SCRAPPING TRIPLE LOCK WITHOUT SAFEGUARDS RISKS PENSIONER POVERTY

LONDON, 1 MAY 2026 – Later Life Ambitions (LLA) has warned that any future reform of the State Pension must protect older people from poverty, following calls from Sir Tony Blair to scrap the State Pension triple lock.

The Tony Blair Institute has proposed replacing the State Pension with a new “Lifespan Fund” and moving from the triple lock to a smoothed earnings link from 2030.

Sally Tsoukaris, General Secretary of the Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance and a spokesperson for Later Life Ambitions, said:

“Any reform of the State Pension must begin with a simple principle: no older person should be pushed into poverty.

“The triple lock remains an important safeguard while many pensioners are struggling with food, energy, housing and care costs. Removing it without a credible replacement would risk making life harder for people who are already under pressure.

“LLA believes any future system must be underpinned by a Minimum Income Guarantee, linked to the real cost of living a decent and dignified life in later years.”

LLA’s Budget for Later Life calls for the State Pension and related benefits to meet a Minimum Income Guarantee for all older people. This would cover essentials such as housing, energy, food, water, transport, personal care, clothing, communications and participation in community life. LLA says this guarantee should be reviewed annually to reflect changing costs.