The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rejected a call from Labour MP Rachael Maskell "not to increase the State Pension age to 68". The State Pension age is currently 66, however, two further increases are set out in legislation with the next due to start in three years.
The first is a gradual rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, followed by an increase to 68 between 2044 and 2046. But the rise to 68 has been the topic of much debate recently as there has been widespread reports that it could be brought forward, however, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP, recently indicated that this is not likely to happen until the 2040s and is not a decision to be made by the current UK Government.
Speaking at a political correspondents lunch earlier this month, he said that, while the decision had been deferred until after the next general election, which is widely expected to take place next year, he anticipated the increase could happen in “2040 or thereabouts”.
