Petition · past parliament
The UK, has the lowest basic state pension, as percentage of earnings in Europe.
Rejected
13 signatures
What the petition asks
A joint report, by Age Concern and Help the Aged stated –
“The UK basic state pension is worth a smaller percentage of average earnings than elsewhere in Europe. Current UK state pension is 17% of the average income. EU average is 57%.
In 1981, UK state pension was 24% of average earnings.”
“The UK basic state pension is worth a smaller percentage of average earnings than elsewhere in Europe. Current UK state pension is 17% of the average income. EU average is 57%.
In 1981, UK state pension was 24% of average earnings.”
A political consensus was reached by the EU Nations at the Laeken Summit 2001, that each Member State would attempt to attain a Basic Pension of 40% of its Average Wage by 2007 and then work towards 60%.
The UK provides the worst Basic Pension by far.
Taking the Pension as a percentage of average wage, pensioners in Greece, Luxembourg, Spain and Italy receive over 5 times our basic pension.
By 2050 Germany and Spain, plan devoting 16% of their GDP to their Basic Pensions, UK will be only 4%.
The UK provides the worst Basic Pension by far.
Taking the Pension as a percentage of average wage, pensioners in Greece, Luxembourg, Spain and Italy receive over 5 times our basic pension.
By 2050 Germany and Spain, plan devoting 16% of their GDP to their Basic Pensions, UK will be only 4%.
Why it was rejected
It was not clear what the petition asked the UK Government or Parliament to do.
Petitions need to call on the Government or Parliament to take a specific action.
We understand that you're concerned that state pensions in the UK are too low, but we're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do.
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do. For example, you could ask for a specific increase to the state pension.
We understand that you're concerned that state pensions in the UK are too low, but we're not sure exactly what you'd like the Government or Parliament to do.
You could start a new petition explaining clearly what you would like the Government or Parliament to do. For example, you could ask for a specific increase to the state pension.
Timeline
| 7 Apr 2018 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 12 Apr 2018 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
13
Status
Rejected
Rejected
12 Apr 2018
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.