Millions of pensioners across the UK are facing financial hardship in 2025, sparking calls for change. Campaigner Ken Marshall has launched a bold proposal to increase the State Pension to match the National Living Wage (NLW) — a move that would see retirees receiving £427.35 per week, or £22,000 per year. This idea has ignited national debate around pensioner poverty, fairness, and dignity in retirement.
What Is Ken Marshall Proposing?
Ken Marshall believes pensioners deserve to receive at least the same income as someone working full-time on minimum wage. His proposal calls for the State Pension to rise to match the 35-hour National Living Wage:
- £12.21 per hour (from April 2025)
- £427.35 per week
- £1,851.85 per month
- £22,222.20 per year
According to Marshall, many elderly people who spent their lives contributing to society are now living on nearly half of that amount, which he describes as deeply unfair and “distressing”.
What Is the Current State Pension in 2025?
Despite a 4.1% rise from April 2025, the New State Pension still falls far below the proposed figure:
- £230.25 per week (up from £221.20)
- £921 every four weeks
- £11,973 annually
- For those receiving the Basic State Pension:
- £176.45 per week (up from £169.50)
- £9,175 annually
Even after this rise, the gap between what pensioners receive and the National Living Wage remains at around £10,000 per year — a difference many believe is unacceptable in a modern, wealthy country.
How Does This Compare to the National Living Wage?
From April 2025, workers aged 21 and over will receive:
- £12.21 per hour
- £22,222.20 annually for a 35-hour week
Compared to the State Pension’s £11,973, it’s clear pensioners are being left behind. Marshall argues that the UK must do more to ensure dignity and financial security for its elderly population, especially as inflation and living costs continue to rise.
What Does the Government Say?
Despite growing public support, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rejected similar proposals in the past. Their reasoning includes:
Different purposes: The State Pension is a benefit, not a wage. NLW supports workers, while the pension supports retirees.
Legal structure: Since the 1946 National Insurance Act, the State Pension operates as a pay-as-you-go benefit, funded by current workers’ taxes.
Additional income sources: The DWP points to private pensions and automatic enrolment schemes, which are meant to supplement the State Pension.
Fiscal limitations: The State Pension cost £138 billion in 2024/25, around 5.2% of GDP. Doubling it could place a serious strain on public finances.
What About Future Pension Increases?
The Triple Lock remains in place, ensuring pensions increase each year by inflation, average earnings, or 2.5% — whichever is highest. But forecasts show only 2.5% increases from 2026 to 2030, meaning the gap between the State Pension and NLW will remain.
Expected increases:
- 2026/27: 2.5%
- 2027/28: 2.5%
- 2028/29: 2.5%
- 2029/30: 2.5%
These gradual rises won’t come close to closing the £10,000 annual gap pensioners face compared to working adults on minimum wage.
Will the Petition Lead to Change?
Ken Marshall’s petition, titled “Pay pensioners the equivalent of the living wage of a 35-hour week”, is gaining traction. Here’s what could happen:
- 10,000 signatures: The Government must respond
- 100,000 signatures: The petition may be debated in Parliament
- Public pressure could force a national conversation and policy review, even if immediate change is unlikely.
The campaign to raise the UK State Pension to £427.35 per week isn’t just about money — it’s about recognising the value and dignity of older citizens. While the Government defends the current system as affordable and supported by additional pensions, many believe that living on less than the minimum wage is simply unjust for those who have contributed to society for decades.
Whether or not Ken Marshall’s proposal becomes law, it has already reignited a critical national debate on fairness, retirement security, and respect for the elderly. As the cost of living rises, so too does the urgency to rethink how we support pensioners in the UK.
FAQ’s
What is the current UK State Pension in 2025?
From April 2025, the New State Pension is £230.25 per week (£11,973 per year), while the Basic State Pension is £176.45 per week (£9,175 per year).
How much is the National Living Wage in 2025?
In 2025, the National Living Wage is £12.21 per hour, which totals £427.35 per week or £22,222.20 per year for a 35-hour working week.
Why is Ken Marshall proposing a £427.35 weekly State Pension?
He believes pensioners deserve at least the same income as minimum wage workers, calling it a matter of fairness and dignity after a lifetime of contributions.
What reasons has the DWP given for rejecting the proposal?
The DWP argues that pensions and wages serve different purposes, the system is already supported by taxpayers, and many retirees have additional private pensions.
Can the petition for a higher State Pension influence policy?
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be debated in Parliament, potentially influencing future pension policy discussions.
