Labour could reportedly scrap the state pension triple lock to help fund a new free social care service if they secure another term in power. Ministers are expected to examine plans to redirect funds currently allocated to the triple lock towards establishing a new national care service, according to reports.
This proposed new system would aim to provide social care for the elderly, operating on the NHS principles of being universal and free at the point of use. It is anticipated to be a central part of Labour’s next general election manifesto.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated on 27 September that he would “grasp the nettle” of reforming social care. He acknowledged the challenge to public finances and indicated that full plans for the new service, including a timeline, would be presented at his Labour party conference speech on 29 September.
Burnham also noted that the new social care service would be implemented after the next general election, as he seeks a fresh mandate for its introduction. He is currently bound by a 2024 manifesto promise not to raise income tax, employee’s national insurance, or VAT, and removing the state pension triple lock would also break a 2024 Labour manifesto commitment to keep it in place.