Burnham to force MPs to vote on triple lock reform before next election

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will introduce legislation to change the state pension triple lock during the current parliament, forcing MPs to vote on the reform before the next election — even though the guarantee itself will remain in place until 2030.

Government guidance published alongside Burnham’s Labour conference speech in Liverpool confirms the bill will be brought forward this parliament, meaning parties will have to set out in their next election manifestos whether to retain or repeal Labour’s changes.

The triple lock, which raises the state pension each year by the highest of 2.5%, inflation or average earnings, has stood since 2011. Under Burnham’s plan the earnings element would be adjusted to prevent unusually large increases when wages spike, with the pension rising by inflation or 2.5% — whichever is higher — and long-term earnings keeping pace.

The government estimates the change could save £15bn a year by the end of the 2030s and £50bn a year by 2050, funding a National Care Service in England that would be free at the point of use. The Resolution Foundation has warned the savings are hard to predict and would depend heavily on future economic conditions.

The announcement has split Westminster. Shadow Welfare Secretary Helen Whately said: “Labour stood on a manifesto to keep the triple lock. Andy Burnham should get a mandate from the public if he wants to change it.” Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick accused the PM of legislating “to rob pensioners during this Parliament”.

The Liberal Democrats are also divided after an internal document seen by Sky News set out the pros and cons of the triple lock. Tom Gordon, the party’s only Yorkshire MP, accused leader Ed Davey of “gaslighting” millennials over his unwavering defence of the policy.