Frozen UK State Pensions: A Deep Injustice — But Now There’s a Way to Change It

 

Every year, over 450,000 British pensioners living overseas receive a UK state pension that is frozen at the rate they first received it — never increased to reflect the rising cost of living. This means many are living on less than half of today’s full UK pension, with its real value shrinking every year.  600,000 pensioners get uprated including most countries in Europe USA and a few others like Jamaica and Barbados

This unfair treatment depends entirely on where you live. In the Asia-Pacific region, for example, British citizens in the Philippines receive uprated pensions — but not those in Australia or New Zealand or any other country in APAC. Why? Because the UK Government only uprates pensions in countries where there is a reciprocal agreement — often tied to trade deals. It's a cost-saving loophole — and the Government knows it's unjust.

Why Now Is the Time for Action

Until recently, many British citizens overseas had no right to vote in UK elections. But since January 2024, that has changed. Now, all British citizens abroad can vote, no matter how long they’ve been away.

That’s why the British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) was formed — to unite overseas voters and ensure their voices are heard on key issues like Frozen Pensions.

We’re building organised voter groups in every UK constituency to create real pressure on MPs. We know that when overseas voters speak collectively, politicians listen.

Here’s What You Can Do

1. Register to vote today at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
2. Become a supporter of BOVF for free at bovf.org.uk.

 

Becoming a supporter ensures your MP knows overseas voters in their constituency are watching — and demanding change. You’ll also stay updated on campaign developments and, if you choose, can get more involved.

Let’s work together to end frozen pensions and bring fairness to all British citizens, no matter where they live.

If you find any difficulties in registering to vote, or you just need some assistance, these two prominent Brits in Thailand will be only too happy to help if you E mail them

 

Eric Jordan - ppieric[at]hotmail.com

Ceri Weaver - ceri.weaver[at]hotmail.com.

 

5 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

But Now There’s a Way to Change It

 

There is---if you can stand living in UK for 6 months....... a friend just done it.

Yes its still frozen but frozen at the current rate .

Alternative is 6 months in Philippines---or any other country that has reciprocal agreement with UK.  

8 hours ago, oxo1947 said:

 

There is---if you can stand living in UK for 6 months....... a friend just done it.

Yes its still frozen but frozen at the current rate .

Alternative is 6 months in Philippines---or any other country that has reciprocal agreement with UK.  

6 months has nothing to do with anything,residency counts, actually 6 months in UK isn't that bad.once ipc have hold no letting go,avoid them at all costs. It's policy govt. follow ,not unlawful to receive unfrozen anywhere,DWP will never investigate,just recipient informs on himself needlessly, awaiting 'i know someone'...there ain't anybody...period.

Although I am not a victim of the UK pension freeze because I live in Switzerland, I applaud the initiators of this project and wish them success in getting this unfair situation corrected.

 

I would gladly give my personal support but not being a UK national, I cannot register for voting.

On 6/25/2025 at 9:36 AM, Bredbury Blue said:

Now, all British citizens abroad can vote, no matter how long they’ve been away.

 

All very well if the MP for the constituency in which you're registered is prepared to take up the cudgels on your behalf as an overseas voter - and, equally importantly, you have a suitable friend or relative in the UK who is prepared to act as your voting proxy at elections (postal voting is impractical from Thailand).

 

In my case, unfortunately, neither is applicable any longer.