The DWP has just released the full list of updated State Pension and benefit payments
A new battle has been launched to force the Government to scrap the old Basic State Pension and transfer all those receiving it to the New State Pension. MPs could be forced to debate a measure designed to pile pressure on Sir Keir Starmer.
According to recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), 12.9 million people are currently receiving their State Pension. Of those, 4.1 million are on the newer State Pension that was introduced in April 2016, while 8.8 million are on the older Basic State Pension.
In April, payments are set to rise by 4.1 per cent due to the earnings growth part of the Triple Lock. Those receiving the full New State Pension can expect an extra £9.05 a week, bringing it from £221.20 to £230.25.
Since these payments are usually made every four weeks, this means an increase of £921 a year. Over the 2025/26 financial year, annual payments will increase by £473.60, rising from £11,502 to £11,975.
However, not all 4.1 million people on the New State Pension will get the full amount, as it depends on how many National Insurance Contributions they have paid, according to the Daily Record. Individuals on the full Basic State Pension will enjoy a weekly boost of £6.95, moving from £169.50 to £176.45.
Over every four-week payment cycle, this will amount to an additional £705.80. Annually, this marks an increase of £361.40, with overall figures going from £8,814 to £9,175.40 for the fiscal year 2025/26.
Michael Thompson has started the online petition calling for the change. It also calls for an increase to the New State Pension to a “good percentage of average earnings”
The motion entitled ‘Abolish the basic State Pension, increase the new State Pension and pay to all’ argues: “We believe those on the basic Pension should be paid the difference accrued between the Basic and New State Pension since the new State Pension’s introduction.”
If this e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures, it guarantees a written government response, anticipated from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). At 100,000 signatures, Parliament’s Petitions Committee would be obligated to consider it for debate.
The petition is open online for public viewing here. Earlier in the week, the issue was broached in Parliament by Labour MP Jessica Toale.
She asked Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds if assessing the merits of making the Basic and New State Pension equal had been considered by the DWP.
In a written statement on Wednesday, the minister responded: “We are absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement.”