LONDON, 10 JUNE 2026 – Later Life Ambitions (LLA) has warned that scrapping the State Pension triple lock would risk pushing more older people into hardship unless a credible replacement is put in place to protect pensioners from falling behind on the cost of living.
The warning follows calls from the Resolution Foundation to replace the triple lock with a “smoothed earnings link”. LLA says any reform of the State Pension must begin with the principle that no older person should be left without enough income to live with dignity and independence in later life.
Eamonn Donaghy, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners and a spokesperson for Later Life Ambitions, said: “The triple lock is a vital safeguard against pensioner poverty. Scrapping it would be a serious mistake unless there is a credible replacement that protects older people from falling behind on the cost of living.
“The State Pension is the largest source of income for many retirees. For people with little or no private pension – including many older women and those who have spent time caring for others – weakening the triple lock would have real consequences.
“Arguments about average pensioner incomes risk hiding the reality for millions of older people who are still struggling with food, energy, housing and care costs.
“If ministers ever move away from the triple lock, they must first establish a Minimum Income Guarantee linked to the real cost of living in later life. Older people need security and dignity in retirement, not renewed uncertainty about the value of their State Pension.”
LLA’s Budget for Later Life calls for the triple lock to be protected beyond 2029, ensuring pensions rise in line with living costs and wages. It also calls for a Minimum Income Guarantee for older people, covering essentials such as housing, energy and water, groceries, personal care, transport, clothing, communications and participation in community life.