Burnham is to pass a law scrapping the pension triple lock before the next election, government confirms

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.

Andy Burnham announced at Labour conference that the triple lock will remain until 2030, but guidance published alongside his speech reveals the government intends to legislate to change the system within this parliament — forcing MPs to vote before the election. The adjusted system will replace the automatic earnings link with a new slower-growth measure, which the government estimates will cut state pension spending by £15bn a year by the end of the 2030s.

Tracy Birrell, 68, who survives on one meal a day after her cooker broke, says scrapping the triple lock will 'destroy' her — her income exceeds the pension credit threshold by only £7.

The Resolution Foundation warns the savings are extremely difficult to estimate, putting the annual figure anywhere between zero and £24bn depending on which decade is used as a model.

A senior Tory has privately urged a 'radical' shake-up of the triple lock, signalling cross-party pressure on pensioner benefits is growing.