Scottish pensioners urge Andy Burnham to spare them from triple-lock changes

Scottish pensioners have appealed to Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, to explain why his proposal to modify the triple lock would target them, even though Scotland already provides free personal care. Rose Jackson, spokesperson for the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, argued that the reform should instead focus on wealthy firms and individuals who avoid taxes through offshore arrangements. She highlighted that many pensioners, especially women, face poverty due to historic employment discrimination and lower lifetime earnings.

Marlene Halliday of Pensioners for Independence expressed sympathy for the funding need but warned that the change would worsen conditions for older people who rely solely on the state pension. The triple lock, a policy dating back to 2011, ensures pension increases match the highest of wage growth, price inflation or 2.5%, and its cost is expected to hit £31 billion by 2029. Analysts note that the reform could make Scottish retirees up to £2,000 worse off, despite a projected £1 billion boost to Scotland’s budget from Burnham’s social-care plan. The Department for Work and Pensions has been asked for comment.