Thousands of British pensioners living overseas are speaking out about an issue that’s affecting their retirement income. A long-running government policy has stopped their state pensions from increasing each year, and now, politicians and campaigners are demanding change. With fresh political pressure this week, many are hopeful that something will finally be done to fix this unfair system.
What Is the Frozen Pension Policy?
The “frozen pension” policy affects around 453,000 British pensioners who live in countries that do not have a special agreement with the UK. Even though these pensioners paid their National Insurance when they worked in the UK, their pensions don’t rise with inflation. That means they miss out on the yearly increase known as the “Triple Lock”, which helps protect the value of pensions in the UK.
Pensioners in Commonwealth Countries Hit Hard
Most of the affected people live in Commonwealth countries like Australia and Canada. For example, 90-year-old Rosemary Godfrey moved to Australia years ago but still gets only £17.22 per week – the same amount she first received when she retired. Her pension hasn’t gone up even once. She says she hopes justice will come, but fears it may not happen in her lifetime.
Politicians Call the Policy ‘Outdated’ and ‘Unfair’
Gregory Stafford, a Conservative MP from Farnham and Bordon, says the policy is outdated and morally wrong. He’s urging the Government to stop ignoring the problem and carry out a full review. He also believes it’s time to revisit agreements with countries like Canada and Australia, so their residents can get fair treatment.
Labour MP Joins the Call for Change
Neil Duncan Jordan, Labour MP for Poole, agrees with the criticism. He says governments have failed these pensioners for years and calls the situation “unacceptable.” Both Labour and Conservative MPs are now demanding that the issue be discussed seriously in Parliament.
What the Government Says
A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) responded, saying the rules about overseas pensions have been in place for over 70 years. They explained that the UK informs people about how moving abroad might affect their pension, but the policy still stands.
Campaigners Urge the Government to Act
Groups like End Frozen Pensions Canada are also speaking out. Chair Edwina Melville-Grey said that for many pensioners, the UK State Pension is a vital part of their income. She hopes the Government will finally take notice and meet with their campaigners, including 100-year-old Anne Puckridge, who has become a symbol of this ongoing injustice.
The issue of frozen pensions has affected British retirees overseas for decades, especially in countries like Canada and Australia. Many paid into the system their whole lives but now feel abandoned. As pressure grows on the Government from all sides, affected pensioners are hoping their voices will finally be heard. With MPs from different parties joining together to support change, there’s growing hope that this unfair policy could soon be reformed.
FAQs
What is a frozen UK pension?
A frozen UK pension means that a retiree’s state pension does not increase annually if they live in a country without a reciprocal agreement with the UK government. Their payments stay fixed at the rate when they first started receiving the pension.
Which countries are affected by frozen pensions?
Countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and parts of the Caribbean are affected. Pensioners in these countries do not receive annual increases like those in the UK or countries with reciprocal deals.
Why do UK pensioners in some countries get increases while others don’t?
Annual pension increases are only given to UK pensioners living in countries that have a social security agreement with the UK. Without such agreements, pensions remain frozen.
How many pensioners are impacted by frozen pensions?
An estimated 453,000 UK pensioners living abroad in affected countries are currently receiving frozen state pensions.
Is the UK government changing the frozen pensions policy?
There is growing political pressure to review and possibly end the policy, but as of now, no changes have been officially made by the UK government.
