A public petition on the official Parliamentary website is calling for a major change to how the state pension is increased, demanding the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) apply the Triple Lock equally to both the old and new state pensions.
Petition Calls for End to "Unfair" Pension Gap
The petition, created by Brian Steven, explicitly asks the government to ensure the annual state pension rise is "by the same amount for both Old and New State Pension", based on the Triple Lock mechanism. It argues that the current system, which can see the two pension amounts increase by different cash sums despite being governed by the same Triple Lock promise, is inherently unjust.
The petition statement reads: "Because inflation affects the cost of living equally, but each year the gap between both pensions can widen, which I think is unfair. Also, it can increase the amount of pensioners requiring extra benefits!" The appeal for change is open for signatures until 3 June 2026, following the standard six-month duration for all Parliamentary petitions.
Government Reaffirms Triple Lock Commitment
The petition emerges as the new Labour government confirms its dedication to the Triple Lock. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the state pension will rise by approximately £550 this year, a boost that exceeds the current inflation rate of 3.6 per cent.
"Whether it’s our commitment to the triple lock or to rebuilding our NHS to cut waiting lists, we’re supporting pensioners to give them the security in retirement they deserve," the Chancellor stated. She added that the upcoming Budget would outline "fair choices" to deliver on key national priorities.
Minister Pledges Lock for Entire Parliament
This commitment has been reinforced by the new Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden. He confirmed the Labour government's pledge to maintain the Triple Lock throughout the current parliamentary term.
"This Labour government is committed to maintaining the triple lock for the course of this parliament. It is estimated that will mean a rise in the state pension of around £1,900 a year by the end of the parliament," McFadden said. "That’s a commitment from the Labour government to the UK’s pensioners. It’s something that we said we’d do at the election and something that we will keep to."
The petition now places a spotlight on whether the government will honour the Triple Lock in principle while also addressing the growing disparity in the cash value of increases received by pensioners on the older and newer state pension schemes.
