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A new warning has been issued about the Government's review of the State Pension age amid concerns it will fail to account for variations in health and wealth across the UK. The State Pension age is to start increasing in phases from April 2026 as it moves from 66 to 67. It is then expected to rise again to 68 by 2044-2046, and Labour has launched a review to decide exactly when that next step will be. Chancellor Rachel Reeves says the review will produce an independent report in March 2029. But there are fears it could 'penalise' many pensioners by ignoring regional differences. READ MORE: Scotland's Social Justice Secretary has pointed out that pensioner lifestyles vary widely across the country. She particularly wants the review of the State Pension age to take into account Scotland's unique demographic situation. Shirley-Anne Somerville says lower life expectancy in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK could lead to pension inequalities. "Here in Scotland, both men and women have a lower average life expectancy at the current State Pension age of 66," she stated. She emphasised that significant disparities exist in life expectancy, including healthy life expectancy, within Scotland, and that reducing poverty and inequality is the most effective way to improve life expectancy. "Nonetheless, it is important that current variations in life expectancy are highlighted in your review to ensure that any potential changes do not penalise those who have made similar contributions over the course of their lives." She says pension inequalities mean that women, individuals with multiple low-paying jobs, disabled people, minority ethnic communities, and self-employed individuals all face lower pension incomes in retirement. While the Scottish Government is "doing everything within our powers" to combat poverty, Ms Somerville added: "The Scottish Government does not want to see any changes that do not fundamentally consider Scotland's unique challenges." Ms Somerville also called upon the Government to compensate women born in the 1950s who were not properly notified about changes to the State Pension age. The long-running campaign by WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) wants to see financial redress for those affected by a big jump in their retirement age from 60 to 65 and then 66. The UK Government has previously dismissed a compensation package, with the cost projected at approximately £10.5 billion. "Any review of the State Pension age must address previous mistakes and ensure justice for women born in the 1950s," Ms Somerville said. "Although the UK Government acknowledged their mishandling of this, there has yet to be any compensation paid to the WASPI women despite pressure from both stakeholders and the Scottish Government. "It is vital that this review ensures that any changes are communicated clearly and fairly, so that similar distress is not repeated." Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp . Join our dedicated community for the latest updates sent straight to your phone as they happen. You can find out more about cost-of-living issues in our Money Saving Newsletter, which is sent out daily via email with all the updates you need to know on pensions , PIP , Universal Credit , benefits, finances, bills, and shopping discounts. Get the top stories in your inbox to browse through at a time that suits you.
