Protecting the Triple Lock and stopping cuts to benefits

We did it!

It was a huge relief to hear that the Government will keep the Triple Lock on the State Pension, meaning that it will rise by 8.5% in April. Benefits, like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, will also rise in line with inflation. 

With so many older people frightened about how they’ll afford their food and energy bills this winter and beyond, the Government’s announcement is very welcome.  

Together, we kept the pressure on

Thank you to the tens of thousands of Age UK campaigners who wrote letters, sent tweets, signed petitions, and shared their views and experiences with us. Because of your support, the Government has kept its promise.

Read our response to the Autumn Statement 

Why this is important

If the Government hadn’t honoured its pledge to keep the Triple Lock this year, there would have effectively been a cut to the State Pension and benefits which millions of older people rely on for their income. At a time when we know many are struggling to afford to eat, warm their homes, and even pay for medicine and care, these cuts would've been devastating.

We'll keep campaigning

There’s no commitment to keep the Triple Lock after April this year and we expect a general election later in the year. We want all political parties to pledge to protect the Triple Lock in the future. We are working to influence the manifestos of political parties, pushing them to maintain the Triple Lock, as well as a range of other issues that matter to older people.   

Even with the Triple Lock being honoured in full, some older people on low fixed incomes will still find life extremely tough, especially those whose incomes take them just above the line for extra financial help.   

Older people should be confident that they will be protected from rising costs. We hope that you will join with us to campaign for the Triple Lock and ensure all older people have enough money.