State pension age could rise to 68 by ‘2040 or thereabouts’, says Mel Stride

The Work and Pensions Secretary has delayed any decision on increasing the state pension age past 67.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride (Stefan Rousseau/PA) (PA Wire)

The Work and Pensions Secretary said the state pension age is not likely to be raised to 68 until the 2040s — but it is not a decision to be made by the current UK Government.

Mel Stride said there was “no reason why you need to take the decision now” on any change, having pledged to inform voters 10 years ahead of time.

A state pension age increase from 66 to 67 is set to occur between 2026 and 2028, a move which has been legislated for since 2014.