The UK’s full new state pension is on course to increase by about £488 a year from April 2027, taking the annual amount to just over £13,000, after the latest earnings data pointed to a 3.9% rise under the triple lock.
What the triple lock means for 2027–28
The triple lock guarantees that the state pension rises each April by the highest of: average earnings growth (May–July), CPI inflation (September), or 2.5%.
Latest ONS figures show average weekly earnings growth (including bonuses) was 3.9% in the three months to July 2026, down from 4.2% in the prior quarter.
CPI inflation stood at 2.9% in the most recent reading and is not expected to overtake 3.9% when September’s figure is published in October, so earnings growth is currently the binding number.
What will the new state pension amounts be from April 2027?
At the projected 3.9% uplift, someone on the new flat‑rate state pension would receive around £250.70 a week, or £13,036.40 a year.
Those on the old basic state pension would move to about £192.10 a week, or £9,989.20 a year.
These are projections based on the May to July earnings window, and the Department for Work and Pensions will confirm the exact percentage later this autumn.
Will pensioners have to pay tax on the state pension after the rise?
A 3.9% rise would push the full new state pension above the frozen personal allowance of £12,570 for the first time, meaning it becomes technically taxable income.
Almost 13 million people receive the state pension and many already pay income tax because they have additional private or workplace pension income.
The government previously indicated that people who rely solely on the state pension would not be forced to file tax returns or be chased for payment, but ministers have not yet set out the mechanics.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds declined to reconfirm the pledge on BBC Breakfast, pointing to the Budget on 28 October for any changes to allowances or rates.
Consultants LCP estimate only about one in 16 pensioners would benefit from keeping that promise, saving roughly £91 a year, because most pensioners have other taxable income.
