Conservatives Reaffirm Pension Triple Lock From 2030 as Burghart Targets Working-Age Benefits
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Oct 1
Conservatives Reaffirm Pension Triple Lock From 2030 as Burghart Targets Working-Age Benefits
2 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Oct 1
Summary
Alex Burghart said the Conservatives remain committed to the state pension triple lock, casting pensioners as a “special case” because retirees can do “absolutely nothing” to raise their income.
2030 is the key dividing line: Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to end the triple lock then to help fund a new national care service, while Burghart argued any hard welfare choices should fall on working-age claimants instead.
Working-age benefits were Burghart’s main target, with the deputy leader saying people who can work should be in work and accusing Burnham of missing a chance to push through tougher sickness and disability cuts.
18-year-olds were cited as an example of the party’s “tough love” approach: school-leavers would still get some support, but only if they attend job centres and complete courses, applications or job searches under supervision.
Reform UK also remained off limits, with Burghart repeating the Conservatives’ “very, very firm” refusal to strike any pre- or post-election pact.