Burnham to signal willingness to look at scrapping pension triple lock to fund social care

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Published: 2026-09-29T08:37:03.716Z • Permanent link

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to signal at the Labour conference that he is open to exploring the possibility of scrapping the UK's triple lock on state pensions. This move has significant implications for the country's social care system, with some experts suggesting that it could be a crucial step towards addressing the growing crisis in the sector. Burnham's willingness to engage with this issue is seen as a major development, given the previous reluctance of his Labour Party colleagues to discuss the topic.

Burnham's decision to address the triple lock comes at a time when the UK's social care system is facing unprecedented pressure. The cost of caring for the elderly and vulnerable adults is expected to exceed £150 billion by 2025, with many experts warning that the system is on the brink of collapse. The triple lock, which was introduced in 2010, guarantees that state pensions will increase by at least 2.5% each year, or the rate of inflation, whichever is greater. However, this has led to concerns that the system is unsustainable and that drastic action may be needed to prevent a crisis.

Burnham's decision to engage with the issue is also seen as a response to growing pressure from the NHS and other healthcare providers, who are warning that the social care system is putting an unsustainable burden on the NHS. In a recent report, the NHS Confederation warned that the social care system was "on the brink of collapse" and that urgent action was needed to prevent a crisis. Burnham's willingness to explore options for reform is seen as a major step in this direction.

The potential scrapping of the triple lock on state pensions has significant implications for the UK's social care system, which is already under enormous pressure. If the triple lock is scrapped, it could lead to a significant reduction in the cost of state pensions, which could be used to fund social care services. However, this would also mean that many pensioners would see their state pension reduced, which could have significant implications for their quality of life.

The impact of the potential scrapping of the triple lock on the social care sector would also be felt by companies that provide care services, such as care homes and home care providers. These companies are already struggling to make ends meet, and a reduction in the cost of state pensions could make it even harder for them to sustain themselves. Research by the Care Quality Commission has shown that the social care sector is already facing a significant crisis, with many providers struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable adults.

The potential scrapping of the triple lock on state pensions is just the latest development in a larger debate about the future of the UK's social care system. In recent years, there have been numerous reports and consultations on the issue, with many experts warning that the system is unsustainable. However, despite these warnings, the Labour Party has been reluctant to engage with the issue, with many arguing that it is not a priority.