Minister refuses to rule out scrapping state pension triple lock

Minister refuses to rule out scrapping state pension triple lock Despite being pressed on it by broadcasters, the education secretary would not say whether Mr Burnham and chancellor John Healey are considering ending the policy - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell has refused to say whether the pensions triple lock could be dropped by the party amid discussions over how Andy Burnham’s social care plans could be funded. Ms Powell, who is also the education secretary, said the party was committed to the triple lock – the mechanism which decides how much the state pension rises by – and referenced its inclusion in the party’s 2024 manifesto. However, despite being pressed on it by broadcasters, she would not say whether Mr Burnham and chancellor John Healey are considering ending the policy. Ms Powell told Sky News: “We are committed to the triple lock. It’s in our manifesto. The triple lock has has really delivered for pensioners, in this country, over the course of this Parliament. “I think we’re going to see (the) state pension rising by about £2,000-a-year significantly, and that’s really important, so pensioners watching your show today can know that their income is secure and will continue to rise over the course of this Parliament. “I don’t know what Andy’s going to say about that today, but I know that what he’s talking about is this big conversation about solving these big problems, but being really honest with people that they they come at a cost. “They do come at a cost. You can’t just solve the social care crisis without having the big conversations about how you’re going to do this.” Giving his main stage speech at Labour’s conference in Liverpool, Andy Burnham will pledge to tackle the issues politicians “usually avoid”. The prime minister is expected to use his address to set out a new course for a “Britain where people feel the country has their back again”. This is a breaking news story. More to follow... Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments