New Cabinet rift emerges as PM suggests benefits will rise at the same rate as wages
Rishi Sunak is facing a potential Cabinet rift after hinting that he may curb benefit rises next year and casting doubt on the future of the pensions triple lock. Instead of increasing handouts in line with inflation, as they were this year, the PM suggested that benefits would rise at the same rate as wages. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has publicly warned that the government must do everything it can to support the most disadvantaged, emphasizing the need to be "decent, humane, and support people."
Sunak remains evasive when asked about benefit rises in line with inflation
Sunak further fueled uncertainty by refusing to confirm whether he would be comfortable with not raising benefits in line with inflation. When asked about this during an interview with Sky News, he responded, "You can take it as you like."
Benefits have already seen a significant increase this year, says Sunak
Speaking at the G20 in New Delhi over the weekend, Sunak pointed out that benefits have already increased by ten percent this year, resulting in typical Universal Credit recipients receiving an extra £600 and pensioners receiving an additional £800. He also highlighted the various ways in which the government provides support to those in need, including assistance with energy bills.
The future of the pensions triple lock remains uncertain
Amid concerns over rising pension costs, Sunak hesitated to confirm whether the commitment to increase pensions in line with inflation would be included in the next Tory manifesto. Under the triple lock policy, the state pension rises each year in line with the highest percentage out of 2.5 percent, wage rises, or inflation. The Institute for Fiscal Studies warned in a recent report that this policy could add £45 billion annually to the welfare bill by 2050, potentially putting "insurmountable pressure" on ministers to accelerate the increase in the pension age. However, Sunak stated that the triple lock has been the government's policy for a long time.
Retirees to learn about state pension amounts for next year tomorrow
Retirees will discover tomorrow how much their state pension will be from next April when the latest average earnings figures are released.
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