In the same boat as him, took my UK OAP in 2021 aged 66.
But, more fortunate than him, have a Merchant Navy Officers pension (38yrs) were contracted out of SERP's so received a lower OAP even though had paid 'Class 1 NI' for 42years, receive 139.65p a week, but, tax at 20% is taken since my MNOPF pension is over 12,570GBP (Personal tax free allowance) so receive in my hand 111.72p a week for paying 'Class 1' all my working life.
Went back the UK for my sons wedding informed DWP, pension jumped up 16.35p to 156GBP, but after tax the increase 13 pounds.
What gets me is the amount of money we paid into National Insurance that increased as your years and salary increased. Yet, you live in the wrong country your entitlement (You paid in) is frozen. Morally it is wrong, I am okay since the OAP is a bonus, but!!!!
To many folk it is their sole lifeline, lifebelt and life jacket. Those pensioners are not using public services like the Health Service.
Reform party scares me a little knowing history of popular/reactionary parties, but if Reform said:
When in power OAP will not be taxed and the tax basic allowance will be raised as if never frozen by the Tories.
They would get my postal vote?
PS. If he were a banker?? How many years?? Should have a good private pension.