State pension triple lock under threat again

Rishi Sunak is not committing to the triple lock on state pensions (Image: GETTY)The state pension triple lock is under threat again as new PM Rishi Sunak is not committing to the policy.It comes after his predecessor Liz Truss pledged to stand by the rise for next year after questions were raised over if it would go ahead.The Prime Minister’s press secretary said: “That is something that is going to be wrapped up into the fiscal statement, we wouldn’t comment ahead of any fiscal statements or budgets.”But what I can say is he has shown through his record as chancellor is that he will do what’s right and compassionate for the most vulnerable.”The triple lock sees state pensions rise in line with whichever is highest of 2.5 percent, wages and inflation.Around 12.5 million people who receive the state pension could face a real-terms cut in earnings if their payments do not rise in line with soaring inflation, which is currently at around 10 percent.The triple lock was suspended last year meaning pensioners received a 3.1 percent increase.As things stand pensioners will need to wait until the Budget to get the public finances back on track which has been pushed back from Halloween to November 17.The medium-term fiscal plan will now be an autumn statement published alongside a new set of economic forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility.Chancellor Jeremy Hunt informed ministers of the decision at the first meeting of Mr Sunak’s new cabinet in Downing Street on Wednesday morning.Following the meeting, Mr Hunt said: “I want to confirm that it will demonstrate debt falling over the medium term which is really important for people to understand.”But it’s also extremely important that that statement is based on the most accurate possible economic forecasts and forecasts of public finances.”And for that reason the Prime Minister and I have decided it is prudent to make that statement on November 17 when it will be upgraded to a full autumn statement.”MORE TO FOLLOW