Sarah Atherton MP has welcomed the state pension uplift which will see pensioners receive an 8.5% rise in their state pension, in line with earnings, from April.
Last year, the UK Government reaffirmed its commitment to the triple lock. This means that state pensions, which increases annually in April, rise in line with the highest of either wage growth, inflation or 2.5%.
Ms Atherton, who has consistently campaigned in favour of maintaining the triple lock, met with the Chancellor prior to his Autumn Statement in October 2023, in which he confirmed that the UK Government would honour its policy commitment to pensioners through to April 2024.
Just last weekend, the Chancellor announced that the Conservative Party will commit to maintaining the triple lock policy for at least five more years if the Party is to remain in office.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Chancellor’s commitment to the pensions policy when he appeared before the Liaison Committee on Tuesday (26th March) afternoon.
Sarah Atherton MP commented:
“After making numerous representations to the Chancellor on behalf of my constituents, I am pleased that the state pension uplift, courtesy of the UK Government’s commitment to the triple lock, will take effect from next week.
“The state pension is the foundation of state support for many older people, and that is why I believe it is essential that the triple lock is maintained so that those eligible can live with the dignity and respect that they deserve.
“Beyond this, I am looking forward to campaigning on a manifesto which will commit to maintaining the triple lock for the next five years. This is in stark contrast to the Labour Party which is refusing to protect our pensioners by matching the Conservatives’ commitment to increasing the state pension.”