Overview

• The call for evidence, opened on August 18, will assess automatic links between life expectancy and the UK state pension age using approaches adopted in countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy and the Netherlands.
• Britain’s state pension age is 66, is due to rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and is scheduled to reach 68 between 2044 and 2046 under current law.
• Some coverage notes the age could reach around 70 under certain designs, citing Denmark’s legislated path to 70 by 2040 as a comparator rather than a UK decision.
• Experts including Sir Steve Webb warn a rigid formula could upend retirement planning by shifting timetables when projections change, and campaigners highlight unequal impacts on people in physically demanding jobs or those who exit work early through ill health or caring.
• ONS and OBR figures point to rising demographic and fiscal pressures, and recommendations are expected over the coming years with reports citing a 2029 window, after which any changes would still require legislation and long notice.