Reports about proposals around Raising the UK state pension retirement age to 70

4th December 2025

The government has launched a formal review into the state pension age.

At present, current law sets the UK pension age at 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and then to

Why people are discussing "age 70" as a possibility

An independent think-tank, Intergenerational Foundation, recommended raising the pension age to 70. They argue this is needed to address rising costs especially given the financial burden of the "triple lock" on pensions.

The drivers cited include demographic change (more retirees, fewer working-age people), rising life expectancy, and increasing government spending per pensioner relative to children and working-age adults.

Some analyses warn that failing to increase the pension age (or otherwise reform pension funding) could make the system unsustainable in the long-term.

Concerns, objections & counter-arguments

Critics such as Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) argue raising the pension age alone "does not tackle wider retirement concerns," such as inadequate savings, inequality, and increasing ill-health among older workers. They warn that pension age might eventually be pushed even beyond 70 (to 75+), which they deem politically and socially problematic.

Others point out that many people would struggle to continue working until 70 — especially those in physically demanding jobs or with health conditions.

What's likely to happen — and by when

The current review on the pension age by the government is expected to conclude in May 2026. At that point ministers will respond to the findings.

No formal change has been implemented yet. Any move to raise the pension age — whether to 70 or something else — remains speculation at this point.

Why this is getting renewed attention now

The review and renewed debate come as pension costs rise — partly due to the "triple lock" mechanism (which boosts pension payments annually by inflation, wage growth, or a minimum rate). Some analysts argue this makes current pension commitments unaffordable without raising the pension age.

Demographic pressures: Life expectancy is rising, more people are reaching older ages, and the proportion of retirees to working-age adults is increasing — putting strain on pension and welfare systems.

There are serious proposals and pressures in the UK from think-tanks and analysts to raise the state pension age to 70. But nothing has been decided yet.

The government is conducting a review, with results due in mid-2026, and until then the legally mandated increases remain modest (to 67, then 68). Any move to 70 (or higher) would be a big change and would likely come with significant political and social debate.