It will consider whether the rules around pensionable age are appropriate, based on the latest life expectancy data and other evidence.

The Pensions Act 2014 requires the government to regularly review state pension age, and in accordance with law, this latest review must be published by 7 May 2023.

State pension age is currently 66 and two further increases are currently set out in legislation. These are a gradual rise to 67 for those born on or after April 1960, and a gradual rise to 68 between 2044 and 2046 for those born on or after April 1977. 

The first review of state pension age was undertaken in 2017 and concluded that the next review should consider whether the increase to age 68 should be brought forward to 2037-39 before tabling any changes to legislation.

As the number of people over state pension age increases, due to a growing population and people on average living longer, the government says it needs to make sure that decisions on how to manage its costs are “robust, fair and transparent for taxpayers now and in the future”. 

It must also ensure that as the population becomes older, the state pension continues to provide the foundation for retirement planning and financial security.

The review will consider a wide range of evidence including the implications of the latest life expectancy data, a balanced assessment of the costs of an ageing population and future state pension expenditure, labour market changes and people’s ability and opportunities to work over state pension age.

As set out in the 2014 Act, the government is commissioning two independent reports to contribute to the evidence considered during this review. These are a report from the government actuary and a report on other factors.