Reuters reports on Thursday that the British government is still considering raising the state pension age to 68, delaying the decision until after the next election.
In 2026 and 2028, the state pension age will rise to 67; in 2044 and 2046, it will increase to 68.
The government commissioned a review in 2017 to suggest moving the change to 2037-2039 from 2037-2039.
The latest review, published on Thursday, recommended it rise to 68 in 2041-43, partly because life expectancy has increased since 2017, and the government must review the state pension age every six years.
The Secretary of State for Pensions and Work, Mel Stride, told parliament that more evidence was needed about the long-term impact of recent challenges such as Covid-19 to determine the timing of the rise to 68.
“Given the level of uncertainty about life expectancy, labour market and public finance data … I, therefore, plan to undertake a further review to consider raising the age to 68 again within two years of the next Parliament,” Stride said.
“The government does not intend to change existing laws before the next review is completed.”
The ruling Conservatives have overtaken the opposition Labor Party in opinion polls ahead of elections expected next year.
Labor said it supported the decision but questioned the timing, citing previous comments from the government that the increase was necessary for the long-term sustainability of public funding.
Labour’s work and pensions spokesman Jonathan Ashworth said, “now, it seems, it is not so reckless and irresponsible to abandon it, with the general election only a year or so away”.
