Overview

• Analysts currently project a 4.2%–4.6% uprating in April 2026, with some estimates up to £551 a year for the full new State Pension under the triple lock.
• The projected increase would take annual payments to roughly £12,452–£12,524, edging close to the £12,570 personal allowance that remains frozen until at least 2028.
• Experts warn more pensioners could be drawn into income tax and may receive HMRC correspondence as fiscal drag intensifies, even with small amounts of private pension income.
• The DWP has launched a statutory State Pension age review and is gathering evidence on life‑expectancy‑linked changes, while reiterating that any alterations would require Parliament’s approval.
• Officials are urging those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 to check their State Pension age as the legislated rise to 67 begins in 2026, with debate over controls such as freezes or Pension Credit expansion and union warnings over any further age hikes.