Pensioners could be given a higher tax-free income allowance under a new petition calling on the Government to bring back a special tax break for older people.
The petition, created by Stewart Wilks, wants the age-related Personal Allowance restored for everyone of State Pension age, with the threshold set at 110% of the full new State Pension.
It also calls for the allowance to rise automatically every year in line with the State Pension triple lock, which increases payments according to whichever is highest of earnings growth, inflation or 2.5%.
The campaign - which can be signed here - argues that giving pensioners more tax-free income could help older people manage their finances while supporting local shops and businesses.
It says pensioners are more likely to spend additional income locally, helping high streets, small businesses and jobs while generating extra VAT and other tax revenues.
What is the personal allowance petition asking for?
The petition calls on the Government to restore the age-related Personal Allowance for people who have reached State Pension age.
Under the proposal, the tax-free threshold would be linked to 110% of the full annual new State Pension, rather than remaining at the standard Personal Allowance level.
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The allowance would then increase each year in line with the triple lock.
The Personal Allowance is the amount someone can earn before paying Income Tax. The standard allowance is currently £12,570 a year, although the amount of tax someone pays depends on their circumstances and other income.
There is some will for a political change for pensioners.
In his speech at the Labour Party Conference, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: "I can also confirm today our commitment to ensure that the low-income pensioners won’t be dragged into paying income tax in this Parliament."
How many signatures does it need?
The petition needs 10,000 signatures to trigger a Government response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament, although a debate is not guaranteed.
The petition was published on August 19, 2026, and will remain open until February 19, 2027.
Its creator argues that restoring the age-related allowance could give pensioners more breathing space while helping money flow back into local economies.
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