{
  "id": 7013474,
  "title": "‘Costing billions’: is the pensions triple lock a lifeline or simply unaffordable?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/costing-billions-is-the-pensions-triple-lock-a-lifeline-or-simply",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-12T06:00:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Guardian Business",
    "slug": "guardian-business",
    "url": "https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/12/state-pensions-triple-lock-budget"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The pensions triple lock, a policy that guarantees annual increases in the state pension based on inflation, wage growth, or 2.5%, has become a contentious issue as the UK budget approaches. Some argue it is a lifeline that has improved the living standards of the poorest pensioners, while others contend it is unaffordable and contributes to the growing £154bn state pension bill. The triple lock was introduced by former Chancellor George Osborne and has been consistently popular, particularly among left-leaning supporters. However, critics, including the British Chambers of Commerce and thinktanks like the Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Resolution Foundation, argue that the policy is costing billions and could be scrapped in favor of more affordable alternatives. The government's decision on the triple lock's future may hinge on upcoming economic data, including the wage growth figure for May to July and the September CPI inflation rate.",
  "summary": "With the budget looming, arguments rage over whether ministers should scrap a pledge popular with millions There were fresh calls this week for the state pension “triple lock” to be ditched as debate rages over whether the UK can afford it. The triple lock guarantees that the state pension goes up each year in line with inflation or wage increases or 2.5% – whichever is the highest. Continue…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}