State Pension age to rise to 67 by 2026?

Responding to newspaper reports that the UK Government may raise the State Pension age to 67 by 2026 – 10 years sooner than expected, Age Cymru’s Director of Influencing and Programme Development Victoria Lloyd, says:

"Any increase to the State Pension age needs to ensure that people have enough time to plan for the change – Age Cymru believes that people require at least 10 years' notice.

"That is why we are unhappy with the Pensions Bill which, as it stands, will speed up changes in the State Pension age resulting in 300,000 women having to wait an additional 18 months to two years, with insufficient time to change their retirement plans.

"We understand that with increasing life expectancy the State Pension age needs to be considered, but it is essential that before any changes are introduced there is clear progress on reducing health inequalities.

"We also believe that the process of deciding the state pension age should be informed by independent advisers considering a range of factors.

"Rising life expectancy is to be welcomed, but we must ensure that any changes do not disproportionately disadvantage those who struggle in society."