Andy Burnham has confirmed that state pensioners born after 1951 will receive £12,570 payments if he becomes Prime Minister. The pledge aligns with Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves' policy to prevent pensioners from paying income tax as the state pension rises above the personal allowance threshold.
Triple Lock Increase
The new state pension, which applies to men born after 1951 and women born after 1953, will exceed £12,570 from next year under the Triple Lock, a commitment Burnham has also endorsed. The full state pension for 2025/26 is £230.25 per week (£11,973 annually), and a 4.8% increase for 2026/27 will bring it to £241.30 per week (£12,548 annually), according to Fidelity's Ed Monk. He noted that the pension has risen more than 30% in four years, from £185.15 per week in 2022/23.
Criticism of Triple Lock
Despite Burnham's support, critics have called for scrapping the Triple Lock. Martin Rayner, financial adviser at Compton Financial Services, warned: “Welfare spending now exceeds income tax revenues and is still rising. At some point politicians have to decide whether they keep making promises or start dealing with reality. Reform is inevitable. Scrapping it outright would be politically toxic, but moving to a link based on earnings or inflation over a longer timeframe is far more likely.”
Burnham's Defense
Burnham argued the government must help pensioners drawn into frozen income tax thresholds. He said breaking Labour's manifesto commitment would be “very damaging” and noted that the decision to scrap winter fuel payments “still comes up on doorsteps a lot here in Makerfield.”
Government Support
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden praised the Triple Lock increase, stating: “I know global shocks, and the effects they have on our living costs, will be increasing anxiety for many households. This government will always protect our pensioners, and that’s why we are raising the full rate of new State Pension by up to £575 this coming year.” Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell added: “After a lifetime of work and contribution, people deserve a decent retirement. Raising the State Pensions faster than prices, ensuring it is a pension they can rely on, is how we make that a reality for millions.”
