The new head of the Department for Work and Pensions has revealed that a decision regarding whether benefits and the State Pension will be increased in line with inflation in April 2023 will not be made until "at least" November 17.
Speaking to MPs, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride did not confirm a date when a decision would be announced. There has been increasing pressure from from both sides of the House of Commons to reveal whether DWP payments will be upped in line with he rising costs of energy and food.
As reported by the Daily Record, the inflation rate in the UK hit 10.1 per cent in September, marking a 40-year high as food prices soar. Conservative MPs were among the voices calling on Stride to make an announcement ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on November 17.
READ MORE — Cheapest Edinburgh Airport November flights under £30 including Spain and France
Sleaford and North Hykeham MP Dr Caroline Johnson told the Commons: “The Government has done a lot to support people with their cost of living challenges, but elderly residents in my constituency are really troubled by reports in the newspapers suggesting that we may not meet our manifesto commitment of keeping pensions up with the Triple Lock. ”
Dr Johnson added: “Pensioners face a triple whammy of dwindling savings value due to low interest rates, rising costs due to inflation, and the inability due to their elderly age to go out and earn any more.
“Can the minister please confirm that we will increase pensions in line with inflation?”
Stride responded: “I do admire her persistence on this matter, but I am afraid I will have to give her the same answer as I have on numerous occasions during this question session, that we will have to wait some time until at least November 17 to have an answer.”
The DWP boss had previously been called on by Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Jonathan Ashworth to provide reassurance to pensioners regarding the future of the Triple Lock.
He questioned: “The Prime Minister tells us we don’t need a general election because the 2019 manifesto gives him and the Conservative party a mandate. Given that manifesto committed to the Triple Lock, why can he not give the reassurance to pensioners that they deserve?
“Can I ask him a second point? Can he give a categorical assurance that in the Autumn Statement he will rule out means-testing Personal Independence Payments, Carers’ Allowance, Attendance Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance for Children?”
Stride answered: “On a whole host of areas there he is inviting me to break with what has been a very long-standing and quite correct convention that when it comes to a major fiscal event, ministers simply do not provide a running commentary as to what may or may not be in that fiscal event.”
SNP MP Kenny MacAskill also stated that “it would be perverse if bankers’ bonuses are uncapped and yet benefits are not able to increase at least in line with inflation”.
The DWP head responded: “I am afraid he will receive the same answer on this issue of when will the House come to know of the uprating that may be applied to pensions and indeed, the pension Triple Lock and indeed to benefits more generally.
“And that is that it is a decision for me as Secretary of State, of course in conjunction with discussions with the Treasury, and those figures will be available at the time of the Autumn Statement on November 17.”
State Pension rates for 2023/24 under Triple Lock
If the UK Government increases benefits in line with inflation, they will rise by 10.1 per cent starting April 2023.
This would see New State Pension payments go up from £185.15 per week to £203.85 and Basic State Pension weekly payments rise from £141.85 per week to £156.20.
If wages data (5.5 per cent) is used, the New State Pension would rise to £195.35 per week and Basic State Pension to £149.65.
READ MORE —
DWP £324 November cost of living payment eligibility criteria explained
Edinburgh bar apologises to American tourist who complained about the next table
Edinburgh property: Inside the three bedroom island cottage cheaper than a city flat
Martin Lewis fan gets £18,000 from DWP after following his advice
Mum who 'felt pure rage' over neighbour's parking spot called 'unreasonable'
