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State Pension Triple Lock
08 November 2022
Lead MP
Jon Ashworth
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Benefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 59
At a Glance
Jon Ashworth raised concerns about state pension triple lock in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The motion calls on the Government to honour their manifesto commitment and maintain the state pension triple lock. It highlights the rising costs of living, increased poverty among pensioners, and the importance of certainty for retirees. The speech emphasises that breaking this promise would mean a real-terms cut in pensions valued at £37 per month, affecting those who rely solely on fixed incomes.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports the idea of honouring retired people's contributions and ensuring they receive adequate support in their later years.
Liz Kendall
Lab
Leicester West
Highlights the vulnerability of Leicester pensioners, with half living in the most deprived areas of the country, and stresses that Conservative Members must walk through the Lobby with Labour to support the motion.
Questions the urgency of the debate, suggesting it is premature to discuss cuts without awaiting next week's government announcement on the triple lock.
Mel Stride
Con
Central Devon
Strides defended the government's commitment to pensioners by citing the introduction of the triple lock under a previous Conservative government, highlighting an increase in the basic state pension and significant annual spending on pension support. He also addressed interventions regarding eligibility for benefits like Pension Credit, aiming to encourage more eligible individuals to apply.
John Hayes
Con
South Holland and The Deepings
Hayes thanked Stride for correcting the record on a previous statement about Labour's pension increases, emphasising that the triple lock was a Conservative policy and asserting its importance.
Brown challenged Stride's claims, pointing out that while the Labour government had lifted 1 million pensioners out of poverty, this current government has pushed half a million back into poverty. She questioned whether the promises made in the Conservative manifesto would be fulfilled.
Richardson argued that it is reasonable to discuss pensions and benefits following the OBR forecast, criticising the Opposition for bringing up these issues prematurely before a major fiscal event.
Brown questioned why confirming adherence to manifesto commitments would be considered irresponsible, challenging Stride's stance on pre-empting government decisions.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Timms welcomed Mel Stride to his first debate and questioned whether breaking the triple lock promise would set a precedent dating back 50 years, querying if the Government will honour previous commitments made by the current Prime Minister.
Linden pressed Stride on transparency and process, inquiring about any preparations for legislation that might be necessary to suspend the triple lock, questioning whether such actions would imply a lack of commitment to the policy.
Sambrook highlighted the value of Pension Credit and encouraged Stride to encourage more pensioners to claim it for its benefits beyond just financial support, noting that many eligible individuals are not claiming their entitlements.
McLaughlin requested a meeting with Stride regarding extending the deadline for applying for Pension Credit to ensure people can access full benefits including an additional cost of living grant of £650, arguing that current deadlines may hinder this.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Graham praised Stride's contribution and defended the government’s record on pensioner support, highlighting auto-enrolment initiatives and other benefits. He suggested that today's debate is a political tactic by Labour to undermine Conservative promises.
Asked why poverty is increasing.
Alan Brown
SNP
Glasgow Central
Questioned the Secretary of State on the lag in poverty analysis figures and highlighted that 6.7 million households are in fuel poverty, urging him to remember this when discussing decreasing figures.
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Challenged the Secretary of State's view on fiscal decisions, criticising Conservative austerity policies for contributing to pensioner poverty. Also raised concerns about public service cuts affecting libraries and social care in her constituency.
David Linden
SNP
Glasgow East
Critiqued the Secretary of State's earlier comments, asserting that the cost of living crisis is a result of 12 years of Conservative austerity. He also criticised the lifting of the cap on bankers’ bonuses.
Alan Brown
Lab
Cowdenbeath
The Secretary of State's speech offered no clarity on the future of pension uprating, criticising Labour for borrowing but ignoring his party’s own history. He supports reinstating the triple lock and protecting pensions from further cuts amid cost-of-living challenges. The motion should gain support as it references the Tory manifesto's pledge to protect pensions, yet the Government remain vague on specifics such as energy costs going forward. Pensioners are facing severe financial pressure with increases in food and fuel prices; a £100 payment off gas grid is insufficient. International comparisons show UK pension provision trailing many European countries, highlighting the need for better support measures like pension credit take-up to reduce poverty among older people.
Drew Hendry
Lab
Inverness N & Highland EW
Intervened on Alan Brown's speech to emphasise that off-gas-grid pensioners are paying much higher energy costs than those quoted, illustrating the urgency of addressing their specific needs.
David Linden
Lab
Glasgow S & CB
Agreed with Alan Brown’s point and suggested that banks should play a role in promoting pension credit to identify recipients and encourage take-up among pensioners who need it most.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay and South Devon
Welcomed the opportunity to speak on an issue important for Torbay. Emphasised that the pension triple lock was introduced in 2010, noting its aim to provide clarity about future state pension increases by linking them to either prices, earnings, or a minimum of 2.5%. Highlighted the increase in basic state pensions since 2010 (£2,300) and additional benefits such as the new state pension which simplifies retirement planning. Acknowledged the impact of inflation on pensions but stated that the double lock introduced last year was appropriate given pandemic-induced fluctuations in earnings. Emphasised other support measures like cost-of-living payments, energy price guarantee, council tax rebate, and household energy bill discount. Noted concerns about unclaimed pension credit and suggested working with post offices to address this issue.
Multiple members spoke but specific contributions are not detailed in the provided text.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Agrees with the hon. Member for Torbay on pension credit, and emphasises the importance of cooperation between local government and central government to improve automatic judgments regarding entitlements to pension credit. He criticises the Government for creating a difficult situation due to their 'catastrophic errors' in September. Timms highlights that there has been a significant real-terms fall this year in the value of state pensions and working-age benefits, noting that these were increased by 3.1% in April when inflation was nearly 10%. He stresses the importance of keeping promises made regarding pension uprating and criticises the reduction in working-age benefits. Timms also highlights the growing dependence on food banks due to the economic crisis.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Welcomes the new Secretary of State and acknowledges the difficult economic position the country finds itself in, looking forward to the Chancellor’s fiscal event next week. Emphasises the Conservative Government's record of supporting older people through auto-enrolment for employees, which has resulted in 88% of eligible employees having savings pots. He praises the work done by the Government to support pensioners during the cost of living crisis and expresses hope that the triple lock will be retained.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
The British people rightly assume that the state will not make life harder and expect their welfare to be a prime concern. The Government’s failure is evident in the rise of pensioner poverty, with nearly half a million pensioners living in some form of poverty in the north-west region alone. Inflation will start falling soon, making it unjust to scrap the triple lock now.
Pensioners in my constituency are expressing anger, fear and despair at the potential removal of the triple lock. A 70-year-old woman has described sitting with only candles for heat due to unaffordable energy bills. The Government must consider the full impact on our most vulnerable pensioners.
As a Member representing one of the oldest cohorts in the country, I believe the triple lock should be restored. North Norfolk has 33.4% of its population aged 65 and over, making it crucial to protect those on fixed incomes from real-terms cuts during times of inflation. The moral and ethical decision is to ensure pensioners receive what they have paid into throughout their lives.
Birmingham Erdington
One in six older people in the UK are living in poverty, with many struggling to make ends meet due to health issues and rising costs. My constituents are worried about real-terms cuts to their already limited state pension. The Government’s lack of clarity is causing concern as winter approaches.
Rother Valley
We have heard great speeches today about the importance of the triple lock and pension. The Government introduced the triple lock in 2011 to ensure that there would be no more insulting 75p rises under previous Labour Governments. This debate is partly due to Labour's political games, but it also highlights genuine concerns about looking after the most vulnerable. During the pandemic, £400 billion was spent on aiding people and those on fixed incomes are at risk from rising inflation. Pension credit is vital; it provides a top-up worth up to £3,300 for pensioners. Auto-enrolment into pensions has been successful with 88% of people now auto-enrolled, providing long-term help.
Simon Lightwood
Lab Co-op
Wakefield and Rothwell
Supports dignity in retirement for the elderly but notes that many are facing anything but. Doreen from Hall Green mentioned going hungry and cold despite working since age 15, while Maureen noted having to choose between heating and feeding herself. Over 17,000 pensioners in his constituency could be £915 worse off due to the broken triple lock last year. Poverty rates among older people are high, especially those with long-term illnesses who now risk their health by turning off essential medical equipment because of costs.
Anthony Browne
Con
Kinglybridge
Supports unity on the triple lock and dignity in retirement. Emphasises that under Labour, state pensions were at record lows as a proportion of average earnings, with only inflation increases leading to 75p rises. The triple lock introduced by Conservatives since 2011 has increased pensions by £2,300 more than if it had been just inflation or earnings linked alone. This results in the basic state pension being at its highest rate for over 30 years. He supports the Government's position of reviewing finances as part of autumn statement preparations.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
The Prime Minister is avoiding a general election and has no personal democratic mandate. The Conservative manifesto promised to keep the triple lock, winter fuel payment, older person’s bus pass, and other pensioner benefits. Other colleagues have noted the UK's low state pensions compared with developed nations. In April, when the Prime Minister broke the promise, the state pension increased by only 3.1% instead of the 8.3% due under the triple lock, costing someone on the new full state pension £487 a year in my constituency. Conservative Members should do the right thing and vote to retain the triple lock.
The motion is curious because we will get a decision next week. Last year, the basic state pension was at its highest level in 34 years; it has now increased by £2,050 to £2,300. We have auto-enrolled over 19 million people into workplace pensions and provided various measures for energy support, fuel payments, cold weather payments, and pension credit. The Labour motion does not specify how to fund the triple lock or what future policy will be. It is essential that a party proposing to form a government has a view on future pension policies.
40% of children in the north-east live in poverty, impacting their grandparents' ability to support them financially. The number of pensioners living in poverty has been rising since 2013, with over 2 million people affected last year. In April, the state pension increased by only 3.1%, costing someone on the full new state pension £487 a year and those on the full basic state pension £373 a year. Pensioner poverty is disproportionately affecting private tenants and social rented sector tenants. Without certainty from the Government, people are having to cut back on heating and food expenses.
Guildford and Waverley
Emphasises the importance of supporting pensioners during winter. Acknowledges the increase in state pensions since 2010, noting that without inflation adjustments, pensions would be £720 lower today. Praises simplification of pension regulations for women who have spent time raising families, benefiting over 3 million women by an average of £550 per year. Commends automatic enrolment policy that has helped millions save for retirement. Looks forward to the Secretary of State's review and Chancellor’s autumn statement. Highlights the energy price guarantee, up to £850 additional support, and other measures such as the warm home discount and cold weather payments.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Expresses concern over constituents' fears regarding the scrapping of the triple lock. Discusses rising pensioner poverty over a decade, citing examples of income reductions due to inflation exceeding 8%. Criticises the Government for breaking their manifesto commitment and leaving more than 18,000 Gower pensioners worse off by an average of £905.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
This debate is a political stunt by Labour to gain headlines, increasing fear among pensioners. Under the Conservative-led Government, auto-enrolment was introduced to increase private pensions from 32% in 2012 to 75% today. The triple lock policy since 2010 has increased pensions significantly and improved the state pension for women who raised families.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Despite support for the triple lock, recent Government statements have suggested it is under threat, leading to anxieties among pensioners. The double-lock implemented in 2021 means pensioners are already behind due to cost-of-living increases. The debate should continue until a clear commitment is made. Constituents' concerns about rising energy bills and the importance of maintaining intergenerational fairness through the state pension are highlighted.
Chris Clarkson
Con
Eddisbury
Emphasised the Conservative Government's record of supporting pensioners, highlighting initiatives such as the triple lock and automatic enrolment for workplace pensions. He criticised Labour for their economic policies during their last tenure and warned against Opposition attempts to use pensioner support as political leverage.
Barnsley South
Called on the Government to protect the triple lock, arguing that breaking it would be a betrayal of pensioners' trust and could worsen their financial struggles in the face of rising costs. She highlighted previous broken promises regarding miners' pensions and urged the Government to prioritise vulnerable pensioners during economic hardships.
Richard Graham
Con
Gloucester
Richard Graham argues that the coalition government introduced a new policy in December 2010, linking pension increases to earnings growth, inflation or at least 2.5%, addressing previous inadequacies under Labour's administration. He highlights that this has significantly improved the value of the state pension, which is currently worth over £720 more than it would have been with the previous indexing method.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Ruth Jones supports the triple lock on pensions, emphasising its importance for financial security in retirement. She mentions a constituent's concerns about the impact of potentially reducing pension benefits due to rising costs of living. Jones also highlights disparities among pensioners based on housing tenure and ethnicity, citing research from Age UK.
Ynys Mon
The speaker emphasised the importance of pensioners not being trapped in persistent poverty and called for a fundamental review of state pensions to eradicate pensioner poverty. He highlighted that one in five people in Wales lives in relative poverty, with pensioners among those hardest hit by rising energy and food prices. The UK's spending on state pensions is below OECD average, and the country also has a lower net replacement rate compared to OECD and EU standards.
Tahir Ali
Lab
Birmingham Hall Green and Moseley
Ali argued against Conservative Members who described the debate as theoretical or irresponsible. He stressed that the pension triple lock is crucial for millions of retired people's wellbeing and criticised the Government for considering putting it at risk, given the economic mess they have created. Pensioners are already struggling with soaring food prices and increased energy costs, leading to malnutrition risks.
Wirral West
Greenwood reported on constituents' extreme anxiety about the cost of living crisis and the Government’s lack of commitment to maintaining the state pension triple lock. She highlighted that last year, the Conservatives broke their promise but still claim they will honour it now. Due to soaring food prices and increased energy costs, many pensioners are struggling to afford basic necessities like heating and food.
Warrington North
This contribution emphasises the rising poverty among pensioners, especially in recent years. Ms Nichols reports constituents struggling with basic needs such as heating and lighting due to soaring costs. She also draws attention to the mineworkers' pension scheme surplus being used by the Government without contributing to it.
Ms Hollern criticises Conservative Members for breaking their promises regarding the triple lock, pointing out that pensioners are set to lose £900 due to last year's break and could face a similar loss this year. She highlights increasing pensioner poverty since 2013 despite broad statements from Conservatives, arguing that the Government should not penalise those who worked hard for their entire lives.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
Ms Clark echoes concerns about rising pensioner poverty and highlights potential average cuts of £408 next year in Enfield North if the triple lock is broken again. She reports constituents already struggling with soaring food and petrol costs, staying on buses all day to keep warm due to high heating costs, and expresses fears that pensioners will be betrayed yet again.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
I am pleased to close this important debate for the Opposition. As my right hon. Friend the Member for Leicester South (Jonathan Ashworth) said, it is about a simple and very important question: will the Government honour their manifesto pledge to millions of pensioners—13 million, many of whom have no income other than the state pension? The state pension matters enormously and, so far, the Government have failed to give pensioners the reassurance that they deserve. I hope that the Minister in responding will think again, treat pensioners with more respect and reassure them that the Government will stick with the triple lock. This debate has been an important opportunity for Members from across the House to remind Ministers of their duty to pensioners. Powerful arguments have been made for openness and clarity. Pensioners face a desperate situation with bills rising and need reassurance at this difficult time.
Alan Brown
SNP
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Reminded the House that pensioners face a desperate situation with bills rising and called for clarity. Stressed his support for the triple lock and the importance of the state pension to many of his constituents.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay
Stressed his support for the triple lock and the importance of the state pension to many of his constituents. Called on the Government to do much more to encourage pensioners to claim pension credit.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Made some excellent points, including that the Government, sadly, made a series of serious blunders in September. Pensions have been uprated over a long period and there is a social contract between people in work, the Government and pensioners.
Gurmant Grewal
Conervative
South West Hertfordshire
Called for the triple lock to be retained.
Laura Trott
Con
Sevenoaks
Since 2010, state pension reforms have corrected historic inequalities for women. Pensioner incomes increased by 12% in real terms, and absolute pensioner poverty has fallen by 400,000 since 2010. We spend over £134 billion on benefits for pensioners annually. Automatic enrolment into workplace pensions has seen an additional £33 billion saved each year compared to 2012.
Alan Brown
Lab
Kilmarnock and Loudoun
Asked the Minister about updating true figures on pensioner poverty in the UK, noting that it is increasing despite Government claims.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Bristol South
Questioned why the Government stood on a manifesto commitment to protect the triple lock if they are now considering downgrading the state pension uprating.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Asked the Minister about the information due next week from the Chancellor regarding the financial statement and what actions will be taken if it does not meet expectations.
Paula Barker
Lab
Liverpool Wavertree
Called for clarification on how energy bills will impact pensioners beyond the Government's current support measures, highlighting that the increase is not covered by additional support.
Clarified with the Minister about the origin of auto-enrolment policy, noting it was designed by Labour.
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