What is the triple lock?
The triple lock is a promise that the UK State Pension rises every April by the highest of three measures. These are earnings growth, CPI inflation or 2.5%. It started in 2011. In April 2026 it lifted the State Pension by 4.8%, in line with earnings growth.
Each autumn the government looks at three figures. One is earnings growth for May to July. Another is CPI inflation for September. The third is a fixed 2.5%. The State Pension rises by the highest. For April 2026, earnings growth of 4.8% beat inflation of 3.8%. The full new State Pension went from £230.25 to £241.30 a week. The older basic State Pension rose to £184.90 a week. The triple lock was suspended for one year in 2022, because Covid had distorted earnings figures. Supporters say it has lifted many pensioners out of poverty. Critics say it is costly, because pensions keep rising faster than other things over time. The State Pension is the single biggest item in the welfare budget.
Many on the left support the triple lock to protect pensioners, but some argue spending should shift towards child poverty.
Many on the right support it as a promise to older voters. Others argue it is unaffordable and should be replaced with a cheaper link.
Britain is split. Now you decide.
Scrapping, keeping or reforming the triple lock is one of the toughest calls you face in Population Decides' welfare decisions.
Play Population Decides freeCommon questions
How much is the State Pension in 2026?
From April 2026 the full new State Pension is £241.30 a week. The full basic State Pension is £184.90 a week.
Is the triple lock law?
No. It is a government policy. The law only requires the State Pension to rise at least in line with earnings.