Pensions Triple Lock: North Durham

17 Mar

Question

The Question session in the UK House of Commons centered around the impact of the pensions triple-lock on pensioners in the North Durham constituency, spearheaded by Labour MP Luke Akehurst. Akehurst highlighted that the government's adherence to the triple-lock policy is set to enhance the state pension budget significantly, projecting an increase of £31 billion annually, benefitting 21,000 pensioners in North Durham directly.

He also drew attention to commitments to uprate pension credit, promising an increase of 4.1%, and the government's endeavor to boost its take-up, which could potentially support thousands more within his constituency. Moreover, Akehurst expressed support for the enhanced NHS funding, implying it's a remedy to previous shortcomings in addressing pensioners' concerns.

£31 billion increase in state pension spending annually

This figure underscores the financial commitment to maintaining the triple-lock pension policy.

4.1% increase in pension credit

Reflects the inflation-aligned uplift aimed at providing more financial support to pensioners.

Torsten Bell supported the sentiments expressed by Akehurst regarding the potential benefits of the pension credit increment. Pointing out that 3,000 pensioners in North Durham currently claim pension credit, Bell decried the Conservative Party's management of the NHS, suggesting a misalignment with older generations' needs and confirming a commitment to rectify current shortcomings through increased healthcare funding.

21,000 pensioners in North Durham benefiting

An indication of the local impact of the pension policy in Akehurst's constituency.

12 million people in Britain beneficiairies

Demonstrates the broader national impact.

3,000 pensioners currently claim pension credit in North Durham

Current uptake in the constituency, emphasizing the importance of improving access.

Outcome

The session primarily reinforced the government's policy towards the triple lock, strengthening the commitment to pensioners both in North Durham and nationally. Clarity was provided regarding the current and potential beneficiaries of pension credit, and there was a commitment to continue enhancing health services. The debate indicated a strong focus on securing pensioners' financial wellbeing and healthcare access.

Key Contributions

Luke AkehurstMP

Labour

Questioned the impact of pensions triple-lock on North Durham.

Torsten BellMP

Labour

Acknowledged a 4.1% pension credit increase.

Original Transcript

Luke Akehurst

North Durham

Lab

Question

UIN: 903206

13. What assessment she has made of the impact of the pensions triple-lock on pensioners in North Durham constituency.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Torsten Bell

15:11

Our commitment to the triple lock throughout this Parliament means that spending on the state pension is set to rise by £31 billion a year. Individuals are set to see increases of up to £1,900 a year, benefiting 21,000 pensioners in North Durham and 12 million people in Britain as a whole.

Luke Akehurst

15:12

I welcome the fact that the Government are not only protecting the triple lock for every pensioner in the country but tackling the biggest problems for pensioners by uprating pension credit by more than the rate of inflation, encouraging a higher take-up of pension credit and substantially increasing funding for our NHS.

Can the Minister tell me how many pensioners in North Durham currently claim pension credit, and how many are entitled to it but do not claim it and could benefit from this increase?

Torsten Bell

My hon. Friend is right to draw attention to the importance of the 4.1% increase in pension credit that will take place in just a few weeks’ time, and I can tell him that about 3,000 people are claiming pension credit in North Durham.

He is also right to mention the more than £25 billion that the Government are investing in the NHS. The unacceptable state of the health service is the biggest betrayal of older generations by the Conservative party, and we are going to change that.

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