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. ”
