"When there is so much negative news about gaps between men and women when it comes to pensions, these figures show that things can be changed, provided that there is the political will to do so"
- Steve Webb - LCP
New figures released under the Freedom of Information Act suggest that the gender gap in state pension payments has been nearly eliminated for those retiring under the new system.
The data, obtained by LCP partner Steve Webb from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), shows that average weekly pension amounts for newly retired men and women are now separated by less than 1%. “The amounts for men and women are on course to be equal very shortly,” the DWP stated in its response.
For much of the state pension’s history, since its introduction in the late 1940s, a significant gap existed between men and women. Under the old system, men retiring today receive an average of £217.30 per week, compared with £186.44 for women, leaving women with just 86% of their male counterparts’ income. These figures do not account for cases where widows saw increases in their pension only after their husbands’ death, following years of receiving lower payments.
A key aim of the reformed state pension system introduced in 2016 was to reduce that gender disparity. The change was implemented gradually, ensuring people retained accrued rights from the previous system, but over time, the transition has narrowed the gap.
Figures released to Webb show that among those who retired in the year up to November 2024, the average weekly pension for a newly retired man was £209.95, while the average for a newly retired woman was £208.15.
As more retirees enter the new system, the figures are expected to align even further. Some projections suggest that women could eventually marginally surpass men in average weekly payments under the state pension.
Webb (pictured), who was responsible for overseeing the introduction of the new system during his time as pensions minister, welcomed the findings. “I am delighted to see that when it comes to the state pension, the battle against the gender pension gap is nearly won for those retiring today,” he said. “When there is so much negative news about gaps between men and women when it comes to pensions, these figures show that things can be changed, provided that there is the political will to do so.
“There are, however, far too many women who have already retired who are living on reduced pensions, and I will continue to campaign for them to be treated fairly, including by rooting out all of the errors which have led to so many being underpaid for so long.”
