Overview
- Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told MPs the government will not means-test the State Pension and pressed Conservatives to state their position.
- Labour MP Catherine Fookes raised constituents’ fears after a Conservative conference remark about examining means-testing the contributory benefit.
- Conservative shadow minister Helen Whately did not clarify her party’s stance and instead criticised Labour’s record on welfare changes.
- ONS data indicate the Triple Lock will deliver a 4.8% uprating in April 2026 based on earnings growth, taking the full new State Pension to about £241.30 a week (£12,547 a year) and the basic rate to £184.90.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves will confirm the uprating at the Autumn Budget on 26 November, and the frozen £12,570 Personal Allowance could pull more pensioners into income tax.