The new Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has told MPs that a decision on whether benefits and State Pension will be uprated in line with inflation next April will not be made until “at least” November 17. Mel Stride remained tight-lipped as he faced mounting pressure from both sides of the House of Commons on Monday to reveal whether payments delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be increased to keep up with the rising costs of energy and food.
The UK’s inflation rate reached 10.1% in September, hitting another 40-year high as food prices skyrocketed. Conservative MPs were among those applying pressure to the new DWP boss to make the call ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on November 17.
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 continued: “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?”
Mr Stride replied: “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.”
Shadow work and pensions secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, had earlier called on Mr Stride to reassure pensioners about the future of the Triple Lock, and urged him to commit to maintaining a host of other benefits for the most vulnerable.
He asked: “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?”
Mr Stride replied: “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 insisted “it would be perverse if bankers’ bonuses are uncapped and yet benefits are not able to increase at least in line with inflation”.
Mel Stride replied: “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 uprates benefits by inflation, 10.1% is the percentage they will be increased by and this will come into effect from next April.
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%) is used, the New State Pension would rise to £195.35 per week and Basic State Pension to £149.65.
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