Nadhim Zahawi
(Picture: REUTERS)A cabinet minister hinted on Thursday that the pensions triple lock would be preserved in the upcoming budget.
Nadhim Zahawi insisted the Prime Minister was committed to helping the most vulnerable after Downing Street said ministers were re-examining the plans to rise pensions and benefits in line with inflation.
The Tory Party chairman said he could not pre-empt the Autumn Statement, on November 17, but Rishi Sunak had "always protected the most vulnerable".
He told Times Radio: "I am stating the obvious here, but uniquely pensioners cannot add to their income by taking on more work and therefore we have to be clear in how we make sure we help the most vulnerable in our society including those pensioners but I won't pre-empt the autumn statement."
No10 said on Wednesday that ministers would be discussing the pensions triple lock and increasing benefits in line with inflation over the next fortnight, after the Government pushed back the announcement of its fiscal plans from October 31.
The Treasury said the new date will now be a full Autumn Statement where Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will set out plans to reduce debt and grow the economy.
In her short tenure as Prime Minister Liz Truss committed to keeping the triple lock, a Conservative manifesto pledge to uprate pensions in line with whichever is highest of inflation, wage growth or 2.5 per cent.
But Mr Sunak's spokesman refused to confirm it would be going ahead.
They said: “That is something that is going to be wrapped up into the fiscal statement...he has shown through his record as Chancellor is that he will do what's right and compassionate for the most vulnerable."
