Tax reform must address inequality, not divide generations, say campaigners

LONDON, 26 AUGUST 2026 – Later Life Ambitions (LLA) has welcomed the Institute for Public Policy Research’s (IPPR) new report, Taxing Times: Policies, Politics, and Principles, as a contribution to the debate about how Britain prepares for an ageing society, while warning against treating older people as a single wealthy group.

The report examines how the tax system can raise the revenue needed to meet growing fiscal pressures. Its analysis estimates that population ageing will account for almost four-fifths of the additional pressure facing the UK by 2075. It argues that the tax system is too tilted in favour of age and wealth and proposes shifting more of the burden away from work and younger earners.

LLA says Britain needs a long-term plan to fund pensions, health and social care as the population ages. However, it cautions against treating older people as a homogeneous group, noting that individuals’ financial circumstances vary considerably. Pensioner poverty is a serious and growing concern, millions rely largely or entirely on the State Pension, and many people are not saving enough to provide an adequate income in retirement.

Josie Irwin, General Secretary of the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance and a spokesperson for Later Life Ambitions, said: “There is a legitimate debate to be had about how the UK prepares for an ageing society and funds the services people will need in the decades ahead. This report is right to draw attention to the need for long-term planning.

“However, age should not be treated as shorthand for wealth. Millions of older people rely largely or entirely on the State Pension, while pensioner poverty remains a growing problem. At the same time, many of today’s workers are not saving enough to provide an adequate income when they retire.

“The underlying issue is inequality, both within and between generations. Any reform should reflect people’s ability to pay, rather than assuming that someone is wealthy simply because they are older.

“Intergenerational fairness means building a sustainable settlement that provides security throughout people’s lives. It should not mean setting younger and older people against one another.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITOR

• Later Life Ambitions (LLA) represents over 250,000 older people across the UK through its partner organisations: the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance (CSPA), the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO), and the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners (NFOP). The campaign is also supported by the Prison Officers’ Association (POA).

• LLA seeks to change the debate on ageing, focusing on the ambitions and contributions of older people rather than perceived costs.

• LLA’s Budget for Later Life sets out practical, evidence-based proposals to secure fair, sustainable incomes and dignity in later life.

For further information or comment, please contact Matthew Boyd at laterlife@connectpa.co.uk or on 07721 687 102.