‘Not possible to live!’ Campaigners call on Tories to reinstate state pension triple lock

The suspension of the state pension triple lock for one year has left millions of British pensioners worried about how they are going to make ends meet as living costs continue to batter their pockets. Now campaigners are calling on the Government to reinstate it or replace it with a similar measure as millions of pensioners are left struggling to survive.

Mr Reed added that journalists had tried to live off the measly state pension amount and failed.

“British pensioners are being forced to live off £10 a week less because the triple lock has been suspended for this year.

“We would urge the government to come up with a similar solution if they are not going to restore it.

“If they’re not planning on reinstating it, then they need to come up with something else to replace it.”

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, supported the calls. She said: “We unreservedly support the continuation of the triple lock for the simple reason that it sustains and, in some years, increases the value of the State Pension.

“This is important because the State Pension is still the main source of income for the majority of older people yet, at less than £9,000 a year, it barely covers living costs and leaves around one in four pensioners reliant on means-tested benefits to top it up.

“With inflation soaring, Ministers can no longer ignore the deteriorating financial situation of so many older people on low fixed incomes. They must urgently bring forward a package of support so the poorest and most vulnerable pensioners aren’t forced to choose between heating and eating this winter.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said: “The UK basic state pension is now over £2,050 a year higher in cash terms than a decade ago and is supported by further support for older people, which includes Pension Credit and help with fuel bills over the colder months.

“In addition, vulnerable households across the country are able to access a £500m support fund to help them with essentials over the coming months.”