the risks faced by individuals unable to work due to health issues, disabilities, or caring responsibilities.
This intervention follows the government’s response to the committee’s report on the transition to state pension age, which proposed additional social security measures for those struggling near retirement. The committee proposed a consultation on increasing Universal Credit payments for the year before the pension age reaches 67, aiming to implement these changes by the end of 2026. However, the Department for Work and Pensions stated that broader options must be explored, with the issue to be reviewed alongside the statutory assessment due in March 2029.
Read Also: DB funding rules prove less burdensome
The committee expressed alarm over the delayed timeline, warning that individuals turning 66 in the coming years would face hardship without timely assistance as the state pension age increases to 67. Historical data from the previous rise—from 65 to 66 between 2018 and 2020—showed a sharp increase in poverty among those aged 65, more than doubling during that period. Health data also revealed worsening conditions: the proportion of people aged 60 to 64 reporting a work-limiting health condition has increased from 28 per cent to 31 per cent, while healthy life expectancy has declined and inequalities between the most and least deprived areas have widened.
They questioned whether the existing working-age benefits system could adequately support those unable to remain in employment while waiting longer for their pension. The committee also asked what prevented the DWP from introducing interim financial support while the wider review was underway, and whether the government would assess the potential impact of the SPA increase on NHS and social care costs.
Read Also: UK Pension Risk Transfer Market Set to Surge
Members criticized the government’s emphasis on encouraging older workers to remain employed, noting that many face physical or health barriers preventing extended work. The committee argued that “Offering the prospect of a job to someone in the year before SPA, who has been waiting years for a hip, knee or cataract replacement, is impractical and cruel.” They stressed that additional social security support will be essential until people can get the elective care they need.
While pressing for a definitive timeline on the publication of Dr Suzy Morrissey’s independent review of the state pension age, the government indicated the report would be released “in due course,” despite earlier recommendations to finalize it by July 2026. The committee also urged an independent engagement process to help build an agreement on a new social contract for pensions, and requested a response from Bell by 4 November 2026.
