State Pension age review 2023

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published its report reviewing the State Pension age. This confirms that the increase to age 68 will not be brought forward at present. 

The Pensions Act 2014 requires the government to review the State Pension age and publish a report on the outcome of this review at least every six years. The 2023 report now published marks the second such review.

The key outcomes from the 2023 report are that:

• The increase to the State Pension age from 66 to 67 remains appropriate and will take place between 2026 and 2028.
• A further increase in the State Pension age to 68 is expected between 2044 and 2046.

The 2017 review of the State Pension age recommended that the increase to age 68 should be brought forward to 2037 to 2039. The government accepted this recommendation at the time but did not legislate for it.

The 2023 report notes that the rate of increase in life expectancy has slowed since the 2017 review.

Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global energy crisis have caused shocks to the UK economy which may lead to structural changes, particularly in the labour market.

At the time of the 2023 review, comprehensive evidence on the long-term impact of these shocks was not available, creating uncertainty which is relevant to considering increasing the State Pension age to 68.

The government:

• Plans to undertake a further review within two years of the next parliament to consider increasing the State Pension age to 68.
• Remains committed to the principle of 10 years' notice of changes to the State Pension age.

Useful guides on this topic

State Pension Age
The state pension age is gradually being increased. What is the current state pension age? How often is it reviewed?  

External link

State Pension age review 2023: government report

State Pension age Independent Review 2022: final report