Triple lock under threat as key guarantee for pensioners may be EXCLUDED from Tory manifesto

The triple-lock is a guarantee that the state pension will rise by at least the rate of inflation, earnings growth, or 2.5 per cent every year.

When asked about the issue, Sunak said: "We’re not going to speculate on the election manifesto now.

"I’ve got plenty to get on with between now and then. But the triple lock is the Government’s policy and has been for a long time."

Sunak also hinted that benefits will not increase in line with inflation.

Speaking in India at the G20 summit, the PM said: "Benefits this year have gone up by ten per cent, which is a huge amount, obviously."

But Justice Secretary Alex Chalk signalled opposition to the plans, warning that the Government "must do everything we can for the most disadvantaged", adding: "That’s why we put up the benefits by ten per cent."

He said the Government needs to be "decent, humane and support people".

When pressed on whether or not he would be uncomfortable with a decision not to increase benefits in line with inflation, Chalk told Sky News: "You can take it as you like".

He added: "There’s lots of different ways to get support to the people who need it."

The Prime Minister said the ten per cent boost is worth £600 extra for a typical Universal Credit recipient and £800 for pensioners.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also signalled the Government may not be boosting benefits or pensions, saying the Government should not "pump extra money into people's pockets".

Speaking to Bloomberg, he explained: "When you are trying to bring down inflation, you have to be really careful not to pump extra money into the economy, as much as you would like to - not to pump extra money into peoples' pockets.
"Because that could push up prices and keep inflation higher for longer.

"So the one thing I can absolutely say is that our focus at the Autumn Statement will be bringing down inflation".