A new online petition is calling for an increase to the Basic State Pension weekly payment rate so that it matches the New State Pension. The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now 12.6 million people across Great Britain receiving State Pension payments, including more than 992,000 living in Scotland.
Of that overall total, there are 9.7 million older people receiving Basic State Pension payments of up to £141.85 per week (rising to £156.20 in April), compared to 2.9 million getting the New State Pension, which is worth up to £185.15 each week (rising to £203.85 in April).
However, despite a record-breaking rise in payments of the contributory benefit, it is estimated that over 1.8 million pensioners are receiving less than £100 per week in State Pension payments.
