Briefing Notes

Briefing Note 97 - General Election 2017 State Pension age rises

This Briefing Note summarises the key issues that surround State Pension age (SPa) increases in the run up to the General Election on the 8th June.

It discusses the reasons for SPa rises and includes data concerning groups who are disproportionately affected by rises to SPa and the long term affordability of the State Pension. 

This Briefing Note explores the dynamics of SPa rises including:

• Affordability of the State Pension
• History of the State Pension
• Current SPa policy
• Increasing old age dependency ratio
• Disproportionately affected groups
• Extending working lives  

It finds that if the Government wishes to prioritise the sustainability of the State Pension, SPa rises are inevitable. Differences in life expectancies are not necessarily a reason not to increase SPa. However, in the absence of other changes, some groups will be more adversely affected by SPa rises than others. However, there are policy options for mitigating the effects of SPa rises on those most adversely affected.