I am on the brink of retirement, just two years away. I’m already partially retired, as I have a small Army pension and, due to injury, an even smaller war pension. With full retirement just down the road, I am paying closer attention. Even with my two pensions, and the state pension, my income will still not reach the figure that the government says is a ‘living wage’. Many are not as fortunate as me. For them, the prospect of living solely on a state pension that does not match the government-set living wage must be deeply concerning. So, this issue is not only personal to me, it affects millions of other retirees across our nation who are struggling to make ends meet. In 2023, it was reported that 2.1 million pensioners (18%) in the UK were living in poverty due to inadequate state pensions (source: Age UK). This is a stark reminder of how our current system fails those who have worked their entire lives contributing to society and now deserve a dignified retirement.

The government has set a living wage for good reason - it's what people need to live. Therefore, it stands to reason that our state pensions should at least match this amount. It's time for us as a society to ensure that all pensioners can afford basic necessities without financial strain or worry.

We urge lawmakers and relevant authorities to re-evaluate and increase the state pension so it aligns with the current living wage standard set by our government. This change will ensure dignity and financial security for all retirees now and in future generations.

Please sign this petition if you believe in fair pensions that reflect today's cost of living standards.