EXPECTED STATE PENSION RISE WELCOME, BUT OLDER PEOPLE NEED WIDER SUPPORT

LONDON, 15 SEPTEMBER 2026 – Later Life Ambitions (LLA) has welcomed indications that the State Pension could rise by up to £488 next April, while warning that financial security in later life depends on more than the headline pension rate.

New wage figures from the Office for National Statistics suggest that the triple lock could increase the State Pension by 3.9 per cent. This would raise the full new State Pension by £488 to £13,036.40 a year, while the full old basic State Pension would rise by £374.40 to £9,989.20.

The £488 figure is the maximum increase and is based on receipt of the full new State Pension. The amount each person receives depends on their National Insurance record and individual entitlement, meaning many pensioners would receive a smaller cash increase.

LLA says protecting the value of the State Pension remains essential, particularly for the millions of older people who rely on it for most or all of their income. However, it is calling for a wider package that also addresses access to buses, health and social care, suitable housing and essential local services.

Alan Lees, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Retired Police Officers and a spokesperson for Later Life Ambitions, said:

“An increase in the State Pension will be welcome, particularly for those who rely on it as their main or only source of income. However, £488 is the maximum increase, and many pensioners will receive less depending on their individual entitlement.

“The triple lock remains an important safeguard against pensioner poverty, but security in later life depends on more than one annual increase. Access to care, local bus services, suitable housing and other essential services all shape whether older people can live independently.

“We need a joined-up approach, with a decent State Pension supported by accessible transport, properly funded health and social care, suitable housing and reliable local services. That is what dignity in later life requires.”

LLA’s Budget for Later Life calls for a Minimum Income Guarantee alongside improvements to housing, transport, social care and other services on which older people rely.