The age at which Britons can claim a state pension should rise to at least 67 years by 2050, the UK Pensions Commission said today.
In a long-awaited report recommending reforms to Britain's creaking retirement system, the commission also said the government should increase the basic state pension in line with average earnings rather than inflation. It did not specify when.
The panel said its blueprint would not require a major increase in government spending in the next 15 years.
Like many industrialised nations such as the United States, Germany and Japan, the pension system in Britain is coming under pressure as the population ages and people live longer, leaving fewer workers to support a growing number of retirees.
At present, men can claim a state pension at 65 and women at 60, although the claimant age for women is due to rise to 65 by 2020.
Average earnings increase faster than prices, so pensions would rise more quickly if the proposals are implemented.